Fashion
Style Writers Tested 30 Fleece Jackets To Find Our Absolute Favorites
“A good fleece should be soft to the touch, lightweight yet warm, and versatile enough for both outdoor adventures and casual wear, says WH fashion director Kristen Saladino. With this in mind, we tried tons of popular pairs, landing on oversized options made for staying cozy all winter long as well as lightweight layers we love for all seasons. Keep reading to discover what to consider while shopping and which fleece jackets deserve a spot in your closet.
What to consider
Material
Saladino says that the best fleece jackets are typically made from fluffy polyester and can be blended with spandex for added stretch or nylon for wind and water resistance. “For winter, make sure the option you choose errs on the thicker and warmer side!” All the fleece jackets on this list are made of polyester, but some are heavier, while others are lighter and thinner. We’ve highlighted which ones are better for cold weather and which are ideal for layering or milder days, below.
Extra Features
Saladino emphasizes that plenty of pockets are a must-have feature in fleece jackets, giving you space to store your essentials. “They’re also great in winter for keeping your hands warm,” she adds. Many of the options on this list include multiple pockets for added convenience and storage.
Another great feature to look for is a hood, which adds an extra layer of warmth. With a built-in hood, you can skip wearing a hoodie underneath, freeing up space and keeping things super comfortable inside your jacket. Some options on this list even include button-up closures around the neck for extra insulation, which we appreciate.
How we chose
I’m a style writer who’s been testing activewear and clothing for years. For this story, I combed through my extensive jacket testing, and called in a bunch of fleeces to try over the last few months. I also consulted with WH fashion director Kristen Saladino and assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture to offer their thoughts on their all-time favorite options. They collectively have 25 years of experience testing winter coats, including fleece jackets. We considered fleeces that have cozy-but-breathable fabrics, come equipped with pockets for storage, have a flattering fit, and, most importantly, keep us warm in cold temperatures.
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Pros
- Super durable
- Adds a fun pop of color to any outfit
- Great for layering underneath
Cons
- Prefer a zipper versus the button-up closure
We tried upwards of 30 fleece jackets ahead of the colder months, and Free People’s super soft Hit The Slopes Jacket was our absolute favorite of the bunch. We agree that it combines everything we’re looking for in a fleece—it’s thick, stylish, , great for layering, and has multiple pockets. Saladino adds that the colorblocking is her absolute fave part. Our editors have worn this fleece to and from workouts, around the house, to the office, and everywhere in-between—while it’s casual, it also adds a fun pop of color to any outfit. I like to pair it with jeans or leggings.
This jacket is made from 100 percent polyester, which means it’s super durable. Even after running it through the wash multiple times and wearing it out in the rain (yup, polyester is weather resistant),it holds its shape nicely and looks brand new with every wear. Polyester is also moisture-wicking, and Free People’s fleece does a bang up job of preventing sweat from seeping in, even when we throw it on after a gym sesh.
We love the fit: It hits right at the waist, but still has that oversized, slouchy look that makes it so trendy and casual. Because of its bigger fit, we can layer a bunch of clothing underneath on a super chilly day when we don’t want to wear a jacket. One of our editors even wore it skiing and said, with enough layers underneath, you don’t need a coat over it on a warmer day.
We like that it has a button-cup closure, as it makes the jacket super easy to put on and take off, but we do prefer a zipper because we feel like it makes a jacket feel more secure and keeps us warmer. Since it is oversized, we recommend going true-to-size or even up a size up for an extra roomy fit. I’m typically a size medium but tried on the small and, although it fit, it isn’t the ideal size for layering.
Read More: Best Winter Leggings
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 |
| Colors | 3 |
| Hood? | NO |
Best Budget
Anrabess Fuzzy Fleece Jacket
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Dupe of the Free People option
- Great for lounging or getting active
- Super lightweight and roomy
Cons
- Runs a bit small
If you don’t want to break the bank on a fleece jacket, opt for this one from Anrabess on Amazon. Editors agree that it’s almost an exact dupe of our favorite Free People one, minus the color blocking. It’s even made out of the exact same material content (100 percent polyester).
Like the Free People option, this fleece is suitable for all seasons because it’s super lightweight, but also roomy enough to be layered on top of other clothing. Plus, it comes in more color options than the Free People one, so there’s a little more variety which we appreciate. I mean, how cute is the baby blue shade?
This fleece is super soft and cozy, so we found ourselves lounging in it a bunch during testing. Yes, it’s perfect for sitting by the fire, but it’s also great layered under clothing (like a ski jacket) if you want to get active.
We found it to be slightly on the smaller side when compared to the Free People option, so if you want it to have a baggier fit, def opt for a size up. Another note: Saladino says the arm cuffs are a bit large, but it’s still a super fun layering option if you don’t want to break the bank.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 |
| Colors | 14 |
| Hood? | No |
Softest
Beyond Yoga Ultra Cozy Fleece Jacket
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Clasps at the front of the hood keep you warm
- Relaxed fit, which looks flattering on
- Made out of a smooth faux fir
Cons
- On the heavier side
I’ve tried on every single fleece jacket on this list (duh), and this one is by far the most comfortable. The outside is made out of a smooth-to-the-touch faux fur that’s extremely thick and soft, but the inside is made from a sweatshirt-like material that’s stretchier, so you don’t have to worry about feeling constricted or overheated during wear.
I love how the hood on this jacket is separate from the sweatshirt-like collar. You can zip it all the way up to the collar, but the hood is its own piece, attached to the back of the jacket. This design makes the hood feel much lighter and less likely to pull on the back of your neck, which I really appreciate since most of my sweatshirts have the hood directly attached to the collar. Saladino loves that the hood also clasps at the front and covers up the neck if you want a bit of extra warmth.
In terms of fit, this jacket isn’t quite oversized—it has more of a relaxed fit. It has a cinched waistband, so it gathers at the hip, but it’s not too tight that it feels uncomfortable. I sized down and got a more snug fit, but if you go up a size you’ll definitely achieve that super slouchy look.
This jacket is on the heavier side when compared to some of the other fleece jackets on this list, but I actually like the weight it has, as it feels super high-quality and I know it’s a great option for super chilly days when I need an extra layer on top of my gym clothes or under a puffer.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 |
| Colors | 2 |
| Hood? | Yes |
Best Heavy-Duty
Ugg Nikia Crochet UGGfluff Jacket
Pros
- Oversized without looking too big
- Has a built-in elastic drawstring
- Scalloped detailing is a fun addition
Cons
- Thickness makes it less ideal for layering
Ugg is famous for its fleece-lined boots, but I find its fluffy jackets are just as cozy. It’s by far the heaviest and warmest option, making it perfect for winter. However, it didn’t take the top spot because its thickness makes it less ideal for layering. That said, it’s definitely the trendiest and most stylish choice here—not to mention one of the coziest. Plus, with its three neutral color options, the jacket pairs easily with almost any casual outfit. “I always receive multiple compliments whenever I wear this fleece,” says WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture. “It is now my go-to piece to wear whenever I am running errands or going for a walk.”
I’m a total sucker for anything oversized—hoodies, jackets, and especially fleeces—and this one checks all the boxes. While it’s a bit bulky to wear under a coat, it’s unlined and super roomy inside, making it easy to layer underneath. I also love that there’s no band at the bottom to cinch it tight because it looks more slouchy and oversized versus too tight around the waist. That said, it does have a built-in elastic drawstring if you do want to tighten it at the waist for a more tailored look.
I love that the zipper goes all the way up through the collar to help keep my neck warm. And, speaking of the zipper, the scalloped crochet detailing along the middle of the jacket and down the sleeves is such a cute detail that makes it a notch dressier in my book. I can totes wear this jacket with jeans, leggings, or sweats. In terms of sizing, it’s a bit oversized, but I went with my usual size Medium and loved that it had a slightly baggier, roomie fit.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Colors | 3 |
| Hood? | No |
Best For The Outdoors
Patagonia Microdini Fleece Hoody
Pros
- Great for layering
- One of the most lightweight options on this list
- Has a lot of added features like elastic wrist cuffs and front pockets
Cons
- Wasn’t as thick as we expected—not the best choice for freezing temperatures
Saladino says this jacket is like a hoodie and a fleece in one. If you need a good layer for hiking, skiing, climbing, fishing, walking, and the list goes on, we couldn’t recommend the Patagonia Microdini Fleece highly enough. It is one of the most lightweight options on this list, so it’s not the best for wearing alone in super chilly weather, but we agree that it’s awesome for spring or fall wear or layered underneath warmer clothing.
In classic fleece fashion, it’s made from 100 percent recycled polyester, but it also has the addition of recycled nylon on the outside, which protects against wind and provides added durability and warmth. Other welcome features include a two-piece hood with a drawstring for cinching, elastic wrist cuffs for a more snug fit and extra insulation, and front pockets to store handheld items and keep your hands warm (big ups!).
This fleece isn’t as thick as we expected, so it’s not the best choice if you’re after something super fluffy and oversized. It also runs a bit snug, so we recommend sizing up if you prefer a roomier fit. This jacket is designed for outdoor adventures, so keep in mind that it may not go with your dressier ‘fits.
| Material | Polyester, nylon |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Colors | 4 |
| Hood? | Yes |
Best Quarter Zip
Half Days Pieper Quarter-Zip Fleece
Pros
- Made with an ultra soft sherpa fleece
- Super easy to layer
Cons
- Runs a little bit small
Everyone needs a quarter-zip fleece in their wardrobe because they’re so versatile, and this one from Halfdays is one of our favorites. Yes, it’s super cute and stylish, but it also has a ton of features that make it awesome for a range of outfits and activities from working to heading out for a hike.
First of all, it’s made from an ultra-soft sherpa fleece, which is different from regular fleece in that it’s warmer, has a bumpier, thicker texture, and feels a bit heavier. But, it still has that super soft feel. On top of that, we found that no matter how many times we washed or wore it, we noticed that the fabric never piled and always looked brand new. It’s designed for the 30 to 60 degree temperature range, so it’s super versatile—you can layer it under a puffer or wear it alone. And, if you happen to get stuck in the rain, the fleece is water-repellent so you don’t have to panic.
Our favorite feature of this fleece has to be the pockets. There are two large, deep pockets at the front, plus a giant back pocket that’s super handy for stashing AirPods or a protein bar on the way to the gym. The back pocket is roomy enough that your stuff doesn’t stick out or show through the jacket, which is a huge bonus.
And, the cropped fit is also super cute, especially paired with high-waisted leggings or pants. Our one note is that it does run a little bit small, so be sure to size up if you want an oversized feel and look.
| Material | Polyester, nylon trims |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 3 |
| Colors | 5 |
| Hood? | No |
Most Lightweight
Aritzia Polartec Thermal Pro 1/2 Zip Sweater
Now 20% Off
Pros
- 13 shades to choose from
- Can be easily dressed up
- Doesn’t make you feel overheated
Cons
- On the thinner side, so not super warm
Yes, this fleece is a quarter-zip too, but it’s easily the most lightweight option on the list. Unlike the Patagonia one, though, it’s soft and fuzzy, making it perfect for lounging at home or wearing out and about. The halfdays option only comes in five colors, but we appreciate that this Aritzia one has 13 different shades to choose from.
We find that, similar to the Ugg fleece, this one is easily dressed up with jeans or cargos and can also be worn with activewear or sweats. But, I like that, no matter what I’m wearing, this feels like a lightweight top layer versus a heavy addition that makes me feel overheated.
Other features I love? The two pockets at the front of the jacket are a great addition for storage purposes, and I love that the collar goes all the way up the neck for extra warmth, which is always appreciated. But beware that this def isn’t the warmest option on this list, as it’s on the thinner side.
| Material | 100% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Colors | 13 |
| Hood? | No |
Best Everyday
Adanola Polar Fleece
Pros
- Simple yet stylish
- Great for layering
- Doesn’t weigh you down
Cons
- We wish there was extra storage
A plain black fleece is an absolute must in any wardrobe, and this one is our go-to when we want something plain and simple, but super stylish over our Pilates ‘fits. It actually fits quite similarly to the Free People and Amazon options on this list with its button-up closure and zipped pockets.
“If you know me, you know I love Adanola,” says Lauture. And, of course, she wasn’t surprised that she loved this fleece. “It‘s simple but stylish and super lightweight.” She says that, during testing, she found that it was a bit too light to wear alone during the colder months, but it’s a great option to layer with for the gym or pack in a bag while traveling. Because it’s so light, it doesn’t weigh you down or make you feel overheated (score!).
Another pro? We love that this jacket has zippered pockets, which keeps our belongings secure when we’re out and about. However, we do wish there was a breast pocket or a back pocket for some extra storage space.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Pockets | 2 |
| Colors | 1 |
| Hood? | No |
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
Kristen Saladino is the Executive Fashion Director for the Hearst Fashion Group. She styles covers + fashion stories for various Hearst brands.
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