Cosy Gift Ideas: Polo Bear Fleece, Cable-Knit and Full-Zip Layers

Some gifts are exciting. Others are quietly useful, and get worn every week from the first cold morning to the last. A soft fleece or a good knit belongs firmly in the second group. If you are putting together cosy gift ideas for someone who feels the cold, or for anyone who likes to be comfortable at home as much as out and about, layers are a reliable place to start: they are easy to wear, easy to style and rarely feel like the wrong choice.

This guide goes through five cosy pieces from our store, from a cable-knit jumper to a full-zip fleece hoodie, and gives you a simple way to choose between them. A note on who we are: Maison Arelle is an independent reseller. We are not an official dealer for Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren or Fear of God, and nothing here is endorsed by those brands. What we say about a product comes from its page in our store.

How to choose a cosy gift

A few questions narrow things down quickly:

  • Who is it for? The store has men's, women's and unisex-leaning pieces, so check the department and size range on each page.
  • How do they dress? Someone who wears jeans and sneakers will use a fleece sweatshirt more. Someone who dresses a little smarter will use a knit.
  • Do they like logos? A Polo Bear sweatshirt is playful and obvious. A cable-knit with a small embroidered pony is quiet.
  • What is their usual size? Gifts go wrong at sizing more than at style. If you are not sure, ask or check a sweater they already own.

The classic: Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cotton Jumper

The Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cotton Jumper is the safe, smart choice. The page describes a regular fit (a little roomier at the chest while keeping a modern fit), a crew neck, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, a ribbed hem and an embroidered pony on the left chest. It is made from 100% cotton and is machine washable. It is listed in navy, beige, grey, black, green and cream (the colour names on the site are in Dutch), in sizes XS to L.

This is the gift for someone who wears jeans and chinos and likes a tidy outfit. Navy and grey are the easy colours, cream is softer and green is a good choice for someone who already wears a lot of neutrals. A cable knit also looks good with a collared shirt underneath.

The playful one: Polo Bear Fleece Crew Neck Sweater

The Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Fleece Crew Neck Sweater pairs the Polo Bear design with a classic round neck. The page describes a soft fleece sweater that works as a casual everyday piece and as an extra layer, suited to jeans, joggers and casual trousers. It is listed in red, in sizes XS to L.

This one has personality. It suits someone who likes a bit of colour and character, and it is a natural gift for a person who collects the Polo Bear designs or who enjoys a seasonal, slightly nostalgic look.

For her: Polo Ralph Lauren Dames Jockey Polo Bear Fleece Trui

The Polo Ralph Lauren Dames Jockey Polo Bear Fleece Trui is a women's fleece sweatshirt with the Polo Bear on the front. The page describes the bear in riding trousers, riding boots and a striped polo shirt, and a soft fleece with a comfortable, casual design. It is listed in beige, in sizes XS to L.

If you want a softer, more relaxed gift that is still recognisably Polo Ralph Lauren, this is a good option. It is easy to wear with jeans or joggers, and the neutral colour makes it simple to style.

Cropped and cream: Polo Ralph Lauren Dames Cropped Fleece Hoodie met Polo Bear

The Polo Ralph Lauren Dames Cropped Fleece Hoodie met Polo Bear is a cropped women's hoodie in soft cream fleece, with the Polo Bear shown in a festive tuxedo. The page says it is easy to combine with jeans, casual trousers or joggers. It is listed in cream, in sizes XS to L.

The cropped cut and the festive bear make this the most seasonal of the five, and a fun gift for a hoodie person. Because it is cropped, it works best with high-waisted trousers, so keep that in mind if you are not sure about the recipient's style.

The zip-up: Fear of God Essentials Fleece Hoodie met Rits

The Fear of God Essentials Fleece Hoodie met Rits has a relaxed silhouette, a full-length front zip, a double-layer hood and Fear of God Essentials branding. The page also lists practical pockets, ribbed cuffs and a ribbed waistband, and describes it as suited to casual outfits and layered looks. It is available in black and grey, in sizes XS to XL.

The full zip makes this the most flexible of the five: you can wear it open over a tee or closed on a cold day. It is a good gift for someone who lives in hoodies and wants a step up from the basic version.

A quick comparison

  • Most versatile: the cable-knit jumper. It works with almost anything.
  • Most fun: the Polo Bear fleece sweater or the cropped hoodie.
  • Most relaxed: the Fear of God Essentials zip hoodie.
  • Easiest to wrap and hand over: any of them. A folded knit is a gift that looks good in a simple box.

Getting the size right

Sizing is the part of a clothing gift that deserves a little attention. The pages list these size ranges: the cable-knit jumper, the Polo Bear sweaters and the cropped hoodie in XS to L, and the Fear of God Essentials zip hoodie in XS to XL. The cable-knit has a regular fit, a little roomier at the chest, and the Essentials hoodie has a relaxed fit. If you are not sure about the size, look at a sweater the person already wears and compare it with the size options, or ask customer service before you order.

Care, so the gift lasts

The cable-knit page says the jumper is machine washable. For the fleece pieces, follow the care guidance on each product page and the label on the garment. As a general habit, wash similar colours together and avoid high heat when drying, which is how most knitwear and fleece stays soft for longer.

More ideas

If you want to look at more options, the Woman Designer Resell and Men Designer Resell collections list more knitwear and fleece pieces, with their own sizes and colours.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good cosy gift for someone who has everything?

Something they use constantly. A soft sweatshirt or a good knit fits that: it is practical, easy to wear and does not need explaining. Choose a colour they already wear.

Is a fleece or a knit better as a gift?

A knit, such as a cable-knit jumper, suits people who dress a little smarter. A fleece sweatshirt or hoodie suits people who live in casual clothes. If you are unsure, choose a neutral colour.

How do I avoid getting the size wrong?

Compare the size options on the product page with a sweater the person already owns, and pay attention to whether the fit is described as regular or relaxed. If you are unsure, ask customer service before you order.