My favorite ever.

By hgm3278535 Ranked #733 - Women's Fleece Jackets March 28, 2011

I'm here looking for a replacement for my brown Oso my husband bought me 3 years ago (2008). I have worn it to death. I met it in REI and fell in love, and even though brown was not a color I ever wore before, that jacket has spent at least 200 days a year keeping me warm since then.

Yes, it did shed something awful for the first year--my seat belt was always fuzzy. The second year, not so bad. Now that it is wearing out, it doesn't shed noticeably anymore. It would be nice if the next one I buy doesn't have that problem, but I'm not sure how people's shirts were "ruined" by the shedding--it brushes and washes right off.

This jacket is not only the softest but also the warmest fleece I've ever worn, and I've had a few. I live in the mountains where we have wintry weather November through mid-April, and I have trouble staying warm. But the Oso does the job and makes me never want to take it off. It's also the best-looking fleece I've ever had--something about those shoulder panels, I think.The hood is great for added warmth and the pockets are comfy.

My 2007-8 model is a small, my usual size, and hits me at high hip--I've never thought it was too short although many of my shirts worn underneath are longer. (I'm 5'5", 130, usually wear a 6). It is not particularly fitted but I wouldn't describe it as baggy either--just right for a second layer. I've worn fitted fleece pullovers underneath but that was a bit snug. My size small North Face soft shell jacket fits fine over the top.

Bottom line: if you're looking for a warm, soft, cozy, attractive fleece jacket, you can't do better. The only downside is the shedding, and perhaps that is no longer an issue with the newer models. I will update on fit and shedding when I get my new one.

View Details: The North Face Oso Hooded Fleece Jacket - Women's

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