Soft and comfortable, fleece jackets keep you warm without weighing you down. Check out our 10 favorites for both work and play.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Soft and comfortable, fleece jackets keep you warm without weighing you down. Check out our 10 favorites for both work and play.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
When it comes to cold-weather clothes in general, and fleece jackets in particular, Columbia always delivers. The Steens Mountain Fleece Jacket is high-quality and affordable. And even though it’s a men’s jacket, women can wear it too, thanks to its classic cut and style. The polyester fleece is soft and breathable, and the drawcord hem helps to block out the cold. Plus, zippered hand pockets keep your hands shielded and can securely hold your phone or wallet. Or, you can also pair it with one of these belt bags to store essentials.
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Priced from $20 to $30, depending on the color, the Amazon Essentials Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Just look at the over 22,000 5-star ratings! “Super comfortable for an incredible price. Washes well and feels warm. Just a great product,” says Amazon reviewer rmsilva07. “I now have five of these sweaters in different colors,” writes another reviewer, Dr. Cat. They are high quality garments at a reasonable price.”
The North Face Cragmont Jacket is all about fashion, but doesn’t sacrifice on function. You’ll stay toasty, thanks to the thick fleece and hand pockets, while looking super stylish, thanks to the modern cropped fit, chic color choices and contrasting snap button closure. It’s also nice knowing this is an eco-friendly purchase, as the fleece is made from 100% recycled polyester.
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P.S. If you’re ever wondered whether to shop from North Face or Patagonia, we’ve got a guide to help you out.
Sometimes a lightweight fleece jacket is all you need to take the chill off while you work outside. The Men’s Klamath Range Jacket from Columbia is made from soft microfleece and is on the thinner side, so it won’t weigh you down. This also means that the pullover works well as a layering piece. Plus, the extensive size range and color options don’t hurt either.
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Crisp fall mornings call for cozy fleece jackets, and Dolcevida’s Zip Up Speckled Fleece Jacket is here for the job. This mid-weight option is warm and cozy, but won’t make you sweat on a walk or while winterizing the yard. Other features include elastic-bound wrists and bottom for heat retention, a high collar for extra warmth and two hidden inside pockets (because you can never have enough!). This is simply a trusty basic that you’ll want to own in multiple colors—and there are 12 to choose from!
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If you want a little extra protection from the cold, check out Columbia’s Benton Springs Hoodie. The longer length, high collar and attached hood block out icy winds without too much extra bulk. Even when worn down, the hood provides an extra barrier from the cold around your neck. The two-way zipper provides more versatile fit options, and the six winter-friendly colors make the choice a bit more difficult (in the best way).
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Warm and fluffy are a couple adjectives that come to mind when we think of fleece, but stretchy shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when we’re talking about activewear fleece. The Nexus Pull-On Fleece Jacket from Rab wicks moisture and dries quickly, so you’ll stay comfortable even while you sweat, making it a particularly dependable pick when active plans are on the agenda. The snug fit and double cuffs protect from both cold weather and wind.
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You’ll feel like a walking teddy bear in The North Face’s Ridge Fleece Tunic! The relaxed fit and ultra-soft fleece is so snuggly and warm, like your favorite throw blanket, that taking it off won’t ever be an option. The half-zip offers ventilation when needed, and the dipped hem fits longer in the back for added comfort and protection. Wear the hood up when you want to be fully encased in softness.
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Sherpa fleece is curly, high-piled fabric that is so soft and fluffy that it feels like sheepskin. The North Face Dunraven Sherpa Jacket is a high-quality, midweight basic that provides a thick, soft feel, and is fitting for everyday wear. The polyester fleece traps heat and wicks away moisture for all-day comfort whether you’re on the job or relaxing at home.
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Chance of rain in the forecast? The Carhartt Rain Defender Reversible Fleece Jacket has you covered. Wear it on the fluffy sherpa fleece side on cold days, then reverse it to the nylon side when a storm is rolling in. Water beads up and slides off the water-repellent nylon, keeping you warm and dry. The Carhartt jacket also features a drawcord hood, hand warmers and elastic wrists.
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