10 Best Fleece Jackets to Keep You Warm
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Soft and comfortable, fleece jackets keep you warm without weighing you down. Check out our 10 favorites for both work and play.
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When building your fall and winter workwear wardrobe, fleece jackets are a staple. They’re warm and cozy, yet light enough for comfortable everyday wear. The right fleece jacket can also be a versatile layering piece, and be worn under a heavier jacket when temperatures drop. From budget-friendly to hooded to quick-drying options, there are plenty to choose from for men and women.
What to Consider When Choosing Fleece Jackets
Before adding any fleece jackets or fleece vests to your shopping cart, consider these factors.
Purpose: Think about your intended activity level while wearing a fleece jacket. Outdoor workwear should be durable, warm and perhaps even wick away moisture from sweat. But the ideal fleece jacket works for both work and play, so consider a style suitable both at home and on the job. If you’ll be wearing it while hiking (speaking of, you’ll love these windbreaker jackets) or simply out on a morning walk, look for an option that breathes well and doesn’t add much bulk.
Price: Fleece jackets, like any type of cold-weather workwear, vary in price. The good news is that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a high-quality one. However, spending a little more on a top brand will help ensure increased performance and durability.
Weight and Warmth: The weight and thickness of the fleece will affect the warmth and heaviness of the jacket. Not surprisingly, thicker jackets are generally warmer—but they’re not always the best choice. Choose a thick, heavy fleece if you don’t mind the extra weight. Opt for a thinner, lightweight option if you’re especially active or plan to peel off some layers throughout the day.
Best All-Around Fleece Jacket
Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece Jacket
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.
Pros:
- High-quality construction at an afforable price
- Comes in eight colors
- Limited lifetime manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Sizes run a bit large
- Midweight fleece not for ultra-cold weather
Best Budget-Friendly Fleece Jacket
Amazon Essentials Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket
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.”
Pros:
- Won’t break the bank
- Available in over 30 colors and patterns
- Full-length zippered closure
Cons:
- Not designed to wear alone in very cold temperatures
Most Stylish Fleece Jacket
The North Face Cragmont Fleece Jacket
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.
Pros:
- Modern cropped fit in six colors
- Zippered side and chest pockets
- Made from 100% recycled polyester
Cons:
- Cropped fit not as warm as longer lengths
P.S. If you’re ever wondered whether to shop from North Face or Patagonia, we’ve got a guide to help you out.
Best Men’s Lightweight Fleece Jacket
Columbia Men’s Klamath Range Jacket
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.
Pros:
- Made from lightweight microfleece
- Available from sizes small to 6X
- Available in 26 colors
Cons:
- May fit on the larger and/or longer side
Best Women’s Lightweight Fleece Jacket
Dolcevida Zip Up Speckled Fleece Jacket
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!
Pros:
- Suitable for layering with high collar
- Two outside pockets, two inside hidden pockets
- Machine-washable with no shrinking
Cons:
- Not as fitted as the photos may suggest
Best Hooded Fleece Jacket
Columbia Benton Springs Hoodie
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).
Pros:
- Features a hood and high collar
- Longer length for better coverage
- Made with maximum thermal retention (MTR) fleece
Cons:
- Fits more oversized than pictures suggest
- Hood isn’t detachable
Best Quick-Drying Fleece Jacket
Rab Nexus Pull-On Fleece Jacket
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.
Pros:
- Made with stretchy fleece to wick away moisture
- Half-zip for quick ventilation
- Weighs just 8 ounces
Cons:
- Snug fit not comfortable for everyone
- Only three color options
Coziest Fleece Jacket
The North Face Ridge Fleece Tunic
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.
Pros:
- Heavyweight fleece with relaxed fit
- Flattering dipped hem
- Features a hood for heat retention
Cons:
- On the pricier side
Best Sherpa Fleece Jacket
The North Face Dunraven Sherpa Jacket
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.
Pros:
- Polyester fleece that feels like sheepskin
- Two zippered pockets
- High collar and full-length zipper
Cons:
- May run small
- Only available in three colors
Most Versatile Fleece Jacket
Carhartt Rain Defender Reversible Fleece Jacket
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.
Pros:
- Reversible fleece and nylon sides
- Available in regular and tall sizes
- Adjustable hood with hidden drawcord
Cons:
- Nylon isn’t breathable
- Only two color options
Originally Published: October 17, 2022
