6.8 oz, 92/8 polyester/spandex performance fleece, 4-way stretch, jacquard elastic waistband, sizes XS through 3XL

Key Features of the Richardson RA7201B

• 6.8 oz, 92/8 polyester/spandex performance fleece
• 4-way stretch fabric
• Soft jacquard elastic waistband with internal rounded drawcord
• Side pockets
• Back welt pocket with hidden zipper
• Richardson high-definition silicone logo on the left leg
• Available in Black, Grey, and Navy
• Sizes XS through 3XL

About the Richardson RA7201B

The Charge Performance Fleece Jogger is the cold-weather bottom in Richardson's athletic line. The 6.8-ounce 92/8 polyester/spandex fabric is heavier than the warm-weather Barrage shorts but still lighter than traditional cotton-blend sweatpants, hitting a useful weight for fall practices, indoor training, and everyday athleisure use. The 8% spandex content provides 4-way stretch through full ranges of motion.

Polyester fleece behaves differently than cotton fleece. Polyester fibers don't absorb moisture the way cotton does, so the fabric stays lighter when athletes sweat and dries faster between sessions. The trade-off is that polyester fleece tends to feel less soft against the skin than a high-cotton-content fleece, though brushed polyester finishes have closed much of that gap on modern performance fabrics. The jacquard waistband refers to the patterned weave on the elastic, which gives the band a finished look rather than the flat black elastic typical of generic sweatpants. The internal drawcord is rounded rather than flat, a small construction detail that prevents the cord from twisting inside the channel.

For the matching top in the same Charge line, see the Richardson Charge Performance Fleece Long Sleeve Hoodie RA7200LSH. To round out the warm-up kit with a 1/4-zip, the Richardson Vertex 1/4-Zip Pullover RA7500Q is a lighter pullover from the same brand. Comparing across brands? The Sport-Tek PST858 Sport-Wick Stretch Jogger is another stretch performance jogger with moisture-wicking polyester fabric.

FAQ

What's the difference between performance fleece and regular cotton-blend fleece?
The fiber content accounts for most of the difference. Cotton fleece absorbs moisture into the fibers themselves, so cotton-heavy sweatpants get heavy and stay damp during workouts. Polyester is hydrophobic, meaning the fibers don't soak up water the same way. Performance fleece in a polyester-dominant blend wicks sweat to the fabric surface where it can evaporate, dries significantly faster, and stays lighter during use. The trade-off is that cotton fleece typically feels softer against the skin, though modern brushed polyester finishes narrow that gap.

Does poly/spandex fleece pill or wear differently than cotton fleece over time?
Polyester fibers resist pilling better than cotton in most cases because the synthetic fibers are more uniform and stronger. The brushed inner surface of any fleece will eventually flatten with use and washing, but performance fleece typically holds its shape and surface texture longer than cotton-blend equivalents. The 8% spandex content also helps the joggers maintain their fit through repeated wear and laundering rather than bagging out at the knees and seat.

What decoration methods work best on performance fleece?
Heat transfer and embroidery are common choices for poly/spandex fleece. Screen printing on polyester carries the risk of dye migration, where heat-sensitive polyester dyes can sublimate during ink curing and bleed into the printed design. Plastisol typically cures around 320°F, while polyester dyes can begin to release at temperatures around 265°F, so the curing process can reactivate the dye. Specialty low-cure inks and dye-blocker bases address this. 

How should performance fleece joggers be washed to preserve the fabric?
Cold wash and tumble dry on low is the best approach for any spandex blend. High dryer heat is the main thing that breaks down spandex over time, so dryer temperature matters more than wash temperature for preserving the stretch and recovery. Avoiding fabric softener also helps maintain the moisture-wicking performance, since softener can coat the fibers and reduce the wicking effect.