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The secret to keeping warm lies in your layers, and a fleece is a prime piece of gear for the job. We tested fleece jackets in a range of temperatures, while lounging at home and charging through the outdoors, to understand their warmth and breathability.
Both test teams loved the Arc'teryx Kyanite for women and men. This all-around great layer is cozy like your favorite sweatshirt and versatile enough to use as an outdoor layer or streetwear.
If you're looking for a great deal, our female test team loves the Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip as a soft and warm fleece that won't break the bank. Our male team loved the REI Co-op Trailmade as a casual and affordable fleece that's versatile enough for everyday wear.
Over the past decade, we've tested more than 170 of the best fleece jackets on the market, with our top 10 favorites in this review. We layered them over t-shirts, baselayers, under down jackets, and hard shells to see how well they insulate us in the colder months. Read on to learn about our favorites.
Editors' Note: We updated this review on May 1, 2026, awarding new jackets from Rab, REI Co-op, and Columbia.
Who this is best for: If you love comfort, the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody should be on your list. This sweatshirt-like layer offers the wicking ability of a technical fleece without sacrificing that soft and cozy feel next to skin. It's an ideal option for women who prioritize being comfy and warm during low-output activities or chilly days outside. The high-quality design includes a thicker fleece construction, strategically-placed seams, zippered pockets, and a cozy protective hood that is clearly built to last. If you don't mind paying more for a long-lasting piece of gear, we highly recommend the Kyanite for its all-around comfort and warmth during the change of season.
Why we love it: Arc'teryx nailed the design of this fleece — it essentially combines performance fleece with the ease and comfort of your favorite sweatshirt. Its fabric is soft and stretchy, and it works great as a standalone jacket or sandwiched in a layered system. “There's a generous cut through the shoulders, arms, and torso, so I never felt restricted or limited in range of motion, even when wearing it while rock climbing or trail running,” says our lead tester, Trish Matheny. This is Trish's go-to layer for long flights and travel days, thanks to the comfort and warmth it provides without requiring too much space in her carry-on. Arc'teryx thought of everything, from articulated patterning to flatlock seams that won't bother you while carrying a backpack. The smooth outer fabric also resists dirt and debris, which keeps you looking fresh and clean, even after enduring multiple cycles of wear, wash, repeat. It's also the fleece jacket that we received the most compliments on, thanks to the classic look and fun color options.
Should you buy it? If you love the plush feeling of a warm and cozy sweatshirt, this is that on steroids. If you run hot or you're always exerting yourself in your outdoor excursions, the Kyanite Hoody might be a bit too warm, and doesn't have the same level of breathability as some lighter-weight options. The main zipper can be a weak point in a stiff breeze, but that doesn't outweigh the higher overall warmth rating of the material. Lastly, we can't deny that this high-performing jacket is pricey; however, when the temperatures drop, it is the fleece we find ourselves reaching for the most. We've tested many iterations of this layer over the years and can attest to the high-quality construction that's built to last, offering a longer return on your investment.
Our testers love the Kyanite Hoody thanks to its soft and cozy interior that combines with technical features to provide excellent performance in exchange for your investment dollars. We receive a lot of compliments when sporting this sweatshirt-style fleece around town or in the mountains. Credit: Trish Matheny
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody is ideal for anyone who wants one fleece that can handle both outdoor adventures and everyday life. Whether you're climbing, hiking, layering it for skiing, or just heading out to walk the dog or grab groceries, this hoody fits right in. Our testers never got tired of wearing it. It's a solid choice if you value comfort and versatility and want something that looks stylish, too.
Why we love it: The special part about this hoody is the fabric. It has a super soft feel, a relaxed fit, and offers a near-perfect balance of warmth and breathability. We really appreciate the stretch fabric and felt that the jacket moved easily with us. One tester said, “I love the feeling of the material against the skin. It's breathable yet still warm. I could wear this all day, whether I'm out on the trail or just lounging at home.”
Should you buy it? For a warm fleece that feels great and looks good whether you're out in nature or downtown, the Arc'teryx Kyanite is one of our absolute favorites. However, it does have some drawbacks. We found that it pilled slightly after just a couple of weeks of wear, which is disappointing to see in such a pricey product. The fit is a little on the baggy side on our male tester, and while it has two zippered hand pockets, he missed having chest pocket storage. The mid-weight fabric is also a bit too warm for high-output activities, but if you're looking for a cozy-sweatshirt like fleece, this is it.
With the Arc'teryx Kyanite, you don't have to sacrifice style or function; it has best-in-class performance in both domains, but it also comes with a best-in-class price tag. Credit: GearLab Team
Who this is best for: The Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip is an affordable fleece that's great for casual outings around town, or dog walks during cooler temperatures, or hanging out at camp. What it lacks in technical performance, it makes up for in plush and cozy fleece fabrics that feel great next to the skin. The relaxed fit makes it easy to layer tanks, t-shirts, and base layers underneath, while the zippered hand pockets offer plenty of room to stow essentials. We love the inclusive size range and the variety of color options (this fleece is offered in a ton of colors), and it's perfect for those who are after a soft and cozy layer and don't need a ton of techy performance features.
Why we love it: The Benton Springs quickly won over our testing team with its super soft fleece fabric that's warm and feels great next to bare skin. The relaxed cut is comfortable and makes this an ideal layer for hanging by the fire or hitting the trails for a short hike after work. The relaxed fit and stretchy fabric make it easy to move, and the elastic cuffs are functional without feeling too tight or restricting range of motion. The hand pockets are lined with micro-fleece, a nice touch for keeping hands warm when we forget our gloves. Overall, we love this design for mellow days spent around the house, short hikes, or car camping trips during cooler temperatures.
Should you buy it? If you're on a tight budget yet unwilling to sacrifice warmth and comfort in your next fleece jacket purchase, we highly recommend the Benton Springs Full Zip. (Bonus: it seems to almost always be on sale in at least one color option.) For a midweight design, it remains relatively light in weight while providing excellent comfort next to skin. If you're after a technical, breathable fleece built to perform while exercising, this isn't the one for you. But for a casual, comfortable, affordable layer, it's hard to beat the Benton Springs.
The Benton Springs is the push and cozy fleece jacket for lounging around or meeting up with friends on a chilly day. It's warm, comfortable, and comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Credit: Trish Matheny
Who this is best for: The REI Co-op Trailmade is best for casual outdoor use and everyday wear, especially if your adventures lean more relaxed than technical. It's a great fleece for mellow hikes, neighborhood walks, or layering up for a chilly evening out. If you're not pushing into high-output activities and just want a comfortable, good-looking fleece, this one fits the bill nicely. “I found myself often reaching for the Trailmade throughout the testing process over more technical layers while walking the dog or heading out to meet with friends,” our tester shared.
Why we love it: What we love most is its comfort and warmth. The fabric feels great against the skin, making it easy to throw on and wear all day, and it delivers more warmth than you might expect at this price point. It also has a versatile style that works just as well around town as it does on the trail. While the slightly baggier fit can make layering over it a bit awkward, it adds to that cozy, relaxed feel that makes this fleece so easy to wear.
Should you buy it? If you want an affordable, comfortable fleece for low-key outings and daily wear, it's a great option. It's not built for high-intensity pursuits or warm-weather use, since breathability is a bit limited, but for cooler days and lighter activity, it performs well and feels even better. Its blend of looks, against-skin comfort, warmth, and mobility makes it an easy decision for casual adventures — and best of all, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Who this is best for: The Patagonia R1 Air Hoody is perfect for women who move fast and want a fleece that can keep up. If you're looking for some extra insulation while rock climbing, trail running, hiking, or biking in cooler temperatures, you should definitely check out the R1 Air. It has long arms and more length in the torso for extra coverage. Although not the best for standalone warmth, we love the soft and cozy fabric that feels great next to your skin, whether you're moving in the mountains or chilling by the backyard campfire. The chest pocket is sized large enough for a smartphone or an energy bar. Just keep in mind, this fleece is designed for breathable warmth for bodies in motion, rather than standing still in chilly temperatures.
Why we love it: This fleece balances warmth and breathability really well for how lightweight it is. It packs down easily, feels soft against the skin, and doesn't get in your way when you're on the move. While it doesn't stow into a pocket, we found it easy to roll up and tuck into its own hood, reducing the space required in our daypack. One tester shared, “I love how it keeps me warm while I'm active, and yet I never feel sweaty or restricted. It's a great performance layer.” The hood is large enough to pull over a ball cap or beanie while providing extra warmth for the neck and ears in high winds. For those seeking extra comfort in uncomfortable environments, this is a great consideration.
Should you buy it? If you're in the market for a high-quality, lightweight fleece jacket to wear on your next trail run, rock climb, hike, or bike ride, really any activity that has you working up a sweat, the R1 Air is a great choice. We even love it for lounging around; however, you'll want to toss a jacket on over it if you're venturing into cold weather where you're not exerting yourself enough to generate some body heat. Although a bit of an investment up front, we love wearing the R1 Air throughout the year and think it's the perfect layer to maintain comfort during fast-paced outdoor activities.
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a fan favorite thanks to its comfortable fit and soft fabric that doesn't skimp on performance. It's great for women on the go, providing comfort and breathability while you're working up a sweat. Credit: Trish Matheny
Who this is best for: The Rab Ascendor Light Hoody is a favorite for high-output activities where breathability matters most. It's an excellent companion for uphill hiking, alpine climbing, warm-weather skiing or backcountry touring—any outdoors adventure where you're moving consistently and generating body heat. “If you tend to overheat in traditional fleeces, this piece is designed with you in mind,” one of our men's fleece experts commented.
Why we love it: We love how well the Ascendor Light balances airflow, mobility, and all-day comfort. It's one of the few fleeces that can stay on during sustained, high-effort missions without feeling swampy, and it still provides just enough warmth for cooler conditions. The fit is precise without being restrictive, allowing for excellent range of motion while still leaving room for a light base layer. It also layers easily with shells or insulation on top.
Should you buy it? If you prioritize breathability and plan to use your fleece during active pursuits, absolutely. It's not the warmest standalone option, especially in winter, but that's by design—it excels as a performance layer rather than a cozy insulator. “I was happy in this layer for a wide variety of environments and activities, but especially when I needed to shed heat,” said Zach, our lead tester.
Who this is best for: The Amazon Essentials Full-Zip Polar Fleece is best for budget-minded shoppers who just need something simple, functional, and warm without spending too much of their hard-earned cash. It's a great pick for casual use—think running errands, walking around town, or layering up for a low-key day at the ski hill. “If you don't care about premium materials or a tailored fit and just want solid basics, this hits the mark,” one of our fleece experts commented.
Why we love it: What we love most is the sheer value. At a price that's a fraction of most fleece jackets, it still delivers impressive comfort against the skin, a surprisingly good range of motion, and enough warmth for everyday wear. While the relaxed fit can feel a bit roomy—especially through the torso—it contributes to that easy, unrestricted feel. For the price of a quick meal, it's hard to find something that performs this well.
Should you buy it? If your priority is getting the most warmth and comfort per dollar, put this in your shopping cart. It's not the most refined or athletic-fitting fleece out there, but the performance-to-price ratio is tough to beat. “If you want something lightweight or more breathable, this isn't it, but this fleece is well worth a look if you're shopping on a particularly skinny wallet,” our men's lead concluded.
Who this is best for: The REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch is a great fit for active folks who want a breathable, stretchy fleece and need to stay in budget. No matter your chosen sport, hiking, climbing, or any other fast-paced activity, this layer offers mobility and comfort at a price that's hard to beat. Its lightweight construction, quick-drying fabric, and easy packability make it an ideal go-to for mid- to high-intensity outings.
Why we love it: REI included some thoughtful features in this jacket. A chin guard, wind flap, and extended hemline (with a drawcord) all make this fleece more comfortable to wear. The generous cut in the shoulders and extra arm length help it move well during activity. One reviewer shared, “After wearing it for countless days climbing in sandy and rocky areas, I really started to appreciate the amount of stretch and breathability it had. I didn't expect this level of performance from such an affordable fleece.” It has a smooth exterior that easily brushes free from dirt and debris, and a brushed fleece interior that feels cozy against the skin.
Should you buy it? For budget-conscious adventurers seeking an active layer, this fleece stands out as a great value, and we don't think you'll be disappointed. Though it's not the warmest or most wind-resistant fleece out there, it's great for rough and tumble activities in the outdoors where you need great range of motion. If you're looking for something better at blocking the chill, a midweight style might serve you better. One other complaint about the Hyperstretch: after countless days climbing in areas with lots of sand and volcanic tuff, we couldn't help but notice permanent stains on the lighter color we tested.
The REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch is among our favorite fleece jackets for its affordable price point and technical features. Many jackets with this level of performance cost twice as much. Credit: GearLab Team
Who this is best for: The Rab Ascendor Hoody Women's review is a technical mid-layer that excels in breathability, and is best for climbers, hikers, and high-output adventurers who expect to sweat. It is a perfect layering piece, and almost disappears on the body. If you're someone who spends most of your time outside wearing a harness or a pack, you likely understand the importance of a jacket that layers comfortably under all the straps and buckles and even other jackets. The Ascendor prioritizes movement and moisture regulation and feels tailor-made for alpine adventures. “When climbing in the alpine later in the season, this was the perfect layer between my sun hoody and lightweight puffy when moving for extended periods at elevation,” says lead tester Trish Matheny.
Why we love it: This fleece impressed our testing team with its lightweight feel and incredible thermoregulation. When wearing in the alpine, we were impressed by how quickly it dried at the belay, even if we overheated a little bit while climbing. It doesn't add a ton of warmth as a standalone layer, but sometimes that's exactly what you need. The helmet-compatible hood, roomy shoulders, and long cut in the arms and torso go the extra mile to make it reach-friendly (for all the climbers out there). The updated design includes two zippered pockets that are great for storing essentials; however, they are not easily accessible beneath your harness. That said, it feels at home in any technical layering system, and when not on your body, it packs down small enough that it's a no-brainer as to whether or not you should throw it in your pack.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a fleece that shines when it comes to performance under a shell or with a harness, the Rab Ascendor is our favorite technical mid-layer. It's not intended to be your go-to fleece for lounging around or running errands. It cuts out a lot of convenience features in favor of technical performance; it's not very warm on its own, however, the updated design does include the thicker 235-weight polyester fabric throughout, and even includes zippered hand pockets in addition to a large chest pocket. If you're looking for something cozier or more versatile for around town, there are other options that offer more warmth and casual usability.
The Rab Ascendor Hoody is a great layer for women on the move. The highly breathable design now features zippered hand pockets with its most recent update, and was our tester's favorite layer for alpine climbing objectives in the High Sierra. If you need a midlayer that's great for working up a sweat on the hill or in the gym, the Ascendor is a great fleece jacket to consider. Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Tested
The first step in our testing process involves staying up to date on the latest innovations and scouring the market to ensure we select the most promising fleece jackets out there. We repeat this process anew each year, and then we test the thread out of them. They go through several months of field testing that includes running, skiing, climbing, napping, lounging – you name it. We've tested the jackets in the dry air of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nevada and in humid, coastal environments in Hawaii, Canada, and California. We also bring each option into the lab to complete repeatable, objective tests, like dousing each with water and comparing the softness and pile of each fleece.
We assess each fleece jacket's performance in 5 key metrics:
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Layering Ability
Weight
Why Trust GearLab
Our women's and men's fleece jacket testing teams are stacked with people who live outside and like to stay warm while doing it. Trish Matheny heads up our women's review. She is a current member of the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team, and she spends the majority of her time outdoors, where it's an absolute necessity for her to select layers that offer the best performance to match current conditions. Whether trail running or climbing in the High Sierra, cragging at the local cliffs, or setting off for multiple days on a big wall adventure, Trish's experience has taught her the best ways to layer to safely and comfortably enjoy whatever activity she pursues. Amber King also contributed to this review. She has 20 years under her belt as a climber, with experience adventuring from the North Cascades to Rocky Mountain National Park. She's also a science curriculum writer and outdoor educator who layers up when she climbs rocks, summits mountains, and runs rivers.
From pushing hard in the mountains to relaxing by the sea, a fleece will always earn its weight in your bag. Credit: Gus Landefeld
Zach Lovell leads the men's review team. Zach is an IFMGA Mountain Guide who utilizes fleece jackets year-round across the planet, whether guiding, climbing, or skiing. His former work in product development with outdoor brands gives him a unique lens through which to examine the pros and cons of fleece jackets and other wearables. He is assisted by Ben Applebaum-Bauch, who has over a decade of experience as a canoe, backpacking, and cycling guide throughout the American Northeast and maritime Canada. In his “spare” time, he has bagged more peaks than he can remember and thru-hiked a number of the long trails in the US, including the Continental Divide, Pacific Crest, and Colorado trails.
We have reviewed a wide variety of both men's and women's fleeces through a variety of objective tests in order to determine the best of the best.
How to Pick the Best Fleece Jacket for You
A fleece jacket is a staple of a great layering system, but how do you know which one to grab? There are several things to keep in mind — what kind of temps you'll encounter, how likely you are to work up a sweat, and whether you need your jacket to protect you from wind or rain. You'll also want to consider materials and durability. Additional features like hoods, pockets, and thumb loops are not essential, but they can drastically increase the functionality of a piece. Lastly, fit is one of the most important considerations, and the most individual. We advise you to “try before you buy” to make sure you're getting a jacket that works for your body.
Men's Fleece Jackets
The chart below shows the overall performance scores of the best men's fleece jackets we tested. You can find more details about our testing and review process in our best men's fleece jacket review.
Women's Fleece Jackets
Our team of expert GearLab female testers put all of women's fleece jackets through a similar gauntlet of tests to comparatively assess their performances. Those final scores appear in the chart below.
Fleece Weights
As a standalone layer, fleece jackets serve as excellent outerwear when temperatures are mild. When the mercury plummets, they are also fantastic layering pieces, often sandwiched between thin base layers and outer layers like rain jackets, wind breakers, or puffy jackets. Warmth varies depending on the thickness or “weight” of the material, and the right weight depends on your local climate and chosen activity.
Lightweight
REASONS TO BUY
Typically more breathable, especially if made with gridded fabric
Good for long-distance adventures where cutting ounces is important
Layer easily underneath multiple other jackets
REASONS TO AVOID
Not warm enough for solo winter use
Same price as heavier jackets
Lightweight fleeces are often thin, lightweight, and pack down small. These jackets are ideal for high-intensity activities like trail running or climbing when there is a chill in the air, but you expect to work up a sweat. They also work well as a light outer layer when temperatures hover just below t-shirt weather. If temps really dip, you'll likely want to add a windbreaker, shell jacket, or insulated coat.
Most people want a lightweight layer in anticipation of mild temps or vigorous activity; in this case, breathability can be more important than warmth. If you start to overheat during a hike or run, you'll find that your base layers quickly become wet and clammy once you cool down. Manufacturers know this, and often, lightweight fleeces are made with some sort of specialty vapor release system built into the fabric.
Lightweight options like The North Face FutureFleece are breathable and packable. Credit: Zach Lovell
Midweight
REASONS TO BUY
Good balance of weight and warmth for everyday use
Can be layered both over and underneath other jackets
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulkier than lightweight fleece without necessarily being warmer
Sometimes do not come with a hoody option
Mid-weight fleeces are thicker and heavier, and they almost always hold more heat (though the occasional lightweight fleece gives them a run for their money with high-tech insulation). The downside is that the bulk of these jackets can make them cumbersome to move in and carry around, but they are usually still compact enough to wear under a more weather-resistant outer layer.
Like lightweight fleeces, mid-weight fleeces have a better chance of breathing well than heavyweight options due to the thickness and density of the fabric, but they are slightly cozier and ideal for slower-paced adventures or everyday wear. We reach for these when heading out for meandering hikes, town tours, or relaxing around a campfire.
If you want to maximize warmth but don't want to feel like the Michelin Man when you layer up, you'll be happy with a mid-weight model. Credit: Zach Lovell
Heavyweight
REASONS TO BUY
Designed for cold winter weather
Layer well on top of other jackets
REASONS TO AVOID
Generally less breathable
Can be bulky and less packable
Heavyweight fleece jackets are the heaviest and bulkiest of the trio. They don't work well as a mid-layering piece beneath other jackets. Rather, they are meant to serve as a standalone outer layer – think big, bulky, and warm. Since they are less versatile than other options, we only recommend these for cold weather or stationary activities where sufficient insulation is critical. If there's any chance you'll work up a sweat, you won't find the breathability you need here. Their bulk also makes it less appealing to shove them in a backpack for those “just in case” moments.
Heavyweight fleeces like The North Face's Retro Denali are great to wear on their own for standalone warmth. Credit: Trish Matheny
When to Select a Fleece over a Down Puffy Jacket
Now that we've ironed out the pros and cons for each fleece jacket weight, we also have some suggestions for helping you layer your cold-weather kit like a pro. Our team often considers a fleece jacket at the change of the season, when it's too cold for a sun hoody and too warm for a puffy jacket. Often, active objectives will also lead us to select a fleece jacket for more protection during our pursuits, without damaging the delicate fabric of a puffy jacket. For example, when rock climbing in the alpine, we preferred a lightweight fleece jacket that provided more warmth during belays and more breathability while climbing. If the temperatures were too cold to bear with only a fleece alone, we would deploy an insulated jacket while stationary at a belay.
That said, not all fleece jackets are designed for high-output activity. If you just want to stay warm when hanging around town in the cool seasons, a midweight fleece is our choice for preserving a certain level of cozy. Some of these jackets can be easily layered on top of a base layer or beneath a puffy jacket during the coldest months of the year, making them more versatile.
Overall, a fleece jacket can provide more protection from both the cold and the terrain that you'll encounter, whether you're pursuing a high alpine objective or exploring a new trail system. For some of these endeavors, a puffy jacket is overkill, limited in breathability, and sometimes too bulky to allow freedom of movement. In many cases, puffy jackets are best suited for after your adventure rather than during, depending on your objectives.
The ability to layer your fleece will increase its versatility. Credit: Trish Matheny
Materials
Fleece was invented in 1981 by Polartec, then known as Malden Mills. Patagonia worked with the company to make an outdoor performance jacket that wouldn't hold as much water as traditional wool. The iconic Synchilla Snap-T fleece was first available for sale in 1985. Since then, the base insulating material has remained much the same, with different manufacturers adding their own twists to improve breathability, water resistance, etc.
The Patagonia Synchilla is a classic fleece offering retro vibes. Credit: Maggie Nichols
Things like a hard face fabric or strategically placed panels on the chest and shoulders can be used to improve weather resistance in some jackets. Others use a fabric that is thick and dense enough on its own to stop any wind. However, you'll only get true weatherproofing by layering a fleece under waterproof or wind-resistant shells. This more comprehensive layering style puts you in the driver's seat to regulate warmth and comfort while on the go.
The North Face Denali's chest panel helps repel some wind and water. Credit: Trish Matheny
Today, fleece jackets are made of a blend of synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, elastane, and, less frequently, spandex. Sometimes, these materials are recycled; occasionally, they include some wool. A few companies are working to build fleece fabric in ways that reduce shedding, but with repeated washing, synthetic fibers from these jackets become microplastics that end up in our water systems. You can reduce your impact by choosing a fleece with some wool, going longer between washes, using the gentle cycle on your washing machine, or installing a microplastic filter in your washer.
Durability
Fleece tends to be a sturdy material; however, at the end of the day, it is made of plastic fibers that can melt quickly, so be careful around the campfire. Other quality points to pay attention to are zippers and seams. Additionally, thinner, lightweight fleeces made to breathe well have less fabric, and by nature, can be more prone to wear and tear.
Features To Consider
The easiest way to improve the warmth of your fleece without adding bulk is by purchasing one with a hood. If you're going to use your jacket primarily as an outer layer, it's nice to have one for unexpected encounters with chilly or windy weather. However, beware of hood overkill; if you often layer your fleece with other jackets, you probably don't need a hood on all three, so take a look at what's in your closet already.
Fleece jackets that feature hoods in their designs can create additional bulk in your layered system yet offer a substantial amount of warmth. Credit: Trish Matheny
Thumb loops are another handy feature that some of our testers can't live without. They help hold insulation and protect your hands from sun and wind exposure. While not as crucial as a hood, they can do a lot to make an outing more comfortable. We also love having an array of pockets, which are essential for keeping your hands warm and your valuables secure.
Thumbholes help keep your sleeves in place and your hands toasty. Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Fit
As there are many unique body types, fit is highly subjective, but there are a few universal things to look for. The torso should be long enough to still cover your belly when you raise your arms, but not so long that it gets bulky around the hips. For curvier people, especially women, it can be nice to have a wider hem so your fleece doesn't ride up. Some hemlines are a bit longer in the back, have an elasticated hem, or an adjustable cinch, all of which can improve the fit.
When testing shoulder fit, make sure you can easily reach your hands above your head. Jackets that offset standard seams (from the top of the shoulders to across your upper back) offer more room for broad-shouldered folks. Sleeve length should hit right at the wrist unless the jacket has thumb loops, in which case it should come down to your knuckles so you can use them without pulling the fabric tight across your shoulders.
Fleece jackets can be the perfect standalone layer for the change of season or the perfect midweight layer within your cold weather kit. Credit: Trish Matheny
Conclusion
A trusty fleece can do wonders to help you perfect your layering system and keep you prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. From here, you can zero in on the perfect option, and if you're looking to cozy up after a busy day on the trail or at the crag, take a look at our favorite slippers for ideas on ways to outfit yourself just as comfortably at home.
