The 9 Best Fleece Jackets of 2026: Staff Picks

The Cotopaxi Encima Fleece Pullover is a lightweight, recycled polyester layer. Its velvety, brushed-fleece face, however, will lead you to put it on and never want to take it off. After testing the jacket for several weeks, I found it to be a perfect toss-on layer when evening temps drop during summer evenings in my home state of Colorado. And it’s thick enough to ward off the chill on autumn morning walks to my son's bus stop. When the weather is cold or wet, you can easily layer the Encima under a puffy jacket or waterproof shell.  

I fancy the fashion-forward boxy silhouette and hem length that hits mid-hip on my 5’5” frame, though individuals with longer torsos may find it shorter than expected. (If you prefer a slimmer fit, adjust the drawcord.) Given the Encima’s style factor, I’ve earmarked the layer primarily for around-town use, though its ability to roll down into the size of a hefty burrito (while weighing just 8 ounces) has helped me save space when packing for weekend trips to the mountains.  

No surprise to any Cotopaxi lover, the Encima features the brand’s signature color-blocked panache. Five snap buttons running from the chin to mid-torso add another dash of look-at-me fun.  

When warmth and packability matter a lot, reach for the Patagonia Air R1 Full-Zip Hoody, which has been dialed in for playing hard in cold weather. The hoodie’s stretchy recycled polyester jacquard fleece breathes as hard as you will when you’re carrying a load uphill or racking up fast miles. A zigzag texture helps the hollow-core yarns wick moisture and dry faster, which is a must in snowy and slushy weather. A slim-fitting scuba hood keeps the chill away from your neck and face while fitting comfortably under a bulkier hooded layer or a helmet. Vent heat out quickly thank to the full-zip front. 

“This jacket is light, comfy and warm,” said one customer-reviewer. Another customer-reviewer praised it for breathing well and adds: "a bit cold in lower temperatures if not moving, but excellent for active hiking."

Backpackers appreciate the off-shoulder seams, which help prevent chafing from pack straps. When you don't need it, the hoodie balls up to the size of a grapefruit, leaving more room in your pack for snacks. There's also a small chest pocket for an energy bar or gel and two sleek zippered hand pockets designed to keep the jacket’s profile slim.

With its shearling-fleece exterior and cheerful, color-blocked drop-in front pockets, the Patagonia Baby Retro Pile Jacket will make your toddler look so cute you’ll forget all about that recent dispute over their sippy cup. Equally important: The layer will keep them cozy as they chase older kids on the playground, dig up pill bugs for (temporary) pets and point out every mind-blowing rock on the trail. That warmth comes from recycled polyester fleece’s insulating power, a chill-deterring herringbone-twill placket around the center buttons (oversize for tiny fingers) and a noggin-protecting hood. Raglan sleeves allow for a full range of motion, too. 

“We love how soft and warm this jacket is while not sacrificing durability, which is important for (our) busy toddler,” says Whitney Matthews, who manages the social influencer program at REI. “It also runs slightly large, so it should fit for multiple seasons—a big win when it comes to investing in clothes for your little."

If the resurgence of high-pile fleece or the endless parade of ’90s reboots are any indication, nostalgia is having a moment. So, when Taylor Hartman, senior program manager for social media at REI, says The North Face Yumiori Off Peak Half-Zip Jacket reminds her of a similar fleece she had in middle school, there’s no question that’s a compliment. “The fleece has ‘aged’ well in a way that still looks cool and cozy,” she says. “It’s stylish.” 

The relaxed-fitting Yumiori is best suited to around-town errands and chilly morning dog walks rather than summit pushes. Still, the fleece has a few functional benefits up its fuzzy sleeves. For example, the 100% recycled polyester exterior features mechanical-stretch binding at the center-front zipper and cuffs for added durability. There’s also the two-layer collar to block your chin from the wind, and the waistline’s adjustable internal cinch cord so you can batten down to prevent unwelcome drafts. (Note the women’s version is slightly cropped, which sacrifices some coverage.) Have stuff to stash? Stow it securely in one of three exterior pockets, all of which zip closed for safekeeping.  
 

At REI, we’re always down to dig into the nitty-gritty of binoculars or debate the ideal pocket configuration of a daypack. But sometimes it’s nice to keep things simple. That’s what the function-first Trailmade Fleece Jacket from REI Co-op does best. “[It’s] a no-brainer mid layer,” says Paolo Mottola, divisional vice president of partnerships, content and community at REI. He's grabbed the jacket for alpine starts and cold mornings spent boating and fishing. “The midweight fleece has a nice next-to-skin touch in a traditional fit that provides necessary warmth on cold outings and also looks good for local errands.”  

The Trailmade fleece’s insulating prowess pairs with a touch of LYCRA® spandex for stretch on the cuffs and hem, plus two exterior, zippered hand pockets and two interior drop pockets. The fit is comfortably relaxed but “easy to throw a raincoat over if needed,” says one Pennsylvania-based customer-reviewer. Those who want a bit more flair will find it in the bold rustic gold or women’s-only, foliage-inspired woodlands wisp gray colorway. 
 

Movement and temperature regulation are key to a solid day on ski tours. Luckily the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody features Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro fabric to aid with both. A stretchy silhouette and gusseted underarms mean the Kyanite moves with you, whether you're carving turns or catching air. And its air-permeable construction helps prevent overheating, making it a solid pick for layering beneath an insulated jacket or waterproof, breathable shell. The newest version of this favorite maintains the features we love, like a low-profile hood that fits snugly under helmets to seal in heat while shredding. "Since I got this hoodie, I stopped wearing my beanie because this one always stays put, no matter how you move," wrote one customer. Adds Wichita, Kansas–based REI department manager Carlos Rodriguez: "It's formfitting, so it keeps that warmth in."

Kyanite wearers also rave about the jacket's cozy brushed-fleece interior and fitted design, which layers well. "It's really the perfect all-around hoodie," wrote another customer. "I've been using it during cold morning runs, during my climbing warm up and just as a comfortable layer during work. The material on this hoodie is the first technical fleece layer that feels cozy and wicks sweat."

Hikers need a mid layer that's as insulating as it is stretchy and breathable. Enter the REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch, our top pick for staying toasty on chilly trail starts. A cozy scuba-style hood with elastic binding hugs the face for extra heat retention, and gusty weather can try all it wants, but there’s no budging this good-hair-day protector. Zippered hand pockets keep hands warm, snacks close, or both.

A fitted silhouette is another reason to love this layer. A touch of spandex helps the jacket conform to your body more closely to your body than traditional fleece, trapping heat while providing some give, but it doesn’t bunch or feel bulky over a base layer. “Wore the jacket over a base layer on cool nights around the campfire, about 50°F,” said one Utah customer-reviewer who loves how soft and warm the Flash Hyperstretch is. “[Just] right fit on the wrists and hood. Great fleece!” This versatile, go-anywhere zip-up is an even bigger favorite among REI Co-op Members, and it's available in women’s sizes XS to 3XL and men’s sizes S to XXXL.

Raglan sleeves allow range of motion and elastic cuff binders hold fabric in place, but note that this jacket won't stand up to more rugged adventures like rock climbing or trekking through prickly brush (reach for the Arc’teryx Kyanite for those outings).

If jackets could talk, the Denali fleece jacket from The North Face could tell some impressive tales: Over its 30-plus-year history, it’s been there for everything from wind-chapped Everest summits to gnarly nor’easter snow dumps. The latest take on the classic 1995 Denali fleece jacket combines form and function for a timeless, relaxed-fit full-zip layer that can handle a long day of shoveling or an evening by the campfire with ease. 

Heavyweight 100% recycled polyester fleece body provides breathable warmth, and 100% recycled nylon overlay on lower sleeves, collar and back yoke adds durability to areas that see more movement and abrasion. Generous pit zips let you shed heat quickly when needed, while a stand collar helps retain warmth when you’d rather stay snug. The chest pocket’s covered zipper blocks the draft from sneaking in, while exposed zippers on front hand pockets means easier access for gloved hands when they need the extra coverage. Adjust the fit in a pinch with the elastic hem drawcord; the jacket hits at the hip, making it a perfect under layer for a waterproof shell.

For days when you want a fleece that looks as good as it performs, our staff turn for the KUHL Interceptr Full-Zip Jacket.

The Interceptr's tailored profile is as stylish on the trail as it is paired with jeans for an evening out or a day running errands. A microsuede collar ups the cozy factor on chilly outings, while thumb loops help keep your sleeves in place. Its inset chest pockets provide convenient storage for small essentials like keys that won't get in the way of pack straps, whether you wear the fleece on a post-work hike or morning commute.

"It's got a little trail, a little bit of casual, blended together with some technical aspects. It looks good," says Ed Zebrowski, a product information specialist for REI.

And while the Interceptr's stylish design will keep you looking sharp, its technical aspects will keep you warm. The jacket features more than 300 grams of moisture-wicking fleece to help you maintain your core temperature, plus performance polyester and acrylic side panels to increase breathability and reduce bulk.