The Greatest Cozy Fleece Jackets for Fall and Winter

After I first moved to Europe greater than a decade in the past, a Swedish buddy gave me some excellent recommendation on getting by means of harsh, chilly, and lengthy Nordic winters: “There’s no such factor as dangerous climate, simply dangerous clothes.” I all the time consider this saying once I pack for journeys to northern Europe and much-loved ski areas — like Megève, France and St. Moritz and Zermatt, Switzerland — the place common jackets simply gained’t do throughout peak winter season. 

Certainly one of my favourite objects of clothes to put on in the course of the early winter months has been round for many years, but it surely’s infallible in my eyes: a fleece jacket. Fleece is tough to beat in relation to braving wintery chills — the fabric is extremely insulating and heat, and high-quality variations might be very light-weight, too. Over time, fleece know-how has undoubtedly improved, making the common-or-garden fleece jacket a good winter hotter. Technical fleeces are so in style proper now that manufacturers like The North Face, Merrell, Patagonia, and Cotopaxi have actually glammed up the in any other case primary outer layer. When you like trendy but purposeful and sturdy clothes for winter that retains you heat and insulated, a fleece layer is the best way to go. Listed here are 12 of one of the best ones on the market.

Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-zip Fleece Jacket

I walked previous three individuals with the Abrazo Half-zip Fleece throughout my hike in Runyon Canyon on my most up-to-date journey in Los Angeles, and I really like how the traditional fleece retains me heat throughout chilly morning walks. Made with 100-percent-recycled fleece, the jacket is extremely light-weight but gives loads of heat on colder days, which I examined in Switzerland once I went mushroom choosing in the course of the fall. The facet pockets sit very nicely when empty or full and are vast sufficient to your iPhone. There’s additionally a breast pocket which I discovered helpful for holding my resort room key. 

Merrell Sherpa Combine-up Jacket

There’s a lot to like about this tender sherpa fleece and I can’t advocate it sufficient. I wore an earlier model of this jacket final winter in St. Moritz, Switzerland and cherished it, however need to say this iteration with added rain safety is even higher than the unique design. The jacket could be very mild so it may be stuffed into your baggage simply, but it’s so insulating. Bonus options on this jacket embody two safe zippered pockets and woven overlay on the collar, decrease torso, and pockets, which not solely look trendy however assist hold much more physique warmth in the place it issues. 

The North Face Yumiori Quarter-zip Fleece 

This quarter-zip fleece is my favourite (in comparison with the complete zip) as a result of you possibly can slip it on and off simply with out having to cope with an enormous zipper, which might generally poke you within the abs space — hikers, you already know what I imply! The fleece high is available in six completely different sizes from XS to XXL and a spread of cool colours. 

Fjällräven Expedition Fleece Hoodie

Do you know that there are technical and leisure fleeces on the market? I didn’t till a buddy of mine, who’s a “fleece skilled,” advised me that you could improve your fleece jacket by selecting ones made particularly for outside adventures. The Fjällräven Expedition Fleece is an effective instance of a technical fleece meant for excessive climate situations. It’s not solely snug, heat, and light-weight however very hard-wearing — the fabric dries rapidly if rained on or in the event you sweat an excessive amount of throughout high-intensity actions. There’s additionally a hoodie, which makes it even higher for unpredictable climate situations within the mountains. 

Cotopaxi Bacano Fleece Jacket

That is the right layering fleece and I like to recommend it to all my mates who desire a first rate jacket for each winter weekend sojourns with mates or late December romps within the Swiss Alps. The extremely insulating jacket is a good layer if you’re searching for additional heat and could be very snug to put on, too, due to the roomier reduce and high-neck collar. 

Fjällräven Kaitum Fleece Hoodie

That is your typical-looking fleece jacket for mountain hikes and treks however is definitely not your on a regular basis fleece in relation to high quality. The jacket has a tailor-made match that’s nonetheless extremely snug and gives loads of vary of movement. I’ve tried this jacket by itself and by no means felt the chilly, and I’m trying ahead to carrying it in December when the temperature really dips. Different consumers have stated it really works nice underneath a shell jacket, too, and I consider it. Along with the microfleece lining (my favourite characteristic of the jacket), there are two zippered facet pockets, which I additionally love. 

The North Face Tekware Grid Quarter-zip Fleece

Whereas there’s a whole lot of science behind this technical fleece, all I do know is that it seems to be nice and I cherished carrying it on a latest 16-hour, long-haul flight from Los Angeles to the island of Flores, Indonesia. The quarter-zip fleece’s exterior seems to be extra like a jacket slightly than a big fuzzy pullover, and I really feel assured carrying it across the metropolis, on a airplane, and within the mountains. The very best characteristic is the water-repellent exterior, so it may possibly hold you dry throughout unpredictable climate.

Billabong Hearth Cozy Fleece Jacket

Surfers know that it will get chilly and chilly after a morning surf session, and this fluffy, high-pile fleece jacket can hold you heat not solely after water actions but in addition throughout mountain hikes and path runs. The jacket is trendy and has an extended reduce than most fleeces, so it retains extra of your physique heat. The very best characteristic? The jacket is totally mechanically cleanable and tumble dry-friendly. Practical and sturdy — what’s to not love? 

Thread & Provide Cable Sew Fleece Jacket 

One of many extra trendy fleeces I’ve come throughout, this cable-stitched jacket is good sufficient for procuring journeys in any European metropolis but heat sufficient for mountaineering within the mountains of France or Switzerland. The comfy jacket has a full-length entrance zipper and a stand collar to maintain the wind from chilling your neck and funneling additional down your physique. 

Kari Traa Rothe Vest 

Fleece vests are a secret winter hotter I like to put on throughout colder months. Not solely do they provide additional insulation underneath heavier coats, however they’re additionally nice when indoors — sleeve-free jackets permit for straightforward mobility! This Kari Traa Rothe Vest is created from a tender and supple cozy-pile fleece, however what I really like most about this jacket is the handwarmer pockets that hold the chilliest fingers heat. 

Columbia Panorama Lengthy Jacket 

A protracted sherpa jacket that isn’t solely tremendous heat however trendy? Sure, it does exist. The Columbia Panorama Lengthy Jacket comes with all of the options of a modern layer however is additional cozy due to the sherpa fleece. The jacket buttons up with a row of hidden snaps and options deep pockets, excellent for individuals whose arms get chilly simply in the course of the winter — responsible!

Oiselle PNW Shacket

One thing about this jacket simply screams Aspen, Colorado, and lazing round a fireplace together with your mates after an extended ski day. This “shacket” (half shirt, half jacket) was created by scientists at Polartec, so you already know the fabric is manufactured from a worthy high-tech fleece. It comes with two massive hand pockets, a safe zipper pocket on the chest, and a stretchy woven trim. Whether or not you put on it whereas working errands or round the home, it’s simple to like this shacket. 

Love an ideal deal? Join our T+L Recommends e-newsletter and we’ll ship you our favourite journey merchandise every week.