The EXPLORE fleece jacket from Nebulus made a very good overall impression in our test. The jacket is available for men and women. It has a zipper on the front, a high collar and separate, closable pockets on the front. It is available in five different colors for men and three different colors for women. There are also six different sizes for men and five for women. For our test, we received the jacket in black and in size M for both men and women. The jacket fits our testers very well. The material quality and workmanship were just as impressive as the fleece jacket in the practical test. This shows that the jacket fits comfortably for a long time and the long sleeves keep your hands pleasantly warm. Unfortunately, the zipper proves to be awkward.
Advantages
✅ High wearing comfort
✅ Good workmanship and quality
✅ Lockable pockets
✅ Long sleeves for warm hands
✅ Collar to keep you warm
✅ Comfortable fleece surface
✅ Lightweight garment
Disadvantages
Hooked zipper
The first impression
Packaging and labeling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Sturdy shipping carton, additional protection against soiling with plastic bag | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | No unnecessary packaging waste was used, items were packed very compactly | 100 points |
| Packaging convenience | Easy opening of the shipping carton with scissors or a knife | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our case, the EXPLORE fleece jacket from Nebulus was delivered together with other products in a sturdy shipping box . The shipping box was undamaged and could be easily opened with a knife or scissors. The shipping box was also optimally sized, as it was filled to the top. This protects the environment: not only is the amount of material required for the shipping box minimized, but the small space required by the package also ensures better utilization of the transport vehicles. Inside the box was the EXPLORE fleece jacket in its product packaging.
The product packaging consists of a transparent plastic bag in which the EXPLORE fleece jacket was packed. The film is tear-resistant and non-stretchable. A Nebulus logo is printed on the front of the packaging. There is also a sticker with a barcode, the product name and the size of the fleece jacket. There are warnings on the back that the bag poses a choking hazard. The information is available in four languages, including German and English.
The top of the bag has an opening which is sealed with an adhesive strip attached to the film. The adhesive strip is reusable. If the jacket is to be returned, the bag can be resealed with the existing adhesive strip. There is another layer of thin paper between the individual layers of the folded jacket to prevent the jacket fabric from rubbing against each other during transportation. The tag on the zipper is also wrapped in thin packaging paper.
The EXPLORE fleece jacket is very well protected from damage and soiling by the cardboard box and plastic bag.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the package complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Fleece jacket, requires no additional accessories. Supplied with cardboard disk with brand logo | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Not available, but not required. Washing and material instructions on the label. | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
As you would expect, the EXPLORE fleece jacket does not require any additional accessories and is delivered without them. There is a cardboard disc the size of a beer mat on the label, which is printed on both sides in high gloss with the Nebulus logo, which can also be found on the product packaging.
There are no instructions for use, but they are not required. Washing instructions can be found on a label on the inside of the jacket, where this is illustrated with the familiar symbols. There is also information on the material composition of the EXPLORE fleece jacket, the size and the product name.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Depending on the shade, simple to polarizing design with Nebulus crest and coloured accents | 100 points |
| Processing and material | Good, almost flawless workmanship, pleasant fabric | 100 points |
| Stability | Tear-resistant fabric in combination with strong seams | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Good quality indicates a long service life | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
For our test, we received the EXPLORE fleece jacket for men and women in black. In addition to this color, Nebulus also offers the jacket for women in lime green and red. The navy and cobalt blue shades are also available for men. The deep black color of our test jackets is very elegant and gives a discreet and timeless look.
Regardless of the men’s or women’s version, the fleece jacket is made from a soft and comfortable fleece fabric that offers optimum comfort. The fabric is even and feels good against the skin. The front can be opened along its entire length with a zipper . The zipper is also black, with a red tag attached to the opener. In addition to the Nebulus lettering, a small Norway flag is also sewn into it.
The fleece jacket has two pockets on the front, which are positioned at stomach height. These can also be closed with a black zipper, which has the same pendant as the zipper for opening the jacket. The inner pocket does not just have a second layer of fabric sewn onto the inside of the jacket. Instead, the belly pocket has its own front and back, which is only connected to the rest of the jacket via the zipper and a short, narrow strip of fleece fabric.
As a color contrast to the black base color, the jacket has white seams and a variety of patches and lettering. Nebulus lettering and the Norwegian flag are sewn onto the right chest. There is also a round patch with Nebulus lettering and the Norwegian flag on the right chest. The coat of arms and the round patch on the upper arms are in the same style, but not identical. Norway flags with Nebulus lettering are sewn on both sides of the elbows. There is also embroidered Nebulus lettering at the end of the left sleeve. As a special extra, the outside of the collar is also embroidered with small lettering and a flag. These accents in red, blue and white add color to the basic black tone and create an interesting visual effect.
The jacket does not have a hood, but it does have a high collar. A second layer of fabric is sewn onto the inside of the collar, which is made from a fine fabric rather than fleece. The fabric has a typical Norwegian flag design. This additional contrast to the color of the jacket and the red stitching gives the collar a special touch and adds another subtle yet eye-catching accent to the overall look.
The back of the jacket is kept simple with no patches or print. An elastic band is sewn into the bottom of the jacket, which can be adjusted in circumference using a clip.
The fabric of the fleece jackets is rather thin, slightly stretchy in a small area and tear-resistant. According to the manufacturer, the jacket is made entirely of polyester. The fabric is single-layered, with the same surface on the inside and outside. However, this is not a disadvantage, as the fleece feels good. The seams are all even and clean. There are hardly any protruding threads and, if there are any, they are only very short. Apart from this, the jacket has no other manufacturing faults. The jacket has the typical, pleasant smell of brand-new clothing.
Overall, the two fleece jackets with white seams, the large number of patches and the depiction of the Norwegian flag in the collar are a fashionable item of clothing that is polarizing, depending on the color, but always appealing . The quality of the fabrics used and the seams, as well as the overall finish, are also impressive .
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Fit size | Sporty fit with a close-fitting cut | 100 points |
| Wearing comfort | Comfortable fabric and fit, pleasant fleece surface | 100 points |
| Keep warm | Keeps you pleasantly warm despite the single-layer fabric. Long sleeves are particularly beneficial for hands with poor circulation. | 100 points |
| Additional functions | Separate inner pockets effectively keep the inside warm, snaggy zipper when closing the jacket | 60 points |
| Washability | Withstands 30°C wash without damage, 60°C wash not possible | 100 points |
| Total | 90 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The EXPLORE fleece jacket is sold in various sizes. These range from S to 3XL for men and from S to XXL for women. In our test , we received the jacket for men and women in M. The men’s version in M fits our slim tester, who is 170 cm tall, like a glove, and would probably still fit well even if he were a few centimetres taller. The fleece jacket fits snugly on the body, but is not restrictive. The length is also suitable, the jacket ends at the right height. The women’s model in M also fits our tester, who is just over 1.60 m tall, very well and the jacket also has a sporty fit.
The sleeves of the jacket are relatively long, making it possible to tuck your hands inside to keep warm. This is a particular advantage when working with a keyboard in winter. The sleeves can be pulled up to the fingers, keeping the hands pleasantly warm. This is a great advantage, especially for people with poor circulation.
The jacket fits very comfortably even after long periods of wear. Although the jacket only consists of one layer of fabric, it keeps you very warm. On the other hand, the fleece jacket impresses with its relatively low weight, which is a particular advantage during sporting activities.
If the zipper is closed all the way to the top, the collar fits snugly around the neck and reaches up to the head. The collar thus fulfills its function, as this also effectively protects the neck from the cold. This is usually not the case with hooded jackets, where the fabric does not lie close to the neck even when the hood is up.
The elastic band at the bottom of the jacket can be tightened to provide additional protection against the cold. The adjustment mechanism is released with a button on a clip, and the elastic band can then be tightened or loosened as required. When the elastic band is tightened, the penetration of cold air from below is effectively prevented, even during dynamic movement.
The advantage of the independent belly pockets also becomes apparent in the cold: The pocket lies completely inside the jacket. The zipper on the belly pocket prevents items from falling out of the pocket during sporting activities.
The zipper can also be easily operated with gloves thanks to the pendant. However, threading the zipper proved to be problematic. Once the jacket has been fully opened, it often takes several attempts before the zipper can be closed. Once the first attempt is made, it works without any problems. This problem occurs with both the men’s and women’s versions. As the two zippers at the bottom of the pockets always remain open, the problem does not exist here.
The fleece jacket is significantly less warm when the zipper is open. The open front allows plenty of fresh air to reach the upper body. The collar at the neck is also no longer tight and no longer keeps you as warm. This means that the pullover can be adjusted to suit the temperature.
In the last part of our practical test, we wash the fleece jackets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the case of the EXPLORE fleece jacket, this means an easy-care wash cycle at 30 °C without drying and ironing at 110 °C, which corresponds to the usual specifications for comparable garments. After washing, the laundry smells of the detergent used, but otherwise there is no noticeable difference. The fleece jackets survive the washing procedure without damage or fading.
Overall, the EXPLORE fleece jacket impressed us in our practical test. It is very comfortable, keeps you pleasantly warm and also withstands washing without any problems. The only drawback is the snaggy zipper, although this is limited to closing the jacket.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also examine consumer ratings and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good quality in the mid-price segment | 80 points |
| Rating cut | 4.6 (women) and 4.3 (men) out of 5.0 on Amazon | 73 points |
| Total | 77 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.3 stars for the men’s version and 4.6 stars for the women’s version. Customers are often dissatisfied with the thin fabric and the size specification. Many customers like the quality and the design with its many appliqués. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the quality was good. The jacket fitted our testers well in size M. As our male tester usually wears a size S to M and our female tester a size S, we can understand that the jacket is too small for many people. Unlike in our test, the zipper does not receive any criticism in the customer reviews.
Prices of up to € 199.90 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products, with most products costing up to € 100. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €16.70. The Nebulus fleece jacket is currently in the mid-price segment with a price of €44.99 on Amazon. The price ratio is reasonable for the quality and scope of services you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labeling | 10% | 97 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 100 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 90 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer ratings | 20% | 77 points |
| Total | 91 points |
