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A heritage fleece with modern sustainability and reliable cold-weather performance.
Patagonia says:
How do you reinvent an icon? We've cleaned up our soft ¼"-pile Retro-X fleece by using 100% Repreve® recycled polyester certified by OceanCycle and sourced from coastal communities at risk of plastic pollution. In vest form, this new material takes on the heritage look (knocked off by brands around the world) and the windproof warmth that you've come to know. With special considerations such as a more relaxed silhouette, fuzziness on the inside of the collar, and a pocket shape that harkens back to the early 2000s, it's a fresh take on an old favorite that's sure to stick with you through the years. Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.
Our Verdict
The Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket remains a benchmark for warmth, wind resistance, and build quality. The latest version updates the formula with fully recycled Repreve polyester fleece and a PFAS-free lining, without changing its classic feel or function. The result is a jacket that retains the familiar comfort and protection while meeting higher environmental standards.
At 695g (Medium), it feels substantial yet manageable for daily use. It might not be the first thing I reach for when gram-counting, but it's well-suited to crisp, dry conditions or layering beneath a shell when the weather turns. The cut is slightly more relaxed than before, for more casual wear, which this fleece excels at. The fleece itself is soft, dense and noticeably quieter than older models.
The jacket’s construction feels robust, with high-quality stitching and durable reinforcements that should withstand years of wear. Breathability is moderate, so it performs best in calm, steady conditions rather than during high-output movement. For walking, winter travel or casual wear, the Retro-X combines warmth, weather protection and lasting comfort in a timeless, responsibly updated design.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Soft, warm, windproof vest made of 100% Repreve® recycled polyester ¼"-pile fleece certified by OceanCycle and sourced from coastal communities at risk of plastic pollution; lined with 100% recycled polyester taffeta with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without intentionally added PFAS
- Fleece-lined stand-up collar with NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon faille made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution on the outer collar and trim
- Full-length front-zip with an internal wind flap to keep out chilly gusts
- One zippered left-chest pocket built with NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon faille; two zippered handwarmer pockets are lined with 100% recycled polyester brushed tricot
- Finished binding on the collar, center-front zipper, armholes and hem
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, which means the people who made this product earned a premium for their labor
Specifications
- Small Weighs: 688g
- Medium Weighs: 695g
- Large Weighs: 755g
- XLarge Weighs: 790g
Material & Construction
- Body: 10.3-oz 100% Repreve® recycled polyester ¼"-pile fleece certified by OceanCycle and sourced from coastal communities at risk of plastic pollution.
- Lining: 2.2-oz 100% recycled polyester taffeta with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without intentionally added PFAS).
- Trim: 4-ply, 4.9-oz NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon faille made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution; with a DWR finish made without intentionally added PFAS.
- Pocket lining: 5.3-oz 100% recycled polyester brushed tricot. Lining and trim fabrics are certified as bluesign® approved.
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory
