Whether the fall and winter seasons keep you cozied up inside or excite your urge for outdoor exploration, a fleece jacket is the perfect thing to reach for when you want warmth without excess bulk. And luckily, there’s a whole host of fleece jackets to shop.
From practical layers that will keep you warm on the trails to more fashion forward options that won’t cramp your street style, we’ve tapped stylists for their favorite fleeces jackets for staying snug all season long. Plus, we’ve added some of our Underscored staff’s favorites that have lasted through years of wear.
Best fleece jackets
“Teddy jackets are trending at every price point, and Levi’s does this style so well,” says?Christy Beddingfield, a Nordstrom stylist based in Atlanta's Perimeter Mall. “Did I mention it has hand warmer pockets? Enough said.” This teddy jacket is ideal for those laid back fall weekend looks; just pair it with an oversized tee, leggings and cozy boots.
Underscored's outdoors editor, Kai Burkhardt, loves the oversized fit of this Outdoor Afro and REI Co-op fleece. It's warm with a roomy hood and a massive kangaroo pocket that can help you store your essentials or keep your hands toasty. Plus, it gets extra points for having added street style too.
“With its creamy hue, I can’t get enough of the Cloud Fleece Crewneck,” says celebrity stylist and TV personality?Cindy Conroy. “It’s one of the best value purchases you can make for your fleece collection — affordable with cloud-like softness.” You can also grab the matching fleece skirt for a comfy, cozy fall set.
Underscored's fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw has been wearing this chic and warm jacket this fall. "The double-breasted style and gold buttons give it a classic look, while the eco-friendly fleece make it feel ultra cozy," she says. It's a great option if you want the warmth of a fleece, but with a more polished look.
The same softness you love in your Ugg boots also comes in a fleece jacket version too. “A touch of street style makes the Ugg trucker jacket the perfect third piece for the sneaker head that lives inside all of us,” says?Beddingfield. “The plush texture will dare you not to take it off when you reach your destination.”
Need a durable fleece for your next hiking trek? Burkhardt likes this Fjallraven option, which he says really stands out due to its shoulders, which are reinforced with Fjallraven’s G1000 fabric to ensure they don’t wear down when you’re carrying a backpack.
Conroy also likes this fleece from the Canadian brand Roots. Combining function and fashion, this fleece has roomy, zippered pockets for your hands and other essentials. Plus, it's perfectly suited for a night around the campfire. S'mores anyone?
“If you’re always on the go but want to still look put together and polished, this fleece jacket is a great addition to your wardrobe,” says personal stylist?Alex Lamb. “It’s warm and long enough to pair with a leggings outfit for an easy, casual look.” Lamb adds that this jacket tends to run large, so if you want that oversized look, just order your usual size.
"My number one favorite fleece layer is Paka Apparel’s The Hoodie," says Burkhardt. Soft, thin and lightweight, yet surprisingly warm, this hoodie is made from 65% royal alpaca fiber and 35% recycled nylon. "It’s super comfortable, which means it’s my go-to for cozy fall days around the house, but thanks to its great warmth and odor-repelling attributes, I also wear it as a layer when I’m outside hiking and snowboarding," adds Burkhardt.
Can't decided between a fleece or a trench? Why not have both.?Hallie Abrams, founder and lead stylist at?The Wardrobe Consultant, says that fleece jackets have typically had sportier silhouettes, but now you can find it in more fashion-forward and classic coat styles, like this statement piece from Alo.
"I’ve had this Patagonia fleece for three years and have put it through some heavy use (like wearing it basically every day for four months straight the first winter I got it)," says Burkhardt. "It’s a perfect blend of coziness, warmth, style and durability."
Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy is also a fan of Patagonia's fleece. "Whenever I do anything active outside in cold temps — be it skiing, hiking, camping or walking — this is the layer I trust to keep me warm," she says. Throw it on over your thermal layer or ski bibs, wear it under rain coats or puffers, or just sport it on it's own for added warmth whenever you need it. Tracy also loves the high neck, which you can zip all the way up for wind protection in lieu of a scarf or buff.
“If you look up elevated basic in the dictionary, the Fleece Polo Sweatshirt is there,” says Conroy. With a V-neck, collar and white striping details, this sweatshirt looks great with your go-to pair of jeans or for a loungewear set, go for the matching fleece trousers.
For a sporty vibe without leggings or sweats, Lamb says to pair this Lamarque jacket with jeans and some casual sneakers. Or if you're doubling down on the laid-back look, it also looks great with your favorite sweats.
For fall layering, Lamb likes the rich chocolate brown color of this Aritzia fleece. "It will keep you warm on cooler days and looks stylish layered over black jeans or slit flare pants with a sweatshirt," she says.
L.L. Bean is a classic brand for trusty outdoors wear and this lightweight fleece is no exception. Good on its own or for layering with heavier pieces when you venture outside, this sherpa jacket comes in regular, petite and plus sizes too.
If your winter wardrobe is in serious need of some color, this Free People fleece might be just what you need. Available in 16 colors, like sapphire, Barbie pink and green sheen, this fleece also has zippered pockets for keeping all your essentials safe. Plus, there are plenty of neutral color tones if you want to rock this slouchy fleece that way too.
For a fleece with a bit more coverage, this L.L. Bean fleece hits at the mid-thigh for warmth through your whole torso. Add over your fleece-lined leggings for a a comfy, cozy look that nails chalet chic.
"The neutral trend isn’t going anywhere, so the color palette of this fleece-lined hooded jacket is perfect,” says stylist and art director?Rebecca Dennett. “It’s great to throw on walking to and from an exercise class or walking the dog.”
Need a fleece to keep you covered for under $50? This Columbia fleece zip comes in a ton of colors and sizes up to 3X. It's a great choice if you only venture into cooler climates a few times a year.
Contrast piping and diamond quilting give this Barbour fleece an elevated feel that's perfect for your daily errands or your next trip to the mountains.
“This is a fun one! I would pair this with denim,” says Dennett. “This will cheer you up on any dull overcast day!”
