21 best women's fleeces to take you from summit to sofa
Is there a garment more multifaceted than the humble fleece? Practical, comfortable and oh-so cosy, the best fleeces are versatile wardrobe superstars, taking us from summit to street to sofa in one snuggly swoop.
A staple in any hiking outfit — alongside your trusty walking boots and socks — nowadays fleeces are not the sole preserve of the outdoorsy; they also serve as a great chuck-on layer post-gym, as well as a newfound fashion essential (gorpcore is going nowhere, people). They also make for a brilliant WFH/lounging companion during winter, and lighter options come into their own if you're lucking enough to be jetting off to warmer climes for any outdoor adventures.
The best women's fleece jackets to buy now
Here are the best women's fleeces at a glance — keep scrolling for the full list and our thoughts below.
How to choose the best fleece jacket
As with any trending product, the market is saturated with women's fleeces right now, from snug borg, teddy and sherpa styles to technical fitted pieces made for on-trail layering. So choosing one to suit your needs (and look cute AF) is no mean feat.
Below, we've narrowed down the best women's fleeces available to shop right now, but before you part with your hard-earned cash, consider these key points:
Style: Not only does your new fleecy BFF need to look the part (a given), it also needs to work with the rest of your hiking gear/workout wardrobe. If you're a trad all-black gal, chances are that bright mustard number won't get much use, no matter how gorg it looks on the hanger. Be realistic and choose colours and cuts that complement the clothes you already own.
Purpose: Next up think about when, where and in what conditions you'll be wearing your fleece. Do you want an oversized fleece jumper to snuggle up in, or a slim-fit hiking layer you can wear a jacket over? Do you need a versatile mid-layer you can easily get in and out of while on the trail, or a chunky hooded jacket for chillier climes? Thinking about how you'll actually use your fleece will ensure you don't end up with one you love the look of but spends most of its time relegated to the back of the wardrobe.
Pockets: Luckily, it seems most women's fleece designers have succeeded where dressmakers have failed, and absolutely load their products with pockets — hallelujah. Zipped pockets are always a bonus, while big kangaroo pockets earn serious cosy points. Think about what you're likely to be carrying (phone, keys, card, gels, etc.) and if your fleece provides a safe place for it, plus where they're located — will you be able to reach them if you're carrying a backpack?
Packability: Heading off on an adventure? A thick sherpa-style fleece might seem like a good idea until the time comes to pack your carry-on or load your hiking backpack. When it comes to fleeces, thin and lightweight by no means equals ineffective, so if you are planning on travelling with your fleece look for clever technical styles that bring the heat without being heavy.
How we test women's fleeces
From outdoors brands like Patagonia and Finisterre to sportswear staples Sweaty Betty and Nike, we put a bunch of women's fleece jackets to the test to bring you the very best to buy in 2025.
We wore these on adventures at home and abroad, from the mountains of Austria and cloud forests of Costa Rica to blustery coastal walks here in the UK (and yes, they spent a fair amount of time on the sofa too).
Throughout testing we assessed comfort, warmth, breathability (any sweaty plasticky fleeces were instantly discounted), how fast they dried (as we donned some post-cold water dip as well as in the rain), plus practical features like pockets, zips, toggles and cuff, collar and hood features. These are the women's fleeces that came out on top.
21 best fleece jackets for women to shop in 2025
FP Movement Mountain High 1/2 Zip Fleece
We're lowkey obsessed with Free People's activewear line, FP Movement, here at WH, so were not exactly surprised when we fell in love with this fleece. It's honestly the softest, most cosy thing we've ever worn (our Health and Fitness Ecommerce Editor's partner insists on regular hugs whenever she wears it), and has become a staple for wholesome January hikes, running errands and snuggling on the sofa.
On the features front there's a chunky quarter zip that transforms the fleece into a funnel neck should things get chilly, two fluffy hand warmer pockets, a cinchable hem (via two side toggles — be warned, these might dig in if lying on your side) and durable nylon cuffs to prevent fraying.
We adore the fit (oversized, boxy and on-point), plus it's the perfect length for pairing with leggings, jeans and joggers. We took our usual size and it's spot-on.
Despite being warm enough to delay switching the heating on, it's not sweaty at all — some unplanned running tested this out nicely — and feels light and breathable as well as snuggly as hell.
This baby regularly goes in and out of stock in multiple colours, so if your fave isn't available today, check back soon.
Scuba Tumbled Fleece Funnel-Neck Half Zip
lululemon's wildly popular Scuba loungewear has expanded to include this fleecy number, and it's everything you'd expect from the athleisure giant: comfortable, oh-so warm and with a gorgeous fit that's hard to beat.
It's designed with a longer length for bum coverage, but thanks to the sweater-esque hem you can easily fold it up if you want a more cropped look. Plus it's perfectly oversized without swamping you in excess fabric. Dreamy.
Zip it up into a full funnel neck for extra warmth (the zip cap ensures zero neck chafe) or unzip for off-duty chic. The sweatshirt-style cuffs have thumbholes for bonus cosy points and there's a big kangaroo pocket on the front with a hidden phone sleeve inside.
Also available in a full zip style.
Borg Half Zip Printed Funnel Neck Fleece
We've been big fans of M&S' fitness line — Goodmove — since its inception in 2020, but the brand is absolutely smashing it of late. Top of our wishlist is this borg fleece, designed for hiking but so comfortable you'll keep it on hours after you've left the trail.
It's oversized, so makes a great outer layer over thermals and a hoodie, with plenty of room to move freely — and build up a toasty warm layer of insulation. Plus if you do want more shape you can cinch in the bottom hem, and it does up with both a zip and poppers to keep the heat in — or let it out. Plus there are handy (and incidentally very cosy) pockets on each side.
The sheepskin-like borg outer is super cosy, and while it's neither particularly long or a cropped fit, we found it skimmed just below the hips, so unless you're wearing it with incredibly low-rise jeans, it will keep you covered.
Find it in beige mix here, or a full-zip version here.
Industry Fleece Jacket
This is probably the bulkiest, and therefore cosiest, fleece we tried. There is absolutely no chance you're getting cold while wearing this, but that does mean you need to plan your outfit carefully as carrying it or trying to stuff it into a small daypack, should you get too warm, will be a pain.
It's very soft both inside and out, with thick sherpa style pile on the outside and thinner, microfibre-style fleece on the inside. It's generously sized (take your usual size) so we didn't feel exposed and the high zippable collar and cinched cuffs score extra toasty points.
The fleece is big enough to wear over a sweatshirt but your jacket would have to be very oversized to fit over the top. That said, this is so warm and has so many pockets (a zipped chest pocket, zipped side pockets and separate hand warmer pockets) you probably won't need anything else. Our go-layer for popping on to and from the gym during the chillier months.
Find it also in navy.
Orsik Fleece Jacket
Yes, this is *technically* a men's fleece jacket. But frankly, who cares? And if you're after an oversized fit (or just want to feel like you've borrowed your dad's fleece) then this is a winner.
It's thick, it's warm, it's cosy and it's stylish, and because it's on the larger side it works as an outer layer over pretty much anything (we sized way up and still loved it). The pockets in particular are fantastic — there are four, they're all huge; two are zipped and sit behind the two hand warmer pockets, which are gloriously fleecy on the inside.
The flexible cuffs cinch in to keep in the heat, there's a useful hanging hook and the full zip means you can completely control the warmth, and, thanks to a clever mesh lining, things won't get sweaty.
The colour pictured is called 'raven black' but in some lights looks more like a very dark, dirty green, which we love, or there's a white contour design.
Also available as a women's gilet.
Plush Textured Zip Up
Athleisure meets insanely cosy in this thick full-length zip fleece from our fave British activewear brand, Sweaty Betty. It's crazy soft, keeps you very warm and we loved the funnel neck and roomy zipped pockets.
It washes well and loosens up over time — it is a bit stiff to begin with — but we did find it's a tad shorter than it looks on the model, so is not ideal if you have a long torso and want bum coverage.
It's more an outer layer (or loungewear) than something you can wear under a jacket — although it's so warm that this shouldn't be a problem. Fair warning: you might not take it off until June.
Also available in limited sizes in a half zip style.
One Women's Therma-FIT Oversized Half-Zip Fleece Top
This Nike fleece has a lot going for it: lightweight construction, heat-regulating tech and a large kangaroo pocket to warm chilly fingers (plus the fact it's available in four bang-on trends — we're personally big fans of the green). As such it makes for a brilliant mid-layer for chilly winter walks and will serve well as an outer layer come spring.
But what really sets this half-zip apart is the fit. It should come as no surprise that the streetwear giant has absolutely nailed the silhouette, with dropped shoulders, a cinched, hip-skimming elasticated hem and an oversized design that drapes and rumples in all the right places.
Because it's fairly thin (yet still warm), you can wear it under a jacket without too much fabric bunching up around the arms. And yes, the fluffy, brushed fleece extends to the inside too.
Vardag Pile Fleece
There's far more to this fleece than meets the eye. The fit is excellent, it gives the impression (and has the feel) of thick fleece but packs down surprisingly well and is super durable so should last a lifetime.
The thick pile on the outside feels indulgent and keeps you super warm in colder climes, but has a smooth, scuba-like material on the inside so there's no chance of itching. This does mean it's not the snuggliest offering, but for on-the-move gals who need to stay toasty and look great while doing it, this is a no-brainer.
We loved the versatility offered by the full-length zip and the zipped pockets on each side are roomy so you can carry all your essentials without being weighed down by a bumbag. We're also big fans of the minimal branding, making this ideal for both casual wear as well as braving the elements.
Women's Cragmont Fleece Jacket
Wear this hiking, to the office or running errands — either way, you'll look cool AF. Combining two hot trends — quilting and fleece — in one slick statement jacket, it's seriously versatile and a brilliant outer layer thanks to fast-drying fabric and clever reinforced panels.
But it doesn't just work hard — the relaxed loose fit is comfortable to wear, even with a loaded backpack, and keeps you warm without overheating. Plus secure, vertical-entry pockets spell no phone mishaps when you sit down for your mid-hike picnic
It only has a popper fastening, rather than a zip or combination of the two, so isn't as effective in creating a cocoon of warmth as some other fleeces are, but as you'll likely be layering underneath, it's no biggie.
FP Movement Wild And Free Fleece Pullover
Another winner from FP Movement; this time a slouchy hoodie that falls more into the trad fleece category, as opposed to the brand's fluffy borg numbers. But that's not to say it's not cosy!
Running on the bulkier side, wearing this feels like being wrapped in a hug. The inside is soft and fleecy, while the large toggled hood is a lifesaver in case you're caught in drizzle (likely), and it's lightly structured so it doesn't flop about your face, meaning you can actually see when you put it up. Game-changer.
Other features we love include the dropped shoulders, the bottom hem, which is lightly elasticated so it cinches in naturally without the need for toggles, and the long half zip, which means you can create a wide, open collar. There's a zip guard at the top if you do want to create a cosy high neck — though we did find the zip caught a bit when doing it a up.
There's a huge kangaroo pocket on the front with zipped entry on both sides, and it's fleecy inside too, so great for warming hands on chilly days. Plus there are handy zipped pockets on both arms — ideal for a phone or cards.
This runs large, so take your usual size for an oversized fit or size down if you'd prefer it a bit smaller. And bear in mind that the large logo on the back might not be to everyone's taste.
Women's Helvetia II Cropped Sherpa Half Snap Fleece
This Sherpa pile fleece from outerwear brand Columbia is much more lightweight than it looks, making it ideal for summer camping trips or those festival mornings when you're trekking to the showers. Or layer up with thermals during winter to keep you toasty.
We sized up and made good use of the cinchable hem to get that baggy/cropped look and were still able to wear a jacket over the top. It's really comfortable, has a handy zipped pocket for valuables/your phone and binding at the cuffs to keep things cosy.
Despite the name, we wouldn't call this cropped — it's more a hip-skimmer, but of course you can adjust the fit with the drawstring hem. We'd also advise consulting the size guide before buying; if you're bigger-busted, you may need a larger size than you think.
£65.00 at columbiasportswear.co.uk
Alexander Hooded 1/2 Zip Fleece
Makers of one of our favourite changing robes, outdoor specialists Passenger have knocked it out the park with this comfy, cosy and practical fleece.
Elasticated cuffs, a curved hem and an adjustable, insulated hood keep things super toasty, plus it's made from soft Polar fleece which has superior insulating abilities. The hood and chest section are also made from water-resistant ripstop fabric to ensure it will withstand years of adventures.
Insanely generous pockets and a warm funnel neck top the whole thing off, plus the colourblock design is on point. We're also big fans of the brand's half-zip fleece.
Cinch-Hem Fleece Vest
Sometimes you need something to keep your core warm but don't want bulky fabric around your arms. Enter this fleece hiking vest from lululemon. It offers complete freedom of movement for your arms with no bunching up of fabric underneath your jacket.
There's a reinforced yoke section — ideal if you're carrying a heavy pack — and it's wind-resistant and water-repellent too, to keep the drizzle off. There's also a decent amount of storage: a zipped chest pocket plus two zipped hand pockets complete with a hidden phone compartment.
It's roomy without being oversized, while the fleecey funnel neck keeps things cosy. Length-wise it's on the longer side — ideal for keeping out the chill on long walks — but the hem in cinchable so you can adjust if you wish, plus it helps retain warmth.
Womens Microdini Half Zip Pullover
Outdoor outfitters Patagonia are known for supplying hikers, climbers and adventurers alike with quality gear built to battle the elements, and this fleece is no exception.
A brilliant mid-layer (or outer on warmer days), it's lightweight and soft with a comfortable relaxed fit that goes with absolutely everything. Zip it all the way up for a cosy funnel collar or open it out for laid-back style.
The zipped pocket is the perfect home for a smartphone and cards (but if you're after hand-warming you're out of luck) and after multiple washes it still looks fresh.
Find additional colours on Amazon.
Women's Axiom 1/4 Snap Fleece
We're big fans of colour blocking here at WH, and we dare you not to be too when you lay eyes on this beauty from Finisterre. It's not too thick, so ideal for summer nights or transitional wear, and you can fold open the neck for a casual look as well as more air flow.I
t's a bit loose in the body — which we loved, but if you prefer a fitted look then steer clear — and gives proper 'your dad's fleece' vibes but without the musty smell. Score. Plus it's light and not too bulky, so you can easily layer it.
There are reinforced sections on the forearms, it's fleecey all over the inside (not just the outside), is gorgeously warm without being sweaty and has a gigantic kangaroo pocket on the front which is accessed via two zip openings — we loved this feature, as you can wrap your arms around yourself inside the pocket for ultimate comfort.
In some colourways (we have an orange/white/navy number) the lighter sections of fabric do attract and show up fluff/dirt, but it washes well and we adore the contrast poppers, so a few smudges feel like a small price to pay.
Also available as a gilet.
Women's Retro Denali Jacket
We're all aware that residing in the UK means you're likely (at any time of year) to get caught in a shower, which is where this baby from The North Face comes in. It has a water-repellent finish to protect you from mid-hike drizzle (or worse) plus a large, reinforced yoke which offers great durability — ideal for hauling around a heavy backpack.
The fleece material itself is super soft and extends throughout the whole interior (including the underside of the durable sections) and inside the pockets. There's a full zip for versatile wearability and an interior placket to protect your skin/clothes from getting caught. We particularly love the way you can fold open the neck or zip it up into a funnel once things get a bit chilly.
As well as three zipped pockets (one on each side and a chest pocket), there's a useful hanging loop and a toggle bottom for an adjustable fit, plus each cuff has a popper fastening so you can loosen the sleeves and roll them up.
Terrex XPLORIC High-Pile-Fleece Pullover
Heading off exploring? You need a lightweight fleece that won't take up too much room in your carry-on, and this adidas number is up to the task.
From the brand's outdoor Terrex label, this pullover has a slim fit so you can layer under or over it (definitely wear something substantial under it if you need to keep really warm), is very light, packs down small and retains heat well. The pile, while thick and luxurious-feeling, still makes a fairly thin, lightweight layer, so you get the best of both worlds.
The funnel neck is brilliant — it uses a popper fastening so no getting your hair stuck in zips (anyone else?) and is super cosy as it creates a decent wind baffle.
Roomy pockets, tapered cuffs and a drawstring hem complete the handy features — the fleece sits below the hips but you can pull it up and tighten the drawstring if you prefer that look. However, it's not elasticated, so isn't the easiest to adjust.
There are stretchy side panels for mobility, but it's not particularly flexible elsewhere, which can make changing in and out of it a little bit awkward.
73 Zero Half Zip Borg Fleece
Made from 100% recycled polyester, these fleece is part of BAM's 73 Zero circular range, meaning it comes with a guarantee it can be recycled again, and it's certified by the Circular Textiles Foundation.
Sustainability points aside, this also scores big on style, with an oversized fit, adjustable funnel neck sweatshirt-style cuffs and hemfor extra cosy points. The side pockets are spacious — but not zipped — and you can turn the collar up or down depending on the lewk/level of warmth you're after. Speaking of — it's very warm and super soft, but it's worth noting that it has smooth (but still very soft) microfibre inside, rather than pile.
If we had to find a drawback? On ours, some of the fleece was a tad sparse where the neck and yoke met on the back of the jacket — but this is a minor quibble and not something you'd notice at all while wearing.
Prefer a full-length style? There are still a few left in this gorgeous pink colour.
$59.00 at bambooclothing.co.uk
Sportswear Tech Fleece Windrunner Hoodie
Nike Tech Fleece has been keeping athletes comfortably cosy for the last ten years (Happy Bday, hun) and the iconic Windrunner design remains a modern classic to this day.
Streamlined yet snuggly, it won't get in the way when you're on the move or take up too much space in your bag. There are zipped pockets to the side plus a handy zipped compartment on the left arm — ideal if you're running and don't want any extra weight around your middle.
The fleece is soft and smooth on both sides, with a full-length zip so you can control the heat (and lewk) and a generous hood should the weather turn — as we know it's likely to.
Women's 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip Fleece
Repeat after us: you can't go wrong with a classic North Face quarter zip — particularly while it's an absolute bargain. This sleek number packs down small for easy stowing in a backpack and dries super fast, so sudden rainstorms aren't too much of an issue.
There aren't any pockets — which certainly helps with how easily it folds away, but does mean you'll have to invest in some leggings with pockets or a hiking belt/bum bag to keep your essentials close to hand. That said, it's a brilliant mid-layer, so if you're wearing it with a jacket over the top you likely don't want your pockets on the inside anyway.
Fancy an oversized fit? Grab the men's version. Or the brand also makes a cute cropped style.
Kyanite Hoody
If you're au fait with outdoor adventures, you're likely somewhere on the familiar-to-full-blown-fan scale when it comes to Arc'teryx. The performance outdoors wear brand has absolutely nailed it with this lightweight, technical fleece hoodie.
Super soft and strechy, very durable and with incredible thermal capabilities, it makes for a brilliant midlayer or can be worn alone in warmer climes. It's slim-fitting and moves with your body, so you're never restricted and can focus on the task at hand, be it climbing, hiking or simply cooking over your camp stove.
Despite how non-bulky it is (this packs down very small), it's incredibly warm without rendering you a sweaty mess, with a smooth, scuba feel on the outside and a brushed, shallow fleece on the inside — we'd say it's a couple of steps beyond microfibre but not quite a full-blown pile. Nonetheless, it's feels gorgeous against the skin and the fitted hood adds extra warmth should you need it.
There are large zipped pockets on each side, which are lined in mesh rather than fleece — so more suited for storage than hand warming — and the full zip scores extra versatility points.
More hiking essentials...
The best walking boots for women, tested by the WH Lab experts
Hit the trails and mount the summit with the 11 best hiking shorts
The best hiking socks for blister-free backpacking
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