Glacier Full Zip Fleece Jacket

Name: Glacier Full Zip Fleece Jacket
Brand: The North Face

PFR Grade

Poor — significant plastic content, use with caution

100% polyester fleece. Sheds microplastic fibers with every wash. Fleece is one of the worst fabrics for microplastic shedding. The North Face is one of the most popular outdoor wear brands in the US.

PFR Caution

100% polyester fleece jacket. The North Face is one of the most popular outdoor wear brands in the US.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$100See Safer Alternatives in Clothing

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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High Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Synthetic clothing (polyester, nylon, acrylic) sheds microplastic fibers with every wash — a single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers. These fibers pass through wastewater treatment and enter waterways, eventually returning in drinking water and food. Synthetic fabrics also contain chemical finishes (PFAS wrinkle-resistance, antimicrobial treatments) that leach through skin contact.

Synthetic Plastic Content

100%

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

The North Face's fleece jacket is 100% polyester — fleece is one of the worst fabrics for microplastic shedding. A single wash can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers. Wool fleece alternatives are available.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:100% polyester fleece

microplastics

Source

Polyester fleece shedding microplastic fibers during washing

Health Risk

Microplastic pollution in waterways and food supply

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone wearing and washing polyester fleece

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.