These cosy fleeces will keep you warm and toasty on cold January days

best fleeces
The best cosy fleeces for hunkering down in Hearst Owned

If it weren't hard enough to get yourself out of bed on dark January mornings, frozen windshields, lashing rain and bitterly cold winds make us want to put our head under the covers and not come out till April.

But, if you're struggling with the cold and feeling a little, well, SAD, this January, the new season fashion drops have the answer: feel-good fleeces. There's a swathe of colourful and cosy borg jackets on the high street right now that will make getting dressed on cold mornings that little bit easier.

They're perfect for popping over knits and layering under your lightweight puffer coat for added warmth. And, even better, they're actually bang on trend right now; we love it when fashion has a practical moment.

In terms of which fleece is best, it really comes down to personal preference. If you're after warmth, you want to go for a heavier design, while something more lightweight offers extra breathability and is good for popping on after your workout. If you're looking for a fleece to wear for long periods spent outdoors, you need something built for the job – we'd head to brands like Blacks and Trespass, which categorise their jackets by weight.

But, if you just want something to keep you cosy on WFH days or on dog walks, brands like M&S, Next, Boden and Sweaty Betty are a great place to start on the high street. If you plan to wear thermal layers underneath, go for a looser fit, or opt for something snugger if you want to wear it under your coat (and stay waterproof).

To help add a little pep to your step this January, these are the best feel-good fleeces to shop now.


Burgundy Red Sports Fleece Jacket

We love the colours of this sporty fleece from Next. It's lightweight, snuggly and made with recycled materials. Pair with your favourite leggings, cosy socks and indoor/outdoor slippers for the ultimate staying in/popping to the local shop look.

£38.00 at next.co.uk


Truro Borg Fleece Jacket

The brand describes the colourful pockets and zips on its borg fleece jackets as “truly endorphin boosting”, which is exactly what we need on an icy January morning. This style's selling fast in every colour though and is only available in a few sizes so snap it up before it's gone.

£104.00 at


Hit The Slopes Colorblock Pullover

We love the colour blocking in this Free People fleece, which is ideal for layering over long-sleeve, thermal base layers (especially as it sits right at waist level). Warm, fuzzy and colourful – it's everything we want in our winter fleece.

£118.00 at


Printed Fleece Jacket

If you really want to be transported to the tropics, this is the fleece for you. With a colourful geometric pattern, deep side pockets (we love a pocket!) and high funnel neck to stop those winds getting in, this is the perfect option for a cold snap.

£69.00 at


Thermal Fleece Crew Neck Sweatshirt

If you're looking for something slimmer that you can wear under a warm coat or jacket, this thermal sweatshirt from Goodmove at M&S is a stylish option. It has adjustable toggles at the waist so you can stop it riding up, or any cold winds getting in, and the fabric boasts thermal technology to keep you extra snug. We like the pocket detail too.

£32.50 at


Lowell Teddy Jacket

Varley is the place to go if you're after that luxe après-ski look but have no intention of actually stepping foot on a ski run. The cream and coffee colourway will look chic with your favourite leggings or jeans on the weekend.

£175.00 at mytheresa.com.uk


Borg Half Zip Printed Funnel Neck Fleece

We've been eyeing up this printed fleece with cosy borg fabric and half-zip neck since it launched on M&S at the start of January. The abstract butterfly print in aquas and browns is just what we need to lift our mood right now and we reckon you could even get away with on top of your grey tailored trousers for work days.

£45.00 at


Fluffy Fleece Zipped Jacket

We can't talk fleeces without an honourable mention for Uniqlo, home of the quality basic. There are no bells and whistles with this one – just cosy, fuzzy fabric in a range of colourways (including peach and sky blue) for less than £25.

£24.90 at


Haydo Jacket

Fleece but make it fashion. This is more of a jacket you'd wear by itself than a jumper for layering, hence the heftier price tag, but we love the '70s style, which would look great with wide leg trousers or midi skirts boots, as well as keeping you cosy at the same time.

£240.00 at


Karma Half Zip Animal Print Fleece Jacket

We're not sure it's possible to be unhappy in a turquoise animal print fleece. Our homes editor swears by her Sweaty Betty pullover jacket and it's just had an upgrade for the new season, so really it would be rude not to splurge. It's also got an adjustable hem to keep the cold out.

£155.00 at marksandspencer.com

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