This Season’s Best Fleece Jackets Are More Stylish and Colorful Than Ever Before

As the winter months start to approach, there’s no better time than now to start prepping your go-to winter jackets for the season. One of the best pieces to own for the colder weather is a classic fleece jacket. The best fleece jackets are a must-have item because they are comfy, durable, and stylish, making them a great outerwear option for people of all ages.

As fashion designers embrace more comfortable clothing, we’re seeing some exciting new options in this product category. Classic brands like Columbia and The North Face have released exciting new twists on classic men’s fleece jackets, while fashion brands like Todd Snyder and Rowing Blazers have released stylish fleece jackets for men and women that are sure to earn you plenty of compliments. We’re not exaggerating when we say the Fall/Winter 2021 fashion season includes some of the best fleece jackets ever made.

Fleece consists of finely woven polyester fibers turned into lightweight fabric. This fabric is then brushed to give them both thickness and texture. The result is an unparalleled warmth and overall cozy feel that we all know and love today. It’s an entirely synthetic fabric, allowing it to have a bit of moisture-wicking properties, making it great for variable weather conditions.

Fleece jackets are versatile pieces that pair well with just about anything. They have the ability to take a simple outfit and make it grand, depending on which style of fleece you have, of course. You can even layer other garments underneath it for a fashionable layered look. Regardless of how you decide to wear your fleece, the jacket is sure to keep you toasty and comfortable in the coldest of temperatures.

So if you’re stuck and don’t know what type of outerwear you should wear this winter, here are the best fleeces to choose from on the market right now. Our favorite men’s fleece jackets include classic brands like Patagonia and Columbia, but also some surprises we think you’ll enjoy. 

1. Patagonia Retro-X Fleece Jacket

BEST OVERALL

For those unaware, Patagonia really helped to make fleece jackets the winter workhorse piece of outerwear that they are today. The Retro-X is one of the brand’s most recognizable pieces and is created from a sherpa fleece made up of 50% recycled materials to be eco-friendly while also keeping you extremely warm. That material makes the jacket windproof, adds odor control, and even comes with a durable water repellent finish should you get caught in the rain. Thanks to the contrast pocket and colorful lining, this isn’t just the season’s coziest fleece, but also one of the most stylish.

2. Canada Goose Kelowna Fleece Jacket

RUNNER UP

Don’t let the price deter you away from this fleece, as it’s one of the best men’s fleece jackets in the world and a great investment piece that will last you for years. Canada Goose is known for its high-quality outerwear, and this fleece from the brand is just that. The Kelowna consists of 85% polyester and 15% wool to keep you warm under the coldest temperatures. It’s equipped with durability mapping that reinforces high-abrasion areas and reflective detailing to keep you visible in low-lit conditions. The jacket comes in two colors: navy blue and black. 

3. L.L. Bean x Todd Snyder Hi-Pile Sherpa Zip-Front Jacket

BEST DESIGN

We live for a good collaboration, especially when two iconic brands like L.L. Bean and Todd Snyder team-up. This fleece sherpa jacket is absolutely stunning and will become a go-to staple in your wardrobe. It has a bold and subtle pattern that is sure to turn heads. The thick, textured jacket consists of a 100% high-pile polyester sherpa fleece that is comfortable and warm. Style it with some denim jeans and a pair of boots for a cohesive outfit.

4. Bonobos Sherpa Half-Zip Snow Globe Fleece

BEST WHITE FLEECE

We love everything about this cozy-yet-fashionable white fleece jacket from Bonobos. The soft fleece lining, the contrast lining, the snow-white coloring — we love it all. We’re not the only ones, as select sizes of this jacket are already sold out, so we highly recommend grabbing one of the year’s best fleece jackets for men in your size while you still can. This jacket is sharp enough to wear just about anywhere, but wouldn’t look out of place roasting marshmallows over the fire.

SELLING FAST!

5. Columbia Mountainside Heavyweight Sherpa Fleece Jacket

MOST COMFORTABLE

One thing about fleece jackets is you can never have too many of them. And once you feel how soft and comfortable this Sherpa Fleece Jacket from Columbia is, you’ll be sure to stock up on more than one, in different colors, of course. This jacket is warm and cozy, thanks to the thick fleece that keeps the cold weather off. You can use this jacket as a mid-layer or top layer piece, depending on the temperature.

ON SALE!

6. Amazon Essentials Full Zip Polar Fleece Jacket

BUDGET-FRIENDLY

Are you looking for a new everyday jacket that you can use to complete your daily errands? Then you’ll find this fleece from Amazon Essentials as the perfect option. The jacket has a full-zip design making it easy to take on or off throughout the day. It comes in several different colors and prints allowing you to choose the best one that compliments your personal style. 

7. Carhartt Yukon Extremes Wind Fighter Fleece Jacket

RUNNER UP

Not interested in splurging on a luxury jacket, then you’ll love this affordable option from Carhartt. The fleece jacket has Wind Fighter technology, a windproof layer that blocks out the wind. This piece is durably made and will last you for years, thanks to its strong triple-stitched seams. 

8. L.L.Bean x Todd Snyder Sherpa Shirt Jacket

BEST COLORBLOCK

This year’s best fleece jackets for men are all about bold colors, contrast and unique colorblocks, and no one has done that trend better than Todd Snyder, which is why two jackets from his recent L.L.Bean collaboration appear on this list. This shirt jacket-style sherpa fleece jacket has strong colors and a classic style, and the neon trim adds an additional pop of color.

9. L.L. Bean Fleece Sweater Pullover

ALSO CONSIDER

If you’re not sure about investing a lot into a fleece right off the bat, L.L. Bean’s Fleece Sweater Pullover is a great starting point. With an accessible price point, fantastic color options, and plenty of variety in terms of sizing, Bean’s offering is overall a great fit for those new to fleece in general or those who maybe want to try something a little different from their first fleece. Plus, with a great heritage brand such as L.L. Bean, you’re investing in something that will last for a long, long time.

Buy: L. L. Bean Fleece Sweater Pullover $79.00

10. Rowing Blazers Harlequin Deep-Pile Sherpa “Jockey” Fleece

BOLDEST LOOK

With its bold pattern and even brighter colors, this horse-racing-inspired fleece jacket from Rowing Blazers is absolutely bound to turn heads. Not for the sartorially faint of heart, the Harlequin Deep-Pile Sherpa “Jockey” Fleece is the brand’s first foray into fleecewear and comes right out of the gate — horse pun intended! — with a stunner of a jacket. The jacket’s fabric was sourced in Portugal and pieced together like jockey silks, adding even more equestrian authenticity. The result is a comfortable, warm, cozy, and bold take on a well-ridden classic — and one that’s absolutely bound to stand out in a crowd.

Buy: BUY NOW: $365.00

11. The North Face Retro Blocked Denali Fleece Jacket

RETRO STYLE

There are so many new stylish fleece jackets in 2021 that we’re 12 products into this shopping guide and just getting around to The North Face. The North Face’s Denali jacket is up there with the Patagonia Retro X as one of the defining fleece jackets. Boxier in its cut and style, it’s a throwback to the early aughts silhouettes which have now come back in vogue. We love the color-blocked elements of it which almost make it feel like a wearable Rothko painting.

Buy: The North Face Retro Blocked Denali Fleece Jacket $199.00

12. Columbia Winter Pass Printed Fleece Jackets

BEST COLUMBIA FLEECE

Here’s the thing about fleece. Once you have one, it’s easy to slip down a rabbit hole and end up with, well, more of them. Due to their versatility, they’re just extremely helpful to have on hand, which means snagging another one — such as this one from Columbia — just makes sense. The alternating shades of navy houndstooth (!) make for a fantastic statement option that makes the jacket well worth investing in.

Buy: Columbia Winter Pass Printed Fleece Jacket

13. Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece Jackets

BEST HALF-ZIP

Yes, it’s nice to have fashion-forward jackets, but you need to have a few cozy statement pieces in your wardrobe too. The jacket’s half zip design allows for convenient temperature control as it’s easy to take on and off as you start to warm up or get cold. Each jacket in this style has a color-block aesthetic with different color patterns that we love. Unfortunately, these jackets do fit oversized, so be sure to size down.

14. The North Face TKA Kataka Fleece Jacket

BEST COLOR SELECTION

Those looking for a dedicated pullover fleece jacket will be very happy with this option from The North Face. It has an eco-friendly design as it’s constructed from 100% recycled nylon and fleece fabrics. The jacket is water repellent and comes in eight colors, including blue, green, and gray, just to name a few.

15. Carhartt Fleece Pullover Jacket

ALSO CONSIDER

Those looking for a dedicated pullover fleece jacket will be very happy with this option from Carhartt. Fleece is already great for layering, but the pullover nature makes it even easier to slip under a heavier jacket on colder days or remove when you begin to heat up at any point. Additionally, the jacket has lower warmer pockets for your hands and a chest pocket for small items like a wallet or keys.

Buy: Carhartt Fleece Pullover Jacket $86.94

16. Mountain Hardwear Polartec High Loft Fleece Jacket

HONORABLE MENTION

Mountain Hardwear’s Polartec High Loft Fleece Jacket is made from a fleece that sort of mimics a fur-like material, setting it apart from a lot of the other options on this list. The included paneling in the jacket helps to add a bit of stretch and comfort through the jacket itself while also making it so that you’re not too warm while you wear it. Additionally, this golden colorway will go with pretty much everything, seamlessly sliding into your existing wardrobe. The zip-up style makes it easy to just toss on right as you head out the door for added warmth.

Buy: Mountain Hardwear Polartec High Loft Fleece Jacket $175.00

Also Consider…

The traditional fleece jacket is a winter staple, but fleece itself is a versatile fabric that can be used in all sorts of men’s winter clothing. This year, in addition to the best fleece jackets, we’re also buying fleece hoodies, fleece-lined denim jackets, fleece bombers and more cozy winter essentials. Below, you’ll find some additional men’s apparel and outerwear made from fleece.

J.Crew Nordic Sweater Fleece Jacket

BEST SWEATER FLEECE

The Nordic Sweater Fleece from J. Crew is a garment you need in your closet to help combat the cold temperature. The sweater is inspired by mountain gear and comes with plenty of pocket space to house your essential items while on the go. The navy blue colored fleece comes paneled with stripes and orange specks, making it the perfect sweater to dress up or down in.

Eddie Bauer Camp Fleece Hoodie

BEST HOODIE

If you’re looking for a lightweight jacket that you can throw on and go about your day, then this Eddie Bauer hoodie is for you. The minimalist hoodie is made from an ultrasoft fabric blend of cotton and polyester that’ll keep you warm and comfortable. It has a classic fit with rib-knit cuffs and hem for shape retention. It also features an adjustable drawstring hood and dual front pockets to warm up your hands, or you can use them to store your personals. 

Levi’s Fleece Denim Trucker Jacket

FLEECE LINING

This denim jacket from Levi’s doesn’t look like a classic fleece, but it has a cozy inner fleece lining, so it will at least feel like you. Besides, you can never go wrong with a denim jacket as it’s a versatile piece that you can dress up or down, depending on the occasion. This Levi’s jacket is made of 100% cotton and features a plush fleece inner lining for added comfort. Pair it with some matching blue jeans for an upscaled denim look. It’s a classic staple that any man will love in their closet.

Bonobos Textured Fleece Bomber

ALSO CONSIDER

It’s fair to say we’re obsessed with this fleece bomber jacket. Not only did we recently name it one of the season’s best bomber jackets, but we also named it one of the top Christmas gifts of the year. For SPY, when the temperature starts to drop, we skip right past sweater weather and go straight to bomber season. Bonobos outdid themselves with this traditionally designed fleece bomber. It’s a lightweight and stylish piece that will look good with a layered outfit. 

ALMOST SOLD OUT!

Helly Hansen Team Daybreaker Fleece

MOST LIGHTWEIGHT

Do you hate wearing bulky jackets? Well, you’ll find this Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece as a great option. Wearing lightweight jackets allows you to stay warm without overheating. This is a versatile jacket that you can wear all year round, no matter how hot it gets. It can also be used as a workout jacket if you like to hit the gym sometimes.

Patagonia R1 Fleece Pullover Hoody

Patagonia’s R1 Fleece Pullover Hoody is a lightweight option that’s really great for layering under heavier coats or as a casual option around the house on a chilly day when you don’t want to crank up the heat. But our favorite thing about it is this incredible purple colorway the brand is offering this season. It’s certainly a bold option, but one that’s bound to draw a lot of praise whenever you do decide to wear it.

Buy: Patagonia R1 Fleece Pullover Hoody $159.00

Fjallraven Ovik Fleece Hoodie

For those who love the comfort of a hoodie but need its warmth to be a little supercharged, Sweedish brand Fjallraven’s Ovik Fleece Hoodie sits at the perfect intersection of both. Just like a standard hoodie, this is great to layer underneath a jacket or coat on particularly frigid days, while the knitted exterior provides a good texture. The zip-up nature makes it easy to take on and off as you warm-up, too.

Buy: Fjallraven Ovik Fleece Hoodie $149.95

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