Saturday, August 2, 2025

The 6 Greatest Fleece Jackets for Ladies of 2025, Examined and Reviewed

Once I moved from South Africa to Scotland a number of years in the past, I needed to study shortly about dressing for heat if I wished to proceed spending most of my free time open air. Now, whether or not I’m dressing to climb mountains, go rockpooling with the children, or just take our canine for a stroll, I usually attain for a fleece jacket first. I personal a number of, starting from an enormous, fluffy hooded one which replaces my winter coat on dry days to light-weight, low-pile kinds which can be the right mid-layer for actions that require breathability and heat in equal measure.

Fleece jackets are usually produced from polyester, an artificial alternative for conventional sheep fleece that insulates properly, wicks moisture, and is sturdy sufficient to deal with repeated washing. That’s to not say they’re all made equally. Match, options, thickness, supposed exercise, and high quality all fluctuate significantly from one fleece to the following — which is why we determined to strive a broad vary of choices on our quest that can assist you select the very best for you. Every of the fleece jackets on this record has been rigorously examined out in the actual world and ranked extremely by our crew of journey consultants.

Patagonia Women's Retro Pile Fleece Jacket

PHOTO: Patagonia

Crafted in a Truthful Commerce Licensed manufacturing facility from one hundred pc recycled polyester shearling fleece, the Patagonia Ladies’s Retro Pile Fleece Jacket is double-sided for additional insulation. We examined it on a cold 15-degree day in New York Metropolis and located that it made us immediately toasty. The distinction between carrying a coat alone and a coat with this fleece beneath was enormous. It’s in all probability too heat for high-impact sports activities or delicate shoulder season climate, however we had been impressed with its breathability and the truth that regardless of its important heat, it’s neither too heavy nor too thick. 

The fleece itself is exceptionally smooth. Even higher, it stayed smooth after we spilled meals on it and needed to put it by way of the washer and dryer. It’s designed for an everyday, hip-length match with a full zipper for max versatility. We discovered that it match as anticipated; we sized up for a extra relaxed look and area for layering beneath. Elastic trim on the collar, cuffs, and hem retains out chilly drafts, whereas storage contains one chest pocket and two hand-warmer pockets. We additionally like that every one three are giant sufficient for an iPhone 14 and that they are often zippered closed to maintain contents safe throughout energetic pursuits. 

The Particulars: Dimension XS-XXL | Recycled polyester

Wild Rye Danner High-Pile Fleece Pullover

PHOTO: Wild Rye

Obtainable in pine inexperienced or a blue-and-white reef-inspired print, the Wild Rye Danner Excessive-pile Fleece Pullover is so snug we predict it seems like an enormous bear hug. The outside is fluffy, plush, high-pile fleece, whereas the within is lined with smooth jersey. With a quarter-length neck opening fixed by hid snaps and a surprisingly form-fitting silhouette, it’s designed to be cute sufficient for winter sightseeing whereas additionally cozy sufficient for lounging or sleeping. We examined it in a variety of situations from brisk neighborhood walks to air-conditioned airports and cherished it in all situations. 

We discovered it hotter than a few of our fall jackets, with a lower that flatters whereas nonetheless permitting for full freedom of motion. Specifically, we appreciated that there’s loads of respiratory room across the stomach space. An adjustable elasticated twine on the hem means that you can cinch the fleece for a extra fitted look, or depart it free for higher breathability. We appreciated the large zippered entrance pocket, which gives ample room for fingers and valuables. We additionally like how straightforward the fleece is to take care of — simply machine wash on chilly and tumble dry on low. 

The Particulars: Dimension XS-XL | Recycled polyester and polyester

Cotopaxi Women's Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket Zip Jacket

PHOTO: Cotopaxi

The Cotopaxi Ladies’s Teca Fleece Full-zip Jacket is produced from light-weight, low-pile fleece and as such works each as an outer layer for delicate fall and spring days, and as an insulating mid-layer in winter. We discovered it efficient at blocking the nippiness: a lot in order that we needed to take away it when stepping into the automobile to keep away from overheating. The fleece feels smooth to the contact and has simply sufficient give to afford full freedom of motion, and actually we discovered it so snug that it was straightforward to overlook we had been carrying it in any respect.

Different options embody an elastic hem and cuffs, and two slip-in hand pockets. We appreciated that these are lined with a wipe-clean materials that made us much less hesitant to place probably messy gadgets (meals wrappers and so on.) in our pockets. The fleece is sustainably produced from recycled and repurposed polyester and is available in a variety of distinctive colorways, all with three contrasting stripes throughout the chest. Lastly, the fleece remained unchanged in really feel and look after machine washing and drying.

The Particulars: Dimension XXS-XL | Recycled polyester fleece and repurposed polyester taffeta

Fjallraven Women's Expedition Fleece Hoodie

PHOTO: Fjallraven
Why We Love It

  • With its snug, stretchy match and high-quality building, this fleece is right for energetic outside adventures.

Fjallraven’s Ladies’s Expedition Fleece Hoodie is produced from a recycled, abrasion-resistant polyester and elastane mix that feels fuzzy on the within and easy on the surface. The standard is outstanding (we really feel this can be a fleece that can final for years), whereas the considerate design helps to justify the elevated price ticket. It’s meant as a mid-layer for working or mountain climbing in chilly climate. As such, the fleece is breathable, moisture-wicking, and fast to dry whereas the match is comfortable sufficient to be worn comfortably below a heavier outer layer. 

Regardless of the comparatively tight match, the fabric is sufficiently stretchy, so we didn’t really feel restricted in any means. Raglan sleeves additionally assist forestall chafing when carrying a backpack by permitting for higher underarm motion. We cherished the fitted hood, which traps heat successfully whereas additionally becoming seamlessly below an outer hood. Prolonged cuffs with thumbholes to maintain your fingers and wrists heat are one other spotlight. The fleece additionally boasts zippered hand pockets and will be machine washed.

The Particulars: Dimension XXS-XL | Recycled polyester, polyester, and elastane

Amazon Helly Hansen Women’s Maud Pile Fleece Jacket Zip Jacket

PHOTO: Amazon

Made for the last word mixture of fashion and luxury, we cherished the Helly Hansen Ladies’s Maud Pile Fleece Jacket a lot that we wore it nearly each day throughout the check interval for all the pieces from metropolis commutes to weekend brunches. It’s produced from smooth brushed fleece, with a pleasant weight and a flattering drape. The match is intentionally outsized, with an extra-length hem that covers the hips and backside. We expect this function is pretty distinctive for a fleece and cherished how fashionable it regarded over denims and leggings alike. We additionally appreciated the weird curved hem. 

Different highlights embody decent-length sleeves, a generously sized hood that matches simply over a bun or excessive ponytail, and deep, conveniently positioned pockets. We discovered the latter sensible for stashing keys and telephones, but in addition nice for holding fingers heat on chilly days. One factor to pay attention to: with no lining, the coat doesn’t block wind fully. This makes it extra of an city style selection for mid-fall than for excessive chilly or technical outside sports activities. It’s machine cleanable and dryer protected, and is available in cream, olive, or navy. 

The Particulars: Dimension XS-XL | Polyester

Columbia Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket

PHOTO: Columbia

The Columbia Ladies’s Benton Springs Full-zip Fleece Jacket encompasses a one hundred pc polyester building that could be very smooth, exceptionally snug, and breathable sufficient which you could put on it inside, too. As a result of it’s comparatively light-weight, it’s finest as a mid-layer on very chilly days or standalone piece throughout shoulder season. 

We discovered that it match as anticipated and appreciated that we may cinch the hem utilizing the adjustable drawcord. Should you’re between sizes, measurement up for layering area and unhindered freedom of motion. Options embody a cold-blocking collar, inside slip pockets, and zippered hand pockets which can be deep sufficient to retailer a telephone or gloves securely. The fleece remained unchanged after machine washing and drying, and is available in a full vary of sizes to go well with all physique sorts.

The Particulars: Dimension PXS-PXL (petite), XS-XXL (normal), and 1X-3X (plus) | Polyester

Different Fleece Jackets We Preferred

Though we didn’t love these fleeces sufficient to incorporate them in our essential record of suggestions, they’re nonetheless worthy picks that will go well with some vacationers.

Sundae Faculty Kloudy Bay Fleece: Should you’re curious about an announcement piece, the Kloudy Bay Fleece from Korean streetwear model Sundae Faculty is the one for you. It encompasses a customized Bay Space print full with a Pointillist Golden Gate Bridge, it’s the type of assertion piece that’s assured to show heads, however is probably not to everybody’s type choice.

Journey + Leisure


Sierra Butter Pile II Jacket: This was one of many deepest pile fleeces we examined and as such, simply wearable as a stand-alone outer layer. We discovered it to be snug and heat, nevertheless it shed a big quantity of fluff when washed.

Journey + Leisure


L.L.Bean Hello-pile Fleece Pullover: There was rather a lot we appreciated about this jacket together with its smooth, double-sided fleece, its deep-pile heat, and its sturdiness. Nonetheless, it’s not significantly breathable and the sizing runs small.

Journey + Leisure / Megan Wooden


Topo Designs International Midlayer Hoodie: We cherished the match, really feel, and options of this technical midlayer and would suggest it for athletic pursuits. Nonetheless, it’s too skinny to be heat when worn by itself for on a regular basis use throughout shoulder season.

Journey + Leisure


Our Testing Course of

After we first obtained every fleece jacket, we put them on and famous our preliminary impressions of its match, really feel, and options. We evaluated the standard and thickness of the fleece, whether or not the jacket match as anticipated, whether or not we had been capable of transfer freely whereas carrying it, and the performance of the pockets. Subsequent, we examined the breathability of the material by holding one of many sleeves as much as our mouth, blowing air by way of it, and seeing how a lot air reached our different handheld six inches away on the opposite facet. If we felt an excessive amount of air, it instructed that the material may not be insulative sufficient to be used in windy circumstances; however having the ability to really feel a small quantity of air was a optimistic indicator of breathability. 

Every fleece was then worn for not less than three two-hour wears. We wore them for a variety of various actions, from commuting to touring to mountain climbing and working errands. This helped us to type a broader understanding of the jacket’s heat and luxury, in addition to the climate and actions it was finest suited to. Lastly, we washed the fleece based on the producer’s directions to ascertain whether or not doing so affected it in any means. Every fleece was scored for match, design, efficiency, sturdiness, and worth, with long-term testing ongoing for a interval of six months.

Ideas for Shopping for a Fleece Jacket

Prioritize heat and luxury

Though you may undoubtedly get fleece jackets that look good, they’re typically not a excessive style merchandise. For me, a very powerful factor is that they serve their major operate (holding me heat) and that they’re snug sufficient that I truly need to put on them. Precisely how a lot heat you require is dependent upon your chosen exercise and season. For instance, if I’m dressing for a winter seaside stroll once I know the icy North Sea wind goes to be out in full pressure, I’ll select a heavyweight, high-pile fleece with a wind-proof lining. But when I’m carrying a fleece as a mid-layer for a strenuous hike, I would like one thing lighter and extra breathable so I don’t overheat once I work up a sweat. My prime tip for consolation? Select a fleece with a barely outsized match that enables area for layering with out proscribing motion, particularly round your shoulders.

Don’t overlook about breathability

Think about how a lot breathability you’re prone to want out of your fleece earlier than deciding which one to purchase. Should you’re going to be carrying it in excessive chilly and/or for largely low-impact or sedentary actions, breathability isn’t a specific precedence. However for all different events (like mountain climbing or jogging), some breathability is essential. Search for merchandise that particularly point out breathability and efficiency supplies.

Search for technical options

Once more, the significance of various options is dependent upon how and if you’ll be carrying your fleece. If I’m utilizing mine as a prime layer, I have a tendency to choose one with a hood in order that I’ve safety from any sudden wind or precipitation. A fitted hood is only for this goal. But when I’m carrying my fleece as a mid-layer below one other coat that already has a hood, I discover that having a second hood feels too cumbersome and restrictive.

Equally, whether or not or not I’m pairing the fleece with one other coat makes an enormous distinction as to how a lot I prioritize issues like water-resistance and even having zippered pockets. As a result of I wish to hike, scramble, and run after my youngsters and canine, I at all times need not less than one zippered pocket to maintain my keys and telephone protected. But when my outer coat has one, it’s not as vital on my fleece. One function I at all times recognize? Elasticated cuffs and hems that may be cinched tight to maintain out chilly drafts.

Steadily Requested Questions

  • What’s fleece?

    Though the title “fleece” is derived from the time period for sheep’s wool, the fleece that’s used for clothes immediately is usually an artificial various produced from polyester or different man-made fibers. It’s created to resemble the smooth, fluffy texture of sheep fleece, with the size of the pile various relying on the quantity of softness and insulation required. Typically, the upper the pile, the hotter the fleece might be. Fleece is a well-liked selection for outside clothes as a result of its texture traps physique warmth to offer a formidable warmth-to-weight ratio. Polyester can also be naturally water repellent and moisture wicking, and is each hard-wearing and simple to take care of — making it perfect for journey clothes that’s prone to require frequent washing.

  • How ought to a fleece jacket match?

    A fleece jacket must be snug and supply full freedom of motion. Some technical fleeces incorporate a share of elastane in order that they are often close-fitting (for max light-weight streamlining) whereas nonetheless affording sufficient stretch for unhindered mobility. However for extra informal fleeces with a 100-percent polyester content material, I want an everyday to barely outsized match. This prevents the chance of tightness across the shoulders, underarms, and torso. It additionally will increase versatility by permitting area for quite a lot of layers beneath. For that reason, I at all times measurement up if I’m between measurements on the model’s measurement information.

  • How do you take care of a fleece jacket?

    Fleece jackets are normally pretty low upkeep, particularly in the event that they’re produced from pure polyester. Many of the jackets I personal will be machine washed on a cool setting and tumble dried on low. Earlier than washing your fleece, we at all times suggest checking the producer’s directions fastidiously, since pointers do fluctuate from product to product.

Why Belief Journey + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald owns a number of fleece jackets and reaches for them continually for spring, fall, and winter hikes at house in Scotland. She’s additionally packed fleeces for cold-weather expeditions to locations starting from Arctic Norway to the Yukon. The fleece jackets on this article had been chosen based on the outcomes of real-life checks carried out by the T+L crew.

Love a fantastic deal? Join our T+L Recommends publication, and we’ll ship you our favourite journey merchandise every week. 

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles