Whether you’re late dropping the kids off at carpool on those icy mornings or scaling a Fourteener in Colorado, the easiest thing to throw on for reliable warmth is a trusty fleece. Slipping into one is like the clothing equivalent of reaching for your weekend sweatpants: instant comfort.
During the chillier ends of the year, a fleece is the perfect outer layer over a T-shirt or button-down. And when temps nosedive into sub-zero territory, it slides neatly under your go-to shell or GORE-TEX jacket for extra insulation. Most fleeces are constructed from polyester fibers that trap heat, which makes them light, warm, and blissfully free of that itch sensation you get from wool—or the heft of cotton. Fleeces are, famously, warm when they're wet, too.
Once the fabric territory of technical outdoor companies only, now fleece is recognized by all as a uniquely suited material to make things with. Today, the options are overwhelming. Full-zip, half-zip, pullover—you can’t catch ’em all. That’s why we rounded up the best fleece jackets on the market today, whether you’re cycling with the lads, pretending your backyard is a fall harvest festival, or need another excuse not to turn on the heat. Here are the best fleece jackets to keep you cozy from now until the thaw.
A few favorites from our wear test
What to Consider When Buying a Fleece Jacket
Fabric & Warmth
Whether you're purchasing your first or your fifteenth fleece, the big question comes down to weight—and the warmth level you’re looking for. A lot of fleeces have a weight according to a scale of 100. Here's the rundown on fleece weights:
100 weight: Lightweight, breathable, and ideal for layering or wearing during exercise. This is the fleece you throw over a thermal, and you’re good to go.
200 weight: A versatile midweight fleece you might even get away with wearing at the office.
300 weight: A beefy, super-warm option that’s not built for athletics but can stand alone as a jacket. Across all three weights, look for fabrics like standard fleece, grid fleece for breathability, or high-pile fleece for harsh conditions.
Frustratingly, not all fleece jackets are rated this way. When in doubt, judging fleece by its thickness is a good rule of thumb.
Use & Activity
Like anything else in your wardrobe, time and place will dictate which fleece you pull from your arsenal. For everyday wear with jeans or chinos, go for something extra soft with a clean design to streamline your look. Need one for outdoor adventures? Prioritize moisture-wicking and weight. When it comes to layering, slim, low-bulk fleeces will always work best.
Features
When choosing your fleece fighter for cold weather, the jacket itself is only half the story—the details matter. Pockets are nonnegotiables. Handwarmers, chest pockets, or hidden interiors let you stow essentials, from gloves to AirPods. A two-way zip gives endless styling options, and some fleeces are packable for travel. Elastic cuffs keep the breeze out, while drawcord hems and adjustable waist cinches help regulate your core temperature.
Fit & Style
At the end of the day, fit makes the fleece. A trim fit works best with a tee or thermal underneath, ready for layering with something heavier. Something more relaxed gives you extra bulk and often some wind resistance, making it wearable on its own. While bold colors and wild prints can be fun, you’ll never regret reaching for neutral, autumnal tones that are versatile enough to slip under a puffer or parka without a second thought.
Field Mag's Top Picks for Best Fleece Jackets
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Best Fleece Jacket Hoodie
Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody -
Best From The OGs:
Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Jacket -
Best Shearling:
66°North Varmahlíð Shearling Fleece -
Best Under $100:
Topo Designs Vista 01/04 Zip Lightweight -
Best Mid-layer:
Norrøna Femund Warm3 Jacket -
Best For Warm-ups:
Reigning Champ Shaggy Fleece Expo Standard -
Best High Pile
Marmot Wanderer High-Pile Fleece Full-Zip -
Best Wind Resistance:
Fjällräven Vardag Pile Fleece -
Best Reversible:
The North Face Yumiori Reversible Jacket -
Best Half-Zip:
Danner Wolf Creek Sherpa Jacket -
Best Asymmetric Zip:
Klattermusen Balder 02.00 -
Best for Foraging:
Earth\Studies MS-110 ESCEP Jacket -
Best for Cycling:
Portal Loam Fleece Jacket
The Best Fleece Jackets
Best Fleece Jacket Hoodie: Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody
Weight: 15 oz.
Material: Polartec power stretch Pro, 53% polyester, 38% nylon, 9% elastane
Fit: Regular
Price: $200
Pros:
- Lightweight and warm
- Cozy hoodie
Cons:
- Slim fit, so don’t try to layer underneath
The Kyanite Hoody from Arc’teryx might just be the lightest yet warmest fleece these ten fingers have ever had the pleasure of touching. The fit is slim, so all you really need underneath is a merino tee or thermal. And the scuba-style hood keeps your dome toasty while fitting neatly under a helmet, whether you’re bombing down a hill on skis or dodging traffic on your bike commute. The brushed interior? Soft as a dream, no itch in sight. Cut from Polartec Power Stretch Pro, the fabric is abrasion-resistant and offers four-way stretch for unrestrained movement. With two generous hip pockets and a patented Tanica stretch reinforcing high-wear zones, the Kyanite is the kind of mid-layer that’ll rise to any cold-weather challenge, whether that’s a backcountry adventure or just surviving your office’s overzealous air conditioning.
Best Fleece Jacket from The OGs: Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Jacket
Weight: 17.3 oz.
Material: 95%–100% recycled polyester fleece and 100% recycled nylon faille
Fit: Regular
Price: $149
Pros:
- Available in ten colors
- Elasticated around the wrists and the bottom hem
Cons:
- Can be tough to pack considering how bulky it is
From Michael Jordan levitating from the free-throw line to Patagonia dropping their patented Synchilla, 1985 was a landmark year for innovation. Patagonia’s midweight, double-sided (8-oz) polyester fleece rewrote the insulation playbook and remains a staple today—much like their Black Hole duffel. In the decades since, the OG Snap-T pullover has evolved and expanded into full-zips, vests, and just about every layer style you could want when the temperature dips. The full-zip version—our pick—comes tricked out with a recycled nylon weave at the collar and pockets, plus anti-pilling tech so you can wash and wear it until the end of time.
Storage? Covered. With three pockets—two welted at the hip and one zippered at the chest—you’ve got room for snacks and climbing chalk. And the finishing touches matter: nylon binding around the collar, cuffs, and hem keeps the shape crisp, so your moves stay smooth instead of floppy. That’s why this perennial outdoor classic has been going strong for 40 years.
Best Shearling Fleece Jacket: 66°North Varmahlíð Shearling Fleece Jacket
Weight: N/A
Material: 54% acrylic, 26% polyester, 20% wool, 100% recycled polyester
Fit: Relaxed
Price: $295
Pros:
- High pile for maximum warmth
- Adjustable drawcord
Cons:
- Fit is too cropped
- Guys should size up since it’s unisex sizing
If there’s a brand that knows how to throw hands with the cold, it’s Icelandic label 66°North. Their Varmahlíð shearling fleece jacket has a curly pile that looks like it was cut straight from a sheep’s back—but don’t worry, no lambs were harmed. It’s actually a wool-synthetic blend that balances softness with serious performance. The fit leans a bit cropped, and since it’s unisex, fellas, you’ll probably want to size up. Thanks to the wool content, it’s impressively insulating without feeling like a full-on down jacket—and it’s definitely warm enough to rock solo with a pair of hiking pants.
Best Mid-Layer Fleece Jacket: Norrøna Femund Warm3 Jacket
Weight: 12 oz.
Material: 79% recycled polyester/21% polyester for the body’s fabric. The outside of the collar and the external pocket are made with a woven 66% organic cotton/29% recycled nylon 5% elastane blend.
Fit: Regular
Price: $199
Pros:
- Elastic wrist with thumbholes
- Nylon high collar to keep you dry
Cons:
- Could be more breathable
For almost 96 years, Norwegian label Norrøna has been the go-to outerwear plug for Scandinavians braving wind, snow, and the occasional moose encounter. Founded by outdoor enthusiast Jørgen Jørgensen, the brand is still family-owned after four generations. Norrøna cranks out jackets, pants, base layers, and packs built for alpine climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Their Femund Warm3 fleece features a nylon high collar that locks in heat at your neck, a soft fleece interior that’s one part cozy, one part survival tactic, and thumb holes in case you forgot gloves. Layer it under a soft shell or puffer and you’ve officially achieved mid-layer nirvana.
Best Fleece Jacket for Warm-Ups: Reigning Champ Shaggy Fleece Expo Standard Jacket
Weight: 9.14 oz.
Material: 59% Polyester, 27% Nylon, 14% Lyocell
Fit: Regular
Price: $225
Pros:
- The 2-way stretch makes this comfortable to move in
- Shock-cord cinch hem at the waist is a game-changer
Cons:
- There could be more colors
It’s nice to see Canadian sportswear label Reigning Champ take a breather from making some of the world’s heaviest sweatsuits to whip up a cozy-as-hell shaggy fleece. Their high-pile fleece jacket has a plush, teddy-bear exterior but lines it with smooth jersey fabric inside, making it warm and cozy without the scratchy feeling some fleeces deliver. Thanks to its two-way stretch, it’s an easy piece to wear solo while exercising. Or, if you’re battling something colder, it slides nicely under a heavier shell.
The magic, though, is in the details: a dual zipper for quick bottom-venting when you start to overheat, stretch cuffs that won’t choke your wrists, and a shock-cord cinch hem if you prefer a cleaner, tailored silhouette instead of the classic boxy look.
Best High-Pile Fleece Jacket: Marmot Wanderer High-Pile Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
Weight: 1 lbs. 8 oz.
Material: 100% recycled polyester high-pile fleece and 100% recycled nylon
Fit: Relaxed
Price: $130
Pros:
- Nylon overlays to keep you dry
- Billowy pockets
Cons:
- It would be good to have an adjustable cinch at the neck for tightening
- There’s no chest pocket
Clint Eastwood is the unsung menswear guy—sure, he gave Western wear its swagger, but he also had Marmot whip up a custom down jacket for The Eiger Sanction. Speaking of Marmot, their fleece here is your classic cold-weather layering piece—but in the bark-brown shade, it feels like a sleeper hit. The color is earthy, stylish, and quietly flexy.
Where the jacket really shines, though, is the plush high-pile fabric and fit. It’s thick enough that you can wear it solo with a thermal or even sneak a Primaloft vest under it, no problem. And since it’s on the beefier side, the relaxed silhouette is a blessing—you’re not throwing anything over this thing anyway. It’s your outer layer’s final boss.
Best Fleece Jacket for Foraging: Earth\Studies MS-110 ESCEP Jacket
Weight: N/A
Material: 100% recycled poly fleece, 100% cotton rib / ripstop reinforcements
Fit: Oversized
Price: $275
Pros:
- Adjustable neck opening with shock cord
- Built-in forager bag
Cons:
- Super oversized
To really appreciate what the Oregon-based label Earth\Studies is up to, you’ve got to see their stuff in person. Photos don’t do it justice. This fleece, for instance, is flat-out bonkers. It starts with their reclaimed, 100% recycled poly fleece fabric. The fit is oversized (size down for a not-so-boxy fit), and the details are spot-on: a double zipper, ribbing at the waist and hem, and enough structure to hold its own as your main outer layer.
Getting into the nuts and bolts of the fleece you’ll find a welted zip pocket up front, plus a large foraging pocket with two interior compartments that's roughly the size of your long-retired fanny pack. Where you’d usually find nylon paneling, Earth\Studies swaps in durable ripstop instead. And when the temperature dips, the shock-cord neck adjuster blocks the breeze from reaching down your collar.
Best Wind-Resistant Fleece Jacket: Fjällräven Vardag Pile Fleece
Weight: 1 lbs. 6 oz.
Material: 65% recycled polyester, 35% organic cotton, 100% recycled polyester
Fit: Regular
Price: $165
Pros:
- Lifetime repairs
- Flat-knit jersey interior blocks wind
Cons:
- The sleeves fit a bit tight around the forearm
Swedish outdoor label Fjällräven doesn’t just want you to buy their products, they want you to keep them forever (or at least long enough that they can fix them up when life happens). Their fleece is a prime example of why you’d never want to let go. The outside feels like a warm, fluffy hug by a cabin fireplace, while the inside sports a jersey-knit lining reminiscent of the classics—think Manastash or Patagonia Retro-X. Built for comfort, it’s the kind of fleece you can throw over a T-shirt or a baselayer and still fend off cold winds trying to freeze your torso. As a fall outer layer, it’s perfect. Pair it with one of the brand’s expedition down parkas in winter, and you’re glacier-proof.
Best Fleece Jacket Under $100: Topo Designs Vista 1/4 Zip Lightweight Fleece
Weight: 205 gsm (6 oz.)
Material: 100% recycled polyester micro fleece and 100% nylon taslon with DWR
Fit: Regular
Price: $99
Pros:
- Under triple-digit purchase
- Nylon overlays to keep you dry
Cons:
- The chest pocket needs to be bigger
- Sleeves run long
For a brand born in the aughts, Topo Designs has carved out a sweet spot: the gear for people who love the outdoors, but don’t necessarily want to turn their whole closet into an REI catalog. Their mountain-to-city ethos is accessible to those who aren’t hardcore trail junkies but still appreciate the aesthetic. Take their quarter-zip fleece: made from 100% recycled polyester microfleece (eco-friendly flex) with nylon overlays on the chest and elbows (the armor plating that keeps you dry when nature gets moist). Whether you’re heading from trail hour to cocktail hour, this fleece has the casual chops to pull double duty without breaking a sweat.
Best Reversible Fleece Jacket: The North Face Yumiori Reversible Jacket
Weight: 7.4 oz.
Material: 100% recycled polyester fleece, 100% nylon
Fit: Regular
Price: $180
Pros:
- Reversible, two jackets for the price of one
- One side insulates, the other keeps you dry
Cons:
- If we’re being nitpicky, maybe buttons instead of Velcro would look better on the nylon side
The North Face has hall-of-fame hits like the Nuptse jacket and Denali fleece. But if you ask me, their Yumiori jacket deserves a spot in the rafters too. This thing is hefty, versatile, and built to be your year-round cold-weather standout (depending on how nasty your winters get). On its own, it’ll keep you cozy in temps down to about 40 degrees—and that’s before layering. Bonus: you’re basically getting two jackets for the price of one because it’s reversible. Flip to the fleece side and you’ve got a giant chest pocket, a tall neck that keeps cold wind at bay, and recycled materials that keep your conscience warm too. Turn it inside out to the nylon side and you’ll find water-repellent protection, Velcro backing up the zip, and insulation courtesy of that fleece lining. Honestly, it’s tough to think of a jacket more equipped for unpredictable weather.
Best Half-Zip Fleece: Danner Wolf Creek Sherpa Jacket
Weight: 17.6 oz.
Material: 100% recycled polyester, overlays 84% Cordura Nylon, 16% spandex
Fit: Relaxed
Price: $140
Pros:
- Half-zip is easy to adjust when you get hot
- Stretchy hem at the waist and around the wrists
Cons:
- Pockets are kind of close, a kangaroo-style pocket would've been better
Boots might be what most folks reach for from Danner, but don’t sleep on the Oregon-brand's apparel. Their half-zip is crafted from recycled polyester blended with Cordura, giving it abrasion resistance, a bit of water-shedding power, and added durability. The relaxed fit features twill-bound edges along the cuffs, collar, placket, and hem—clean finishes with just enough texture contrast to keep things interesting. And here’s the best Easter egg: inside the right pocket, there’s a key loop made from an honest-to-goodness Danner boot lace, acting as a carabiner. It’s a small but mighty detail that keeps your keys secure when you’re out exploring.
Best Asymmetric Zip Fleece Jacket: Klättermusen Balder 2.0 Zip Hoodie
Weight: 271 GSM (8oz.)
Material: 46% recycled wool, 36% polyester, 16% polyamide, 3% other fibers
Fit: Regular
Price: $320
Pros:
- Double zipper to style in various ways and ventilate
- Made of recycled wool
Cons:
- The asymmetric zipper may throw some people off
- Super expensive for a fleece
The Swedes just get it when it comes to making outdoor gear that’s functional, innovative, and built to last and Klättermusen is yet another fine example of that Scandinavian sorcery. There’s a method to their wacky design madness, all in service of surviving those unforgiving Nordic elements. Take their asymmetrical zippers (no more chin burn!) and those slanted chest pockets you can still reach while dangling from a climbing harness—clever, right? This zip hoodie is crafted from an absurdly warm recycled blend of polyamide and Italian wool, with stealthy thumb loops to lock in heat. Inside, it’s cozy and insulating; outside, it’s featherlight and slides perfectly under a shell.
Best Fleece Jacket for Cycling: Portal Loam Fleece Jacket
Weight: N/A
Material: Polartec, 87% recycled polyester, 13% polyester
Fit: Slim
Price: $220
Pros:
- No notes when it comes to fit on this
- Made from Polartec
Cons:
- A few more colors would be cool
There’s no brand quite like Portal, which is currently making waves in the cycling, hiking, and running worlds. Though they’ve only been around since 2023, they were founded by a collective of industry veterans who’ve worked with ROA, Ciele, and Rapha, so it’s no surprise their gear is designed for multi-sport adventures.
Their LOAM jacket is made from recyclable Polartec fleece with smart paneling, which allows free movement, whether you’re crushing miles on your bike or bombing down trails on foot. A two-way zipper, cinch cords, and pockets galore mean this jacket isn’t just your go-to for exercise—it’s the type of piece that quietly transitions into layering under a parka while rocking your favorite cargos.
