Well, we called it. Almost exactly two years ago, The Daily extolled the surprising sartorial virtues of the fleece, predicting that the “lumpy, bile-coloured woollen jacket that Mr Boris Johnson throws on for his annual jog” was about to make its ascent to the loftiest echelons of the fashion world. Many moons later the humble fleece is now what, in fashion speak, might be referred to as a mainstay. And, for better or worse, Mr Johnson is now prime minister. Perhaps it was all of those fleeces. In any case, what was once incredibly unfashionable is now incredibly fashionable (nothing new, really – that’s simply how this world works), and some of the world’s best-respected brands have reinvented the fleece for the modern man.

Of course, simply because something becomes stylish doesn’t mean you can throw it on whichever way you like and expect to be revered as a style god. We’re still in the early stages of this trend, so looking to the men who have already nailed it is perhaps the wisest thing to do. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted a few well-dressed fleece fanatics from whom you can take some style tips. And no, the prime minister didn’t make the cut. Sorry, Mr Johnson.

Wearing a fleece with, say, cargo pants and sneakers might be the conventionally stylish thing to do, but to throw one over a suit jacket and tailored trousers – in a Prince of Wales check, no less? That’s chaotic evil on the fashion alignment chart. Still, it’s pretty cool. The navy fleece is from South Korean streetwear brand Ader Error, and juxtaposed against the smartness of the wool suit, it’s a clever amalgam of streetwear and tailoring that conveys an off-duty-but-polished vibe. Which is no mean feat.

Most fleeces you’ll find at the moment come in neutral colours. There are exceptions, of course, but a cosy cream or brown fleece works because you can pair it with other neutrals and look well-dressed without making a statement. This guy’s done particularly well because he has matched his fleece to his trousers (all very neutral) but has brought out a bit of personality by coordinating the red zippers on the fleece with the red of his cap. Hats off and all that.

However you feel about them, there’s one thing about fleeces that none of us can deny: they’re wonderfully warm and comfortable. And this means that if you know how to layer and style them well, as this gent clearly does, you’ll have an outfit that’s not just stylish but insulated too. Note the mix of textures: the terry-ish fleece is layered over a quilted gilet, which in turn covers a ribbed sweater, all above a fine pair of corduroy trousers. The Porter-Yoshida & Co belt bag strapped over the whole thing is the proverbial cherry on top of a superb outfit.