Shoppers rave about these cosy Ayacucho fleeces – so I put them to the test
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Ayacucho’s women’s fleeces are winning glowing reviews for their warmth, comfort and quality. I tried two popular styles to see if they live up to the praise.
You can't beat a cosy fleece when the weather cools, and Ayacucho's latest collection has been going down a storm with shoppers.
Ayacucho is stocked by Cotswold Outdoor and I've been testing two of its women's fleece styles. The Texel Full Zip Fleece, £65, has a relaxed fit, while the Women's Tenby Half Zip Fleece, £55, has a regular fit with a high collar.
The Tenby has scored an impressive 4.8 out of five from customers, while the Texel isn't far behind on 4.7. Warmth, comfort and quality crop up repeatedly in the online feedback, with customers particularly enthusiastic about just how cosy they are. So, as the temperature starts to dip, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
When I buy a fleece, I want something warm enough for a chilly walk but which doesn't make me look as though I'm about to tackle Everest every time I take the dog around the block. Equally, it needs to work indoors, especially when it really does start to get cold and you're trying to avoid having the heating on all day!
What I like about the Ayacucho fleeces
First things first, both score very highly on the cosy scale. They're soft, warm and very comfortable.
Both use recycled polyester, which is a nice sustainability plus. The Texel is made from recycled polyester sherpa fleece, while the Tenby's cosy sherpa fabric is made from 100% recycled polyester. The labels also flag up some less obvious benefits, including faster drying, recyclability and fabric designed to reduce microfibre pollution. They're the sort of details you might not immediately notice when buying a fleece, but they add to the appeal of something that's likely to get plenty of wear.
There's plenty of choice when it comes to colour too, with some rather exotic-sounding names thrown into the mix. The Texel comes in Ecru, Sargasso Sea, Soft Chambray and the colour I tried, Jungle Green, which is mossy rather than bright.
The Tenby has an even bigger selection: Nostalgia Rose, Huckleberry, Goblin Blue, Chambray Blue, Pale Lilac, Sage Leaf and Ecru. I'm not entirely sure I could pick Goblin Blue or Huckleberry out of a colour chart, but it's nice to see some more interesting options than the black, grey and navy that tend to dominate outdoor clothing. I actually tested this fleece in Huckleberry, which is a warm, burgundy colour - think mulled wine. In fact, I can see this getting plenty of use over the festive period.
I also like the fit. Neither a fleece that's too tight to layer underneath nor one that completely swamps you is particularly useful, so getting that balance right matters.
There are some thoughtful practical touches too. The Texel's full-length zip means it's easy to take on and off and the Tenby's high neck offers some extra coverage on colder days, while its elasticated cuffs and hem help keep the warmth in. Two zipped hand pockets give you somewhere secure for your phone or keys when you're out walking.
They both also feature FUZE anti-odour technology, designed to help keep them fresher for longer between washes. That's a feature I can see being particularly useful if you're wearing them regularly for walking or taking them away on a weekend trip.
And while warmth and practicality are the priorities, I like the fact that these don't feel purely functional. They look great, too.
What I don't like about the Ayacucho fleeces
One thing I'll be keeping an eye on is bobbling. It's something that can affect fleece fabrics over time, particularly in high-friction areas such as under the arms and where a bag or backpack rubs. I've worn both several times and haven't spotted any bobbling so far, although longer-term wear will be the real test.
At £55 for the Tenby and £65 for the Texel, they're not bargain-basement fleeces either, so I'd expect them to last and stand up well to regular wear and washing.
The verdict
For me, the real test of a fleece isn't how technical it sounds on paper, but how often I reach for it when I'm heading out of the door. And after testing both, I can see them getting a lot of use as the weather gets colder.
They're warm without feeling bulky, comfortable enough to wear around the house and smart enough that I don't feel overly outdoorsy when I'm just popping into town or heading to the pub after a walk. Of the two, the Tenby is probably my favourite for everyday wear, while the Texel feels like the more practical choice when I want the flexibility of a full zip.
Neither is cheap, but the quality feels reassuringly good and, providing they continue to wear as well as they have so far, I think there's enough here to justify the price.