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Patagonia is a company that has something of a cult following. The brand isn’t cheap, but most clients feel that the extra cost is worthwhile. The brand produces high-quality, extremely cozy sweaters in a range of colors and designs.
They have a range of styles to choose from. In this post, we are going to compare two of the most popular designs, the Better Sweater and the Lightweight Synchilla Snap T. Which one will come out tops in the end? You’ll need to read on to see.
Quick Comparison: Patagonia Better Sweater Vs Lightweight Synchilla Snap T
| Feature | Fabric | Fleece Weight | Fair Trade Certified | Weight Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1. Better Sweater Our Best Pick  Check Price | 100% Polyester | Mid Weight | Yes | 22 oz. |
#2. Synchilla Snap T Check Price | 100% Polyester | Light Weight | Yes | 14 oz. |
#1. Lightweight Synchilla Snap T
Features
- 100% Polyester – 85% recycled
- Nylon trim
- Stand-up collar
- Snap-T 4-snap placket
- One pocket with snap detail and nylon flap
- Spandex in cuffs and hem to improve the fit
- Ends on the hip
The Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T is a fleece jacket, pure and simple. It’s warm and works well for casual use. The light-weight model provides impressive warmth without a lot of bulk. It can be worn on its own or under a jacket.
It’s very warm thanks to the fleece being double-sided. You feel as though you’re cocooned in a soft blanket. The light-weight option is a few ounces lighter than the other models. The weight can make a big difference if you’re hiking or jogging.
If you’re looking for a technical jacket, you’ll be disappointed as this is a no-frills model. Unlike the Better Sweater, this version is a loose fit.
Will it Keep You Warm?
We don’t suggest heading out to the arctic in just this sweater, but it’ll keep you warm during a typical winter. It’s surprisingly thick. The Polyester helps to keep the heat in as well. If the weather is unusually cold, it’s easy enough to layer up with another jacket.
The loose fit means that you can also fit another layer underneath if need be.
What We Like About It
- It’s very warm
- Light-weight
- Comes in a range of colors and styles
- Durable
- Super-soft and cuddly
- Reinforced stitching
- Stand-up collar
- Made from 80% recycled fibers
What We Don’t Like About It
- Price
- The Polyester doesn’t breathe
- Only one pocket
- Not waterproof
Overall, with any Patagonia sweater, you can expect to pay a fair amount more than for other brands. The trade-off is that you get a double-sided fleece that is very warm for its weight.
#2. Patagonia Better Sweater
Features
- 100% Polyester
- Heathered outside detailing for additional style
- Fleecy warm inside
- The environmentally friendly production process
- Two hand pockets
- One zippered chest pocket
- Zippered opening
- Jersey cuff and hem trim to keep cold out
- Reinforced seams
- 100% recycled fabric used
The Better Sweater is classified as a mid-weight fleece. Just like the Synchilla Snap-T, it’s double-sided. It as fluffy, warm fleece on the inside. It can be used on its own or layered with a jacket. It’s warmer than the Synchilla, and also bulkier.
The design on the outside makes it look less fleecy. So, if you don’t like a fuzzy sweater, this is a good option. The fuzzy fleece feels good against the skin.
This sweater incorporates some stretch fabric to help create a slimmer fit. It’s not as loose as the Synchilla, but it is not entirely fitted either. If you’re looking for something with a better fit, instead look at the Performance Better Sweater.
Will it Keep You Warm?
Again, yes. It’s suitable for moderately cold weather. You’ll stay warm thanks to the mid-weight polyester fleece. If you’re heading out on a freezing day, layer up, and you’ll feel toasty warm. There’s enough looseness in the fit to accommodate an extra layer underneath.
What We Like About It
- It’s very warm
- Not too heavy
- Comes in a range of colors and styles
- Durable
- A stylish exterior design
- Cozy fleece on the inside where it counts
- Reinforced stitching
- Stand-up collar
- Made from 100% recycled fibers
- Has three pockets
- Cuff and hem have jersey fabric to help keep out the cold
What We Don’t Like About It
- Price
- The Polyester doesn’t breathe
- Not waterproof
Again here, you are paying extra for the name. That said, the quality of this jacket makes this worthwhile. This jacket is a little heavier than the Synchilla, but not much. It’s also very warm considering how light-weight it is.
Which One Is the Better Choice?
That depends on what you want to use it for. Both models provide warmth and coziness. The inside is soft and feels good against the skin. They’re both better suited to moderately cold weather, rather than freezing weather.
That’s not much of an issue, though. If it’s icy outside, they both layer well. Both models are durable and perform well.
If we were forced to decide which one was better, we’d go with the Better Sweater. It’s warmer, has a slightly tighter fit, and has more pockets. We like the Synchilla for a milder climate, but the lack of pockets is something of an issue.
Design-wise, the zippered design of the Better Sweater allows you to shut out the cold entirely. We like having the full-length zipper because you can wear the sweater open or shut. The closed-off design of the Synchilla makes it a little less versatile in this respect.
Aesthetically, the cleaner lines of the Better Sweater are more appealing than the slightly boxy lines of the Synchilla.
One area where the Synchilla does come out tops, though, is weight-wise. It’s a few ounces lighter than its counterpart. If you’re walking or jogging over long distances or carrying it in a backpack, this could become important.
The Synchilla also wins in terms of price. It’s a little cheaper than the Better Sweater.
At the end of the day, though, either option will work well. You’ll just need to weigh up which model you like better. Perhaps the closed-in front of the Synchilla appeals to you. Or maybe you want the Better Sweater for more versatility, it’s all up to you.