It can be difficult to find the right fleece jacket for you, so we tested 30 from popular brands like The North Face, Kühl, Helly Hansen, L.L.Bean, and more to see which ones excelled in fit, design, performance, durability, and value. During the process, we tested each piece in multiple scenarios, from exercise to errands, to see how they performed (you can find more insight on our testing process below). Whatever your specifications are, a jacket on this list will fit the bill.
fleece jackets are one of the few pieces of clothing that you can wear as your main top at social events, underneath a thicker coat while skiing, or even as a cozy pajama shirt in the comfort of your own home. Fleece is soft and versatile, and its functionality can rival even the most technical coats and shirts. With proper care, they can also last for years.
Best Overall
The North Face Denali Zip Jacket
The North Face
View On The North Face
View On Dick's
$180
View On Zappos
$180
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
The block-color design pairs well with almost anything.
What to Consider
It can be boxy on slimmer body types.
The Denali Zip Jacket from The North Face is one of the most ubiquitous jackets available today for good reason. We chose it as our best overall because of its lightweight, breathable fabric, while still being extremely warm. Its relaxed fit and flexible fabric allow for a full range of motion, and there’s enough room to wear one or two layers beneath it. We love that it comes in a wide range of colors, from the neutral black to more unique colors like “chlorophyll green digital distortion” and “fawn gray.” The recycled-nylon block overlay is an iconic look for all ages, and it also provides wind protection. The jacket is also flexible, featuring a shock cord and lock on the waist to adjust the bottom’s size.
During testing we determined that the Denali performed the best across a wide range of activities: we wore it on chilly mornings, in the car, and doing errands in 30- to 60-degree weather and it was both cozy and breathable. It grabbed the highest score possible in each of our categories, but it particularly scored well in comfortability. We haven’t seen something look good and function as well across the board as the Denali.
The Details: XS to 3XL | Polyester, nylon | Full-zip
Best Everyday
L.L.Bean Sweater Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
L.L.Bean
View On L.L.Bean
$99
View On Zappos
$99
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
It’s extremely soft.
What to Consider
It doesn’t have a head covering.
L.L.Bean’s Sweater Fleece Full-Zip Jacket is the ideal go-to daily sweater fleece because of its simple and practical cut and fuzzy softness. In testing, we wore this three to four times per week to different places and events. Because of its full-zip feature, it’s easy to take this jacket on and off in just a few seconds — which is especially helpful on airplanes, trains, and cars. It has a loose fit, which makes it adaptable to the shirts you may be wearing on any given day. The polyester fleece is free of static and clinging (which pleasantly surprised us because of how soft it is), and it has proper anti-odor capabilities, which helped the Sweater Fleece Full-Zip earn its spot as the best jacket for day-to-day use. We threw this in with our other clothes on a cold-water cycle and the fabric still looks as good as new. At under $100, this is a great jacket to pick up for daily use — you may even want to get it in multiple shades.
The Details: S to 3XL | Polyester | Full-zip
Most Comfortable
Helly Hanson Men's Panorama Pile Fleece Jacket
Zappos
View On Zappos
$140
View On Hellyhansen.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
Wearing it feels like a cozy fleece throw blanket.
What to Consider
There are limited colorway options.
The Panorama Pile Fleece from Helly Hansen features plush fleece made from 100 percent recycled polyester and a high neck that’s great for protection against the elements. During testing, we loved that it felt like we were wearing a thick blanket rather than a flimsy shell jacket. In the fall, it works as a solo jacket, and during the colder months, it’s a capable midlayer. With sleeves long enough for outstretched arms, the jacket includes thumb holes that let it act as a pseudo pair of gloves. We noticed that the air flow was minimal during our testing activities. While great for hikes and stationary activities, we wouldn’t wear this on a jog due to potential overheating. Unlike some other fleece jackets, you can wash the Panorama Pile Fleece at the same as other laundry rather than washing it separately. Sometimes lesser quality fleece jackets can get all out of sorts in the washing machine, but this one held up just fine when we washed it in a cold-wash cycle and dried it in a medium-hot cycle.
The Details: S to XXL | Polyester | Full-zip
The 15 Best Men’s Packable Jackets for Hiking, Skiing, Running, and Beyond
Most Versatile
KUHL Interceptr Full-Zip Jacket
KUHL
View On Backcountry.com
View On Kuhl.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
The sleeves and body are sewn specifically for a wider range of motion.
What to Consider
The fabric pills after a few washes.
The Interceptr features two different types of fleece fabrics: one for breathable movement and one for core warmth, all in one piece. We wore the jacket both indoors and out for several hours to see how it held up with movement. It regulated body temperature well and stored adequate warmth, though we felt air movement in the wind. Kühl designed the Interceptr to cover your body and arms regardless of the activity. Due to the articulated sleeves, our arms and wrists stayed perfectly shielded and the bottom of the jacket didn’t ride up the waist. This jacket is ideal for anyone who is active outside or moves from indoors to outdoors frequently due to its temperature-management capabilities. It’s even useful during freezing weather if paired with a light layer on top. It also offers ample storage, with two chest pockets and two hand-warming side pockets. We also think it looks versatile enough to wear for many different occasions. After a delicate wash with cold water and hang-drying, we found the fabric to become even softer and more comfortable.
The Details: S to 3XL | Acrylic, polyester | Full-zip
Best Value
Columbia Full-zip Fleece Jacket
Amazon
View On Amazon
View On Backcountry.com
View On Dick's
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
It works as a functional or fashionable jacket and has plenty of colorways.
What to Consider
It’s not particularly breathable.
For a basic, reliable fleece jacket at a smart price, we recommend the Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket from Columbia. It has soft yet durable fleece material, zippered pockets, and a waist drawcord to customize the fitting. It fits true to size but also has room for one or two base layers underneath. During our tests, we determined that it uses a top-tier fleece fabric after we washed it with our normal sweats, and it came out looking and feeling the same. It’s available in over a dozen different colors and different fit variations like “standard,” “big,” and “tall.” Its two-tone design offers flexibility for different outfits, and we experienced a wide range of motion, though we don’t recommend it for high-intensity workouts due to its lack of breathability. Still, the quality it comes with is unbeatable at its price tag — the most affordable option on this list.
The Details: S to XXL | Polyester | Full-zip
Best Splurge
Patagonia Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket
Patagonia
View On Backcountry.com
View On Patagonia.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
It has a stylish vintage look and a tall collar.
What to Consider
The fleece is more rugged than soft.
Patagonia is known for outfitting frat guys and tech bros alike. The Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket looks like it came right out of the 1980s with shaggy, high-pile fleece; retro colors; and a high-rise collar. The fleece looks like a sheep’s body, feels natural, and during testing it kept us warm on cold New York City days by the water. It’s fairly breathable, while also doing a good job of trapping heat and blocking the wind. We machine-washed it with other clothes and dried it on low, and the fabric felt the same as it did before the cycle. While you may be partially paying for the name brand and its initiatives like Patagonia’s Fair Trade manufacturing, we rated the Classic Retro-X as the Best Splurge because of its unique fabric, stylish appearance, and superior functionality during testing.
The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyester, nylon | Full-zip
The Ultimate Winter Road Trip Packing List
Best Sustainable
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
Cotopaxi
View On Cotopaxi.com
View On Moosejaw.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
This jacket worn indoors, outdoors, and for a wide range of activities.
What to Consider
The colors are unique — maybe too unique for some.
If you’re looking for a jacket that is best for the environment, we recommend the Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket from Cotopaxi. The shell is made of 100 percent recycled polyester fleece, and the stripes across the chest are made of repurposed polyester. After testing this jacket out, we recommend wearing more than just a T-shirt with it if you’ll be in temperatures less than 50 degrees. The jacket is stylish with a tri-color stripe but also performs well for high-intensity, high-movement workouts. It also scored the highest marks in each of our testing categories. It features two hand pockets on the sides for extra hand warmth. Washed in cold water, this jacket air-dries quickly. Cotopaxi offers a generous lifetime warranty, simple returns and exchanges, and you can even trade in your old gear for store credit, which we’re big fans of because it encourages thoughtful consumerism.
The Details: XS to 3XL | Polyester | Full-zip
Best High-pile
L.L.Bean Bean's Sherpa Fleece Jacket
L.L.Bean
View On L.L.Bean
$119
View On Zappos
$119
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
It’s extremely warm for chilly days.
What to Consider
It’s too thick to wear for high-intensity activities.
If you prefer thick, scruffy materials versus the short-and-soft fleece you may be used to, the Bean’s Sherpa Fleece Jacket is for you. The body is made of 100 percent recycled polyester, with nylon and polyester linings. The sleeves have classic ribbed cuffs to limit cold air slipping to the arms. We tested this in multiple settings, both indoors and outdoors, and appreciated the fitted look and versatility in different environments. You can get by with just this jacket and one or two undershirts because the high-pile material holds warmth extremely well. We wore this with a T-shirt and hoodie underneath, and it still looked good. While it’s great for hikes or relaxing, we wouldn’t recommend you go for any runs in this because its thickness could cause overheating. Despite its thick fabric, there was no pilling or shrinking after washing.
The Details: S to 3XL | Polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex | Full-zip
Best Lightweight
REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket
REI
View On REI
$60
View On REI
$60
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
Its material is thin while still being warm.
What to Consider
The zipper hangs to the side, not straight.
Guys who are always on the go will appreciate the Trailmade Fleece’s lightness and versatility. You can wear this as a standalone jacket for workouts, or combine it with more layers for colder temperatures. When we tried it out, we found that it was ideal for travel because of its packability, and we were able to wear it for days at a time. We don’t recommend wearing more than a basic T-shirt underneath as it could get too crowded. While there are five available colors, we wish there were a few more neutral options like gray or white for more casual use. Washing this jacket from REI is easy — we put it in with the other loads and the fabric felt unaffected and the colors did not bleed into other clothes.
The Details: S to 3XL | Polyester, spandex | Full-zip
The 10 Best Men’s Winter Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for High-intensity Activities
Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie
Outdoor Research
View On Backcountry.com
$110
View On Outdoorresearch.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
It’s especially stretchy for fleece material — great for base layers.
What to Consider
It’s not the warmest for colder days.
This pullover hoodie from Outdoor Research is similar to a strong performance long sleeve, but with a hood and a few additional features. The grid-pattern fleece has a proprietary treatment that keeps the body cool and dry during sweaty workouts. The hood features a balaclava that’s great for when wind hits your face and thumb holes on the sleeves keep it from rolling up your arms. If you have any accessories like keys or AirPods, the left-chest zip pocket provides handy storage. This fleece also has UPF 30 protection and a lifetime guarantee, which we appreciate, especially for outdoor runs and activities that require more durability against the elements. We also washed and dried it with a normal load and the fabric came out unharmed.
The Details: S to XXL | Polyester, spandex, nylon | Pullover
Best Pullover
Patagonia Men's Lightweight Fleece Pullover
Patagonia
View On Backcountry.com
$139
View On Dick's
$129
View On Patagonia.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
The recycled polyester fleece wicks moisture and dries quickly.
What to Consider
It doesn’t have side pockets.
The Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover has been in Patagonia’s classic collection for years for good reasons. The fleece material is so soft and plush, we wore it around the house like a bathrobe. You won’t overheat in this, but it’s still breathable. Button snap closures up the neck allow for a relaxed or performance look. If you plan on skiing in weather lower than 50 degrees, we recommend this for its versatility. You can wear this around the lodge and under a bigger winter coat. While washing in hot water works well, we do recommend air-drying this to keep the fleece soft. We wish there was more storage, but the chest pocket can still hold smaller items, and at the end of our tests, we determined that we’d definitely purchase this again for more seasons on the slopes.
The Details: XXS to 3XL | Polyester | Pullover with snap buttons
Best for Hiking
REI Co-op Hyperaxis Fleece Jacket 2.0
REI
View On REI
$149
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
It offers superior wind protection.
What to Consider
It holds warmth inside, so be cautious on warmer days.
We primarily tested the Hyperaxis 2.0 during outdoor activities and found it to be the most equipped for hiking and climbing. It hangs a little below the waist, so if you prefer a slightly oversized fit, this will be great. The material has four-way stretch and allows for a wide range of movement while also drying quickly and wicking sweat away from the body. The edge, cuffs, and hem have a Lycra spandex binding to ensure a tight fit without the need for a drawcord. If you plan on layering, it features thumb holes on the sleeves to keep the jacket in place. It has pockets on the chest and sides, which provide ample storage for long hours outside. For cleaning, we put it in a regular load and air-dried it, and the fabric came out feeling good as new.
The Details: S to 3XL | Polyester, nylon, spandex | Full-zip
The 10 Best Ski Goggles of 2024
Most Stylish
KUHL ALPENWURX
Kuhl
View On Backcountry.com
View On Kuhl.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
The heavyweight fleece is great for cold-to-freezing environments.
What to Consider
The metal zipper and slider could be hard to grasp in lower temperatures.
The Kühl Alpenwurx adds a touch of luxury and fashion to an otherwise straightforward piece of apparel. The Berber fleece collar looks like a classy, fur-trimmed coat, while providing a soft touch to the neck. We really enjoyed this as other jackets can cause friction on the skin, especially in the cold, dry weather. The sueded fabric patches on the shoulders and elbows offer a unique style, while also giving further protection to areas that are susceptible to wearing down over time. When trying this jacket out, we found that air sometimes got in on colder days, but we never felt too hot indoors. This jacket is especially good for long drives or travel because of the articulated sleeves that remain in place during movement. The manufacturer recommends washing it in cold water and then laying it out flat to dry. A delicate cycle keeps this jacket’s fabric perfectly intact.
The Details: S to XXL | Polyester | Full-zip
Best Breathable
Arc'teryx Kyanite AR Jacket
REI
View On REI
$180
View On Zappos
$180
View On Arcteryx.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
It’s simple, elegant, and ultra versatile.
What to Consider
There are no inside or chest pockets.
Made with Arc’teryx’s technical Polartec Power Stretch Pro synthetic fleece, the Kyanite Jacket allows for top-tier airflow. The material also has a nylon face that offers strong resistance to abrasion. We found it to be on the thinner side, which made it extremely breathable, but it also stored warmth well. The material allows for motion and flexibility, great for workouts and quick movement. It comes in five colors and its stylish design allows it to be worn out casually.
It fit almost perfectly and wasn’t too short or too long. It also would work for multiple body types. As long as you care for it properly, this jacket would perform well through many wears and washes. The only adjustment we’d make is the addition of a chest or interior pocket for more storage during other activities that may require extra tools.
The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester, nylon, elastane | Full-zip
Best Sporty
Topo Designs Global Midlayer Hoodie
Topo Designs
View On Backcountry.com
$78
View On Topodesigns.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
The hood can provide extra warmth and protection.
What to Consider
It only comes in four color options.
The Global Midlayer Hoodie strikes the balance between function and fashion. Its grid-pattern fleece is soft enough on the skin as a base layer and strong enough to act as your solo outerwear. It features one zipper chest pocket, two zipper hand pockets, and a tight-fitting scuba hood, which would be great for quicker movements against the wind. We found it long enough to cover everything, but not overly baggy. Elastic on the wrists and waists also prevent too much air getting in. Also, if you have shorter arms, the elastic helps hold the sleeves in place.
We appreciated the zippers, which stayed in place when we wore it. It’s excellent at holding warmth, but we wouldn’t recommend it in temperatures above 60 degrees as it could be too hot. We found the washing process to be extremely easy, throwing it in with other clothes, and normal detergent worked well.
The Details: S to XXL | Polyester, spandex | Full-zip
The 14 Best Fleece Jackets for Women, Tested and Reviewed
Best Hooded
Helly Hansen Men’s Patrol Pile Fleece
Amazon
View On Amazon
View On Hellyhansen.com
Our Ratings
Why We Love It
This is a great in-between piece when you need more than a thin jacket and less than a full coat.
What to Consider
It has a large logo embroidered on the left chest.
For those trekking in extreme weather conditions, the Patrol Pile Fleece Jacket offers all the comprehensive features you need. Part of Helly Hansen’s award-winning “Arctic Patrol” family (gear made for extreme-weather professionals), this jacket is suited for the worst weather. The adjustable hood and cuffs let you choose if you want the standard roomier openings or a tighter air-restricting fit. Thick YKK zippers on the shell and pockets are sturdy, great for extra assurance when you’re carrying valuables or going through uncertain terrain. When we tried this jacket, we felt like the insulation could handle most temperatures, but we’d definitely recommend an additional down jacket if you’ll be in freezing weather. We also loved how easy it was to wash — we didn’t put it through any special treatment (but did air-dry it), and it came out like new. Helly Hansen is also a member of Bluesign, an organization that offers solutions and services to help companies become more sustainable.
The Details: S to XXL | Polyester, polyamide, elastane | Full-zip