15 Best Fleece Jackets for Staying Warm Without the Bulk

A fan of fleece? Thank Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s wife, Malinda. She found a roll of polyester in a Los Angeles fashion district warehouse that she thought might work if cut like a sweater. (It was destined to become a toilet seat cover.) Before long, the company’s Pile fleece jackets had become a staple of its product line, and inspired imitators everywhere. It’s still a great option, but we think the company’s chunky, textured Retro-X fleece feels more of the moment.

It’s the worst kept secret in fashion: Uniqlo is where the best-dressed go for simple wardrobe staples like shirts and socks. But there is heat in its outerwear section, too. In this case, that’s meant literally. Though they’re constructed of a relatively thin polyester, Uniqlo’s fleece jackets are designed to keep you plenty warm. When you pull it on, you’ll notice piping at the cuffs and hem, which keeps the openings from flapping in the chilly wind.

There are a few key details that make the Filson sherpa fleece an ideal companion for trips that involve hiking or camping. It starts with the fleece itself—high-pile, but light and quick-drying. The main differentiator though, is the jacket’s many nylon-reinforced stretches. These are not just spread out for aesthetics, but rather to up the jacket’s durability along parts that might rub against itself, your bag, or the side of a mountain. As a nice add, especially for colder trips, the hems are rib-knit to fully seal in warmth.

Gramicci is the rare label that has both the buy-in of the fashionable and the outdoorsy, given its history making clothing for climbers, mainly thanks to its pants with its easy-adjust belts. Its light fleece jacket is modeled after a pair of cozy flannel pajamas, and packs plenty of pockets. Better yet, the company makes a matching pair of pants, in case you really want to flex.

This roomy Outdoor Voices jacket is made of the company’s MegaFleece—a wool, nylon, and polyester blend that’s naturally thermoregulating, odor-resistant, and moisture wicking. The jacket has three pockets: one closes with a zipper, two close with snaps. And the reinforced collar will help you keep wind off your neck in a gust.

The menswear wizards at Drake’s, a company founded primarily as a maker of beautiful accessories, like scarves and shawls, began making fleece jackets a couple of years ago. As you might expect from a company now mainly known for its tailoring, Drake’s fleece is more fitted than those from other brands. Size appropriately.

Fjallraven is primarily known for its kindercore backpacks and bags, but the company has been making clothes designed to withstand the outdoors since the late ’60s. The outer body of the Vardag Pile Fleece is made of two layers of teddy-fleece—just the right amount of warmth for late fall and early winter explorations. The jacket has three pockets, including one eye-catching snap on the chest.

Those looking for a bold alternative to simple solids, color blocking, and the occasional stripe, should look no further than the wares of Sundae School. The Seoul-born label that’s now based in California might primarily be known for its sublimely flavored edibles, but the brand has been making colorful fleeces for a few years. The cuddly Kloudy Bay fleece is just one entrant in its line inspired by urban landscapes and bridges.

Lululemon almost single-handedly made wearing comfortable workout clothes in casual, non-athletic contexts possible. It’s no surprise then that the company sells an elegant, comfy half-zip fleece pullover. The soft, stretchy fabric is oversized and a bit long. And one of its two size pockets includes a sleeve that’ll keep your phone in place when you’re running.

Though these days you’re just as likely to see a magazine editor wearing Carhartt as a dock worker, the company’s line of gear is still built to handle tough conditions. Its fleece, a cozy, high-pile fabric, is constructed with a loose, relaxed fit. There are two pockets in the front, placed in the exact same spot as they are on your favorite hoodie.

Traveling to practically arctic conditions? The District Vision fleece is constructed from a heavyweight Italian fleece with an internal shell layer that’s super durable. No matter how cold it gets, the jacket should be plenty thick enough to keep you plenty warm.

Snow Peak was first founded in Japan back in 1958. It’s currently operated by the granddaughter of its founder as a warehouse for excellent camping gear, grills, and apparel. The light jacket is designed with plenty of pockets, including a pair on the back that are perfect for stashing small items you don’t need that often, like keys. Or, a snack.

The vast majority of Cotopaxi’s new backpacks, travel gear, and clothes are made from recycled materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. The company’s fleeces are no different. Featuring Cotopaxi’s logo and three colored stripes, the cut is a bit more fitted than some of the others we’ve highlighted. Size up if you want a cozy outer layer; size down if you plan to wear it under a larger jacket.

Tracksmith’s bread and butter is highly functional running gear with the aesthetic sensibility of a New England boarding school, in a good way! The company’s fleece is made for those early morning runs in the cold mist. It’s built with a few sections of nylon-elastane which provides the fleece with a bit of stretch. That’ll come in handy when you’re stretching over your seat to squish your carry-on in the overhead bin.

Nike’s ACG line (that’s “All Conditions Gear”) is chock-full of shoes, clothes, and accessories that are designed to perform as well in the outdoors as its mainline gear functions on tracks, fields, and courts. The oversized ACG fleece is a real looker, especially in the violet Arctic Wolf color. It also includes two zippered-chest pockets.