There is a version of the sherpa fleece that belongs in a gas station parking lot and a version that belongs in a well considered wardrobe. The difference is real and it matters. The wrong one looks like an afterthought. The right one has structure in the collar, a pile that stays dense and even after washing, and a silhouette that works over a tee or under a heavier outer layer without bunching or looking sloppy. We have been paying close attention to how these wear over a full season, not just how they photograph. Warmth to weight ratio is part of it. So is the quality of the zip hardware and whether the pockets are actually useful. A good sherpa fleece is one of the most comfortable things you can own for the colder months and it should look like you meant to put it on. These are the ones that clear both bars.