Wrangler Authentics 1/4 Zip Review

The Wrangler Authentics ¼ Zip is the ultimate dime-priced fleece. You could buy nearly 10 of these over several years for the price of one high-end layer. While there are some performance considerations, this casual-style option pleasantly surprised our reviewers and is worthy of your time if money is tight.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

We tested this metric by placing a bottle full of boiling water in each fleece and then using an infrared thermometer to measure how long it took for the water's temp to drop to 150°F. We also tested wind resistance with every fleece by standing in front of a fan on the same settings. Finally, we took notes about each option's warmth while conducting several weeks of field testing. The Wrangler scored below average in this metric.

The Wrangler Authentics kept the bottle above 150°F for one hour and five minutes. This isn't the best score, but it surprisingly offered decent wind protection, collectively maintaining enough warmth for many uses, especially in more temperate climates or in urban settings. Other options in our review, during the bottle test, lasted over 20 minutes longer, so we'd look elsewhere if you need the warmest fleece. When considering most people will use an over jacket of some kind, the Wrangler Authentics is certainly adequate for budget shoppers.

Comfort

We measured the amount of bunching each fleece has around the neck, stomach, chest, and arms. We also assessed coverage when moving your hands overhead to see how well each garment adapted to movement. If you're engaging in anything from mountain sports to yard work, it can be incredibly annoying to have a jacket expose your skin while you're working hard. Finally, we sized up the fleece-to-skin comfort of the inner fabric. The Authentics scored towards the bottom in this metric, but when considering its price, we felt like it performed relatively well.

The Wrangler Authentics showed bunching around the armpits and stomach, though the coverage was fairly decent. With hands overhead, the bottom of the fleece rode up slightly, otherwise protecting the wearer even in a contorted position. Some will find the feel of the inner fabric to be on the slightly scratchy side, but a long-sleeve base layer is a quick and easy fix for those with sensitive skin. The biggest consideration in this metric will be the baggy fit, which will either be a positive or a negative depending on the shopper.

Breathability

We took each fleece on similar adventures with the same effort. We were pleasantly surprised by the Wrangler, which scored above average in testing.

While this option has a much less technical fit, it does allow for excellent airflow from underneath, with a fairly baggy waist. The inner brushed polyester even somewhat wicked moisture away to the face fabric, keeping our testers from overheating while in the field. The intended design of the Authentics may have been for more casual use, but we were able to use it for climbing and skiing in multiple venues. There are very few features on many fleece jackets for breathability, and this option is no different, only offering a ¼ length zipper for ventilation.

Layering Ability

We awarded 15% of the total score to layering ability, given that most fleece jackets will be used in combination with other layers. We sized up each product's ability to fit layers under or over it before assigning scores. The Wrangler Authentics landed towards the back of the lineup, but there were only a few points spread between the best and worst options.

With the more baggy fit of the Wrangler Authentics, it was slightly restrictive to put some layers over it that had a more athletic cut. Loose, relaxed fitting over layers worked well, and for many users, this will be an easy next-to-baselayer option to work with, depending on how it fits you and what jackets you'll use over it. For putting layers on underneath, it can handle a thicker base layer or two, and a vest. The Authentics definitely runs a bit large, so consider going down a size.

Weight

We weighed each fleece on the same scale. This fleece, impressively, came in above average in this metric.

At 12.51 ounces, the Wrangler Authentics offers reasonable weight and is unlikely to overload most users. We loved how easily it fit in a backpack when the days warmed up. It is a very easy fleece to take with you on any adventure, whether in the city or outdoors.

Should You Buy the Wrangler Authentics?

This layer is worth your hard-earned cash if you need the cheapest fleece available that still delivers some performance. It isn't the most technical layer, with a lack of pockets and a very relaxed fit, but it offers truly unbeatable value for someone wanting a fleece for around-town hangs and occasional mountain trips.

What Other Fleece Jackets Should You Consider?