Whoever invented microfleece deserves a Nobel Prize. It’s a soft, warm, and durable fabric that puts the old fashioned alternatives to shame. The best microfleece pullovers I have found are made by The North Face, specifically the TKA100 model. They are available in men’s and women’s stylings. These are not jackets; they are shirts that are sort of a modern take on the cardigan sweater.

What makes these pullovers so darned good?

Okay, so I happen to own 3000 of these fleece pullovers. Here's one in gray. (Click the pic for more info.)

Okay, so I happen to own 3000 of these fleece pullovers. Here’s one in gray. (Click the pic for more info.)

If Goldilocks went shopping for microfleece, she’d stop right here. They are neither too thick nor too thin; they are “just right.”

The microfleece is soft and comfortable. Yet the fabric is also quite rugged, and withstands years of frequent use without complaint.

The thickness and weight of the TKA100 is just right. It’s warm but breathable, and thus appropriate for wear in autumn, winter, and spring.

The build quality is top notch. I’ve never had any negative issue with a stitch, thread, or zipper on one of these pullovers.

A little chilly? You can zip it all the way to the top for a turtleneck effect. (Click the pic to see women's styles.)

A little chilly? You can zip it all the way to the top for a turtleneck effect. (Click the pic to see women’s styles.)

The 1/4 zip is an ideal design. If you are warm, you can unzip for extra ventilation. On especially cold days, you can comfortably zip all the way to the top to create a turtleneck effect.

I received my first TKA100 a few years ago as a thoughtful Christmas gift.

My first was red. It quickly became a favorite. I liked it so much, I thought I might also want one in blue. Since the blue turned out so nice, why not a black? And because the black came in so handy, how about a brown? And a gray? And a crimson? You get the idea. Now our Airstream closet is stuffed full of these TKA100 pullovers. I never hesitate about buying one of these things because I know it will get worn so much.

The North Face TKA100 is great on a hike, or just lounging around the campsite. (Click the pic for more info.)

The North Face TKA100 is great on a hike, or just lounging around the campsite. (Click the pic for more info.)