Patagonia Synchilla vs Better Sweater

There are more Synchilla and Better Sweater models thank you think out there.

Plus, some of them are available in men's or women's specific models only.

I contacted Patagonia Customer Service and shared the screenshots of my chat with them here in this post (scroll down to see it).

Let's start with laying them out here first.

Links are directed to the related products in Patagonia's own site.

• Synchilla Classic Fleece Jacket [Men's - Women's]
• Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T Fleece Pullover [Men's - Women's]
• Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover [Men's]
• Synchilla Classic Marsupial Pullover [Men's]

Better Sweater:

• Better Sweater Jacket [Men's - Women's]
• Better Sweater Hoody [Women's]
• Better Sweater 1/4 Zip [Men's - Women's]
• Better Sweater Rib Knit 1/4 Zip [Men's]
• Better Sweater Fleece Henley Pullover [Men's]
• Better Sweater Fleece Shirt Jacket [Men's]
• Better Sweater Marsupial Pullover [Men's]
• Performance Better Sweater Hoody [Men's - Women's]
• Performance Better Sweater Jacket [Men's - Women's]
• Performance Better Sweater 1/4 Zip [Men's]

So how to choose? 

Honestly probably looks above all else. This Industrial Green color of Better Sweater is loved by many, including me, so that's what I'd personally prefer. 

• Fit

Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines. 

• Arc'teryx's 2024 men's fit revision

Here's what Arc'teryx says about its most recent fit revision: 

Source: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/help/sizing/mens/tops/new

Not all jackets come with the revised fit - only the ones with following statement: 

They're all pretty close in warmth, all durable pieces, and none offer substantial breathability for athletic use, except maybe the Performance for low-intensity use (or maybe moderate intensity use if you tend to run substantially colder than the average person).

• Synchilla - classic collegiate look, timeless.
• Better Sweater - family photo look, classically classy, can be dressed up or down.
• Performance - Athletic leisure, aka "athleisure"

None of them are DWR coated.

Here's what the rep told me:

My full convo with Patagonia's awesome rep

James (24.12.2019 20:59:18): Hello! My name is James. How may I help you today?

Me (24.12.2019 21:00:14): Hi James, hope you're having a good day. I was wondering about the differences between the Synchilla and Better Sweater products, in terms of warmth, breathability, comfort, weather resistance and durability. Could you help me with that?

James (24.12.2019 21:00:31): Yeah of course!

James (24.12.2019 21:01:11): Sounds like you might have a somewhat specific idea of what you're looking for, can you rank those qualities you listed in order of importance?

Me (24.12.2019 21:01:46): Actually I'm gathering information for a quite a bit wide range of buyers

James (24.12.2019 21:02:44): Is there a general clientele you're buying for? Friends, family, employees?

Me (24.12.2019 21:03:06): Let's say a large group of friends 🙂

Me (24.12.2019 21:03:33): But all for possibly different types of purposes

James (24.12.2019 21:04:54): Hmm, alright. Let's see, I'll try to hit most of the points for each product here.

Me (24.12.2019 21:05:13): That'd be perfect!

James (24.12.2019 21:05:38): (To be transparent, I'm working with someone else simultaneously and want to be able to give you my full attention when responding, just in case there's a delay in my response)

Me (24.12.2019 21:06:01): Thank you James, sure, I totally understand

James (24.12.2019 21:08:07): Alright, so...

James (24.12.2019 21:11:32): Synchilla;

• Fuzzier texture,
• Warm but not 100% windproof, recommend getting the Lightweight over regular
• Dense fleece, durability holds up well over time

Better Sweater;

• Great professional look,
• Flatter soft texture inside,
• Windproof fabric is warm but,
• Durability can be an issue if not cared for well.

Breathability not great in either of these for active pursuits, but there is a Performance version of the Better Sweater that has meshed jersey-like material in key areas and makes it versatile enough for low to moderate effort pursuits.

Me (24.12.2019 21:13:50): Wow, that's an amazing answer, thank you James 

James (24.12.2019 21:14:24): Yeah of course! That's why I wanted the time to type out a proper reply haha. 

Me (24.12.2019 21:14:25): What would you say about their intended uses? 

James (24.12.2019 21:15:08): Both are firmly in the category of casual pieces. Even the Performance Better Sweater is more casual than technical. 

James (24.12.2019 21:15:33): If you're looking for technical athletic pieces, tell me a little bit about what you're looking for and I can make some recommendations. 

Me (24.12.2019 21:16:41): So what would be your main focus when deciding between Synchilla, Better Sweater and Performance Better Sweater? I guess durability, breathability and looks? 

Me (24.12.2019 21:17:05): From what I understand they're comparable in terms of warmth and weather resistance capabilities 

James (24.12.2019 21:19:16): Honestly probably looks above all else. They're all pretty close in warmth, all durable pieces, and none offer substantial breathability for athletic use, except maybe the Performance for low-intensity use.

• Synchilla - classic collegiate look, timeless.
• Better Sweater - family photo look, classically classy, can be dressed up or down.
• Performance - Athletic leisure, aka "athleisure" 

Me (24.12.2019 21:20:51): Perfect. That's all I needed. Thank you for the hand James! 

Me (24.12.2019 21:20:53): Have a great day! 

James (24.12.2019 21:21:09): You too, my pleasure to help! 

If you have a moment, I'd really appreciate it if you would take this quick survey: "link"

James (24.12.2019 21:21:13): And Happy Holidays~ 

Me (24.12.2019 21:21:27): Sure, I'll give the highest points. 

Me (24.12.2019 21:21:31): To you too! Happy holidays! 

Me (24.12.2019 21:21:32): Goodbye!