The Best Fleece Jackets for Women of 2024

Fleece jackets are like a hug on a drizzly day yet are as diverse as the weather across four seasons. Whether you’re sledding with kids at 9,000 feet in the Rockies, ice climbing in below-freezing temperatures, shoveling dirt at a North Dakota farm, or rafting Idaho’s most remote rivers, we’ve got you covered. Finding the right fleece for your day-to-day use is essential for warmth and protection.

Regardless of the fabric makeup, pile, and aesthetic, the purpose remains the same — to hold your body heat. Despite that aim, fleece midlayers have a range of other attributes that make them unique including their fit, weatherproofness, and durability. Some women’s fleece jackets are more technical than others, serving certain purposes like alpine climbing or backpacking.

And while there isn’t a single fleece jacket that works for every person and application, we’ve highlighted a variety of options so you can find the one that suits you best. Whether you’re after a jacket with good range of motion, high warmth-to-weight ratio, or just plain ol’ comfort from the cold while tailgating, we’ve got you covered.

With so many women’s fleece jackets to choose from, it can be hard to pick the best option for your outdoor activities. Check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ for a breakdown of the how and why of women’s fleece jackets. Have a look at our comparison chart to steer your decision process.

Otherwise, dive through our picks for the best women’s fleece jackets of 2024.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Women’s Fleece Jacket buyer’s guide on November 17, 2023, adding newly launched and tested products and educational sections.

The Best Fleece Jackets for Women in 2024

• Best Overall Women’s Fleece Jacket: Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie
• Best Budget Women’s Fleece Jacket: Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Jacket
• Runner-Up Best Women’s Fleece Jacket: Norrøna Falketind Alpha 120 Zip Fleece
• Best Technical Women’s Fleece Jacket: Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody
• Most Breathable Women’s Fleece Jacket: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody
• Best Water Resistance: Voormi Diversion Hoodie
• Most Sustainable and Stylish: Jones Flagship Recycled Fleece Pullover

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Women’s Fleece Jacket Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Weight, Fit, Fabric, Density.

Fleece Jacket	Price	Weight	Fit	Fabric	Density
Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie	$180	12.1 oz.	Athletic	Polartec Powerstretch Pro: 53% polyester, 38% nylon, 9% elastane	Midweight
Norrona Falketind Alpha 120 Zip Fleece	$209	8.6 oz.	Athletic	Polartec Alpha 120	Midweight
REI Groundbreaker Fleece Jacket 2.0	$30-50	10.7 oz.	Relaxed	Polyester	Midweight
Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody	$199	14.6 oz.	Athletic	94% polyester (of which 77% is recycled), 6% spandex double-weave	177 gsm
Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody	$169	10.9 oz.	Athletic	100% recycled polyester	Lightweight
Orvis PRO Fleece Half-Zip Pullover	$129	N/A	Athletic	Polartec Power Stretch Hardface (chest & upper arms), Polartec Power Grid (lower arms & side panels)	Midweight
Voormi Diversion Hoodie	$269	12.2 oz.	Athletic	Wool blend	Midweight
Jones Snowboards Women’s Flagship Recycled Grid Fleece Pullover	$130	9.87 oz.	Standard	100% recycled Polartec polyester Power Grid	Midweight
Stio Turpin Fleece Half Zip	$99	7.8 oz.	Regular	Recycled Heather Microfleece, 65% REPREVE® Recycled Polyester, 35% Polyester	Midweight
Patagonia Better Sweater Hoody	$169	16.9 oz.	Athletic	100% recycled polyester	Midweight
Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Jacket	$70	8.5 oz.	Athletic	100% recycled Polartec polyester	100 gsm
The North Face Denali 2 Jacket	$179	1 lb., 2 oz.	Relaxed	100% recycled polyester (fleece fabric), 100% nylon (overlay)	Heavyweight
Topo Designs Subalpine Fleece	$189	N/A	Straight	100% polyester	Midweight
Norrøna Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hood	$249	14.53 oz.	Regular	Polartec Power Stretch Pro (face), polyester & wool blend (side panels)	Midweight
Kari Traa Rothe Midlayer Fleece Jacket	$100	N/A	Relaxed	Polyester	Midweight

How We Tested Women’s Fleece Jackets

We know outdoor activities don’t all look alike, so we made sure every women’s fleece jacket we tested was used in a wide range of conditions and activities. These fleece jackets for women were tested across environments, four seasons, and various weather conditions. We also used them for daily life from shoveling snow to jogging and running errands.

Our GearJunkie testers include a range of skilled pros: an AMGA-certified rock guide, sugar beet harvester, ski patrol tail guide, professional wildlife photographer, and rancher, to name a few of our field experts. Our team of skiers, snowboarders, hunters, climbers, and farmers put these jackets to the test to find the best women’s fleece.

Leading the gear testing team, Senior Editor Morgan Tilton grew up in the Colorado Rockies and lives in the Gunnison Valley, one of the coldest places in the U.S. She pulls on a fleece year-round from camping to yard work and downhill skiing or snowboarding. Fleece midlayers have rotated through her closet for more than three decades.

One of our lead testers is journalist Kylie Mohr, who has lived in a four-season mountain climate for more than 6 years. Mohr tested these fleeces for their warmth, durability, and packability, throwing them on for alpine skiing, ski touring, running, and walking the dog on chilly mornings.

The fleece accompanied us while alpine skiing and on backcountry tours. These layers have proven their durability and heat retention while traversing Idaho’s remotest wild rivers, working the land in North Dakota farmlands, and ascending cracks in Utah’s Indian Creek. We used them rock climbing and skiing throughout Colorado’s high-elevation peaks and limestone walls. Temperatures stretched from splitting cold at sunrise to scorching beneath the sun during fieldwork.

These layers protected us while glassing for animals and trail running. Other designs even helped keep us warm while we cleaned farm machinery, pedaled cruisers around town, and cooked meals at the campsite.

Using our first-hand experience, we narrowed down this season’s best fleece for women who work and play outside on a regular basis. While testing our fleece, we consider overall fit, warmth, hand value, density, weight, quality, durability, comfort, breathability, and overall value. We also took a close look at the design features from the zippers, hems, and hoods to the pockets, and considered the best application of each fleece.

We also take into account the most innovative, sustainable, novel, objective-specific, popular, highly rated, and legacy products across a range of price points. We’re confident this list includes the best women’s fleece jackets on the market that serve a variety of budgets and end uses.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Fleece Jacket for Women

Fleece is a human-made fabric that is soft, fuzzy, and imitates wool fleece. The fabric is used to make a variety of insulating midlayers and lightweight jackets or vests that often have a full or partial front zipper.

Fleece is typically made from synthetic materials like polyester or a polyester blend.

It’s not to be confused with wool fleece, which comes from a variety of animals including sheep, alpacas, and goats.

For this guide, we focused on fleece jackets rather than vests.

History

Modern fleece was born out of a collaboration between Patagonia and a company called Malden Mills Industries, now Polartec.

Maiden Mills developed the first-ever synthetic fleece textile in 1981. Patagonia wanted to mimic and tweak wool, which rock climbers and backpackers were wearing at the time, and make something lighter and quicker to dry. 

Designers found synthetic pile at a fabric shop, then worked to soften initial stiff prototypes: made from material intended for toilet seat covers. An initial catalog description for the result, the “Patagonia Climbing Jacket,” called the jacket, “very warm, wind and water-resistant” — qualities fleece jackets from all brands are loved today. In 1985, the iconic Synchilla Fleece pullover was born.

Benefits of Fleece

Fleece is generally breathable, wicks moisture, and is quick-drying. Those qualities can be good for cardio activities like backcountry skiing, trail running, backpacking, or hiking.

Designs vary based on their warmth-to-weight ratio, wind and water resistance, bulkiness, and features like thumbholes, pockets, or hoods.

Fleece vs. Wool

Wool, on the other hand, regulates temperature well, shields wind, and carries anti-odor properties. Wool is also naturally water-repellent due to the lanolin that coats the fibers. Comparatively, fleece wets quicker than wool but dries faster.

High Pile Fleece 

High pile fleece is that plush, blanket-like fleece jacket. It looks cozy, cuddly, and sometimes, like a teddy bear. It’s also known as sherpa fleece because it has the feel and resemblance of a sheep’s coat. The Topo Designs Subalpine Fleece is a super soft example of the sherpa look and feel, as is the Kari Traa Rothe Midlayer Fleece Jacket.

High pile fleece can give off a throwback, retro vibe, since it’s reminiscent of early designs. 

Warmth and Insulation

Fleeces offer varying levels of warmth and insulation from the cold, based on the type of fabric, weight, and any fabric liners. We classify all of our picks as midlayers, though some are warmer and more weather-resistant than others. In some conditions, these fleece work perfectly fine as an outer layer.

• Lightweight: The lightest fleece jackets are around 100 gsm. These layers are great for high-aerobic activities like nordic skiing or running. They are generally more breathable and less bulky. An example of the best fleeces in this category is the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody.
• Midweight: Moderate-weight midlayers are a bit thicker at 200 gsm but still could be used while active at colder temperatures. They offer good insulation and can be integrated into a complete layering system underneath a protective wind or rain shell. The Topo Designs Subalpine Fleece is a good example of a midweight option.
• Heavyweight: The thickest fleece layers are around 300-400 gsm and are great for layering up at the campsite. They tend to be a bit bulkier and warmer than light or midweight fleeces. They typically aren’t as comfortable or breathable during high-output activities. The North Face Denali Jacket was among the heaviest-weight fleeces we tested.

Layering Systems

Some of our favorite fleece jackets for women can be used as a standalone layer in adverse weather, though many are designed to be integrated with other jackets as part of a layering system. Using several layers allows you to stay comfortable as the conditions change or as your level of activity increases or decreases.

For example, if you are hiking uphill and start to sweat, you can shed your insulating layer (maybe it’s a fleece) and keep hiking in a base layer. Read more about base layers in our best baselayers for women guide. If the wind starts to howl, zip a wind shell or ski jacket over your fleece to trap heat. Learn more about outermost layering in our best ski jackets guide.

Wind and Water Resistance

Modern fleece designs often feature water-repellent treatments on the surface to prevent your fleece from absorbing moisture if weather conditions deteriorate. This means they do a much better job keeping you warm when it’s wet outside than, say,  a cotton sweatshirt.

The Voormi Diversion Hoodie is particularly good at this job due to the technical fabric weave and DWR coating. Most fleeces are not truly waterproof, however, and it’s still a good idea to bring a rain jacket as part of a complete layering system.

Some fleece jackets also have a fabric weave or outer coating that offers protection from the wind, like the Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie. These features are most useful when you intend to use your fleece as a standalone outer layer, as compared to an insulating midlayer.

Similarly, abrasion-repellent treatments on the outside of your fleece can enhance durability. This is especially useful for climbing, moving around equipment like a snowmobile, lifting objects, or other activities during which your jacket may be scraping against rough surfaces.

Breathability

If you’re going to be running, skiing, biking, or generally moving in your fleece, breathability is essential.

Fleece is typically made with materials that are designed to draw or “wick” moisture away from the body. Light or midweight layers are best for active pursuits. The dense fabric of heavyweight fleece tends to be less breathable and agile.

Among our winners for the breathability category, the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is constructed with a unique zigzag pattern that combines breathable channels with lofty fleece. These channels let heat escape from areas where you are likely to sweat the most, but they offer little respite from the wind.

Another choice with excellent aeration but heat-holding power is the Norrøna Falketind Alpha 120 Zip Fleece. We also loved the Orvis PRO Fleece Half-Zip Pullover for its heat-shedding side panels.

Other fleece designs even integrate wool fibers for odor control while keeping your warmth in.

Packability

You’ll want to think about your fleece jacket’s intended use when considering what to buy and bring for different activities. Some of the fleece jackets on this list are streamlined, meant to offer warmth in a thin package that’s perfect for stuffing into a backpack as temperatures shift or layering on and off during ski tours.

Others, especially those in the high pile fleece category, don’t fold nicely into a small size. Since the material is often warmer and bulkier than other polyester fleece, it’s best when packability isn’t a concern — think car camping. 

Durability

A good fleece jacket needs to stand the test of time. Some additional design details help these midlayers do just that. 

Elbow patches offer reinforcement to lessen wear and tear in the elbow area. The Topo Designs Subalpine Fleece is designed with a reinforced chest, back, and elbows.

Tasian nylon fabric adds durability. We also like the Women’s Denali 2 Jacket from The North Face for its nylon panels on the chest, arms, and across the shoulders. The tough material helps prevent abrasion where backpack straps might rub.

The dense weave of the Voormi Diversion Hoodie also got high marks during testing for its durability. 

Thumb Loops

Thumb loops, also known as thumbholes, are small openings directly underneath a shirt’s cuffs at the end of the sleeves. A shirt cuff is a layer of fabric that demarcates the edge of a garment at the wrist, and is made up of an additional piece of fabric that’s sewn on to help prevent fraying and increase comfort.

The lengths and elasticity of sleeves and cuffs can vary. Some sleeves are meant to go up to your knuckles and cover your palms, and include thumb loops to facilitate. Thumb loops are often found on fleece meant for athletic activities that are a thinner, flatter material. Bulkier, high-pile fleece, and fleece meant to be worn as an outer layer often go with traditional cuffs rather than thumb loops.  

We love thumb loops for fleece worn during athletic activities when layering without bunching is helpful, or when we don’t want the elements getting up our sleeves. Thumb loops kept the Norrøna Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hood in place while doing farm chores, and kept wind from getting in on gusty testing days.

We found the thumb loops on the Backcountry Hybrid Grid Fleece Pullover nice during ski touring on a cold day and appreciated the thicker amount of fabric that didn’t rub into the crease between our thumb and pointer finger. Other thumb loop designs, like ones that are a thin string of fabric, can become uncomfortable after long periods of time. The stretch cuffs on the Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody are a solid alternative to keep fabric from getting in the way of your fingers when thumb loops aren’t a feature. 

Pockets   

Fleece jackets come with all different pocket configurations. How many and where you want them is personal preference.

Zip chest pockets on jackets like the Kari Traa Rothe Midlayer Fleece Jacket or the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody are great for keeping small items like chapstick organized and close by. All full-zip fleece jackets on this list have larger side zip pockets on the lower half of the jacket.

Other types of pockets to look for in fleece are kangaroo pockets — open on both sides to fit both hands — and inner zip pockets for items you don’t want to lose and don’t anticipate taking in and out, like a car key. If you’re going to wear a harness with your fleece, make sure pockets sit higher so they’re still accessible. 

Hoods and Collars 

Think about your intended activities when choosing fleece with a hood versus a collar. Hoods are ideal if inclement weather pops up, so a good feature for something you plan on wearing without another shell or layer on top. Slim-fitting hoods can fit under some helmets, while roomier cuts can stretch on top. 

But if all of your layers are hooded, those hoods can pile up. Think about how a fleece factors into your existing base layers, puffy, and other jackets. Learn more about down jackets (with and without hoods) in our guide. 

Collars are great for keeping wind out and sun off your skin, especially when they’re fully zipped up. They can add warmth and hug-like comfort without the bulk of a hood. If it’s not cold enough for a hood, or you have a hat to wear, a hood won’t be needed and a collar does enough. A collar is especially appreciated on midlayers that you’d like to stack next to layers with a hood.

Size and Fit

Women’s-specific fleece jackets take into account the shape of the female body including the hips, chest, and shoulders as well as torso length and width.

Many of the athletic-fit fleeces we tested are also tailored and gusseted in the arms and shoulders to be more form-fitting yet allow a range of movement. We especially liked the curved hem fit on the Stio Turpin Fleece Half Zip.

Alternatively, there are also plenty of relaxed-fit fleece jackets for women on the market.

Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, buying new gear isn’t as environmentally friendly as having a closet swap with friends or finding scores at the thrift store. But conscious consumers can still shop with Mother Nature in mind.

Is your fleece in good shape, but you’re looking to update features, colors, warmth, you name it? A trade-in program is a great way to keep waste out of the supply chain if you’re itching for something new. Patagonia’s Worn Wear program and Arc’teryx’s ReGEAR programs allow consumers to trade in and buy used gear. REI members can also trade in gear for a gift card. 

Some jackets, like the Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie and the Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Jacket are made with fabrics that meet the criteria of Bluesign, an organization that works to keep chemicals out of the supply chain for the health of humans, wildlife, natural resources, and the earth. Factories approved by the group must meet standards for pollution control and safety protections for workers. Products can meet those standards partially or as a whole, which is identified in labels and online descriptions. 

Some materials are partially or fully recycled. The Stio Turpin Fleece Half Zip is made up of 65% Repreve Recycled Polyester from post-consumer water bottles. The polyester in the Patagonia Better Sweater Hoody is also recycled. According to Patagonia, recycled polyester now costs roughly the same as its virgin counterpart, making the switch easier. The recycled materials often stem from sources like plastic bottles, cafeteria trays, and old clothing.

Patagonia also uses some recycled wool in its fleece. The wool comes from factory scraps and returned garments, which are then mechanically shredded and re-spun into new yarn. Recycled wool is often combined with recycled polyester to increase strength and durability. In the spring of 2023, 9% of the company’s wool products were made with recycled wool. 

Other companies try to cut waste in the supply chain. The Voormi Diversion Hoodie comes from a company known for its sustainable sourcing. Voormi doesn’t produce seasonal collections made en masse, then discounted at the end of the season. It makes products all year to keep a tighter hold on demand, and limit overproduction and waste along the way.

Companies are also taking matters into their own hands. Patagonia is renowned for its environmental activism. The brand supports more than 1,000 groups that support a range of initiatives from biodiversity loss to climate action and also has a self-imposed “Earth Tax” called 1% for the Planet. Smaller companies such as Stio are third-party certified climate neutral, and work to reduce offset by investing in comparable renewable energy.

How to Mend

Agh! You’ve ripped your fleece on an errant branch or sharp ski edge. No need to fret.

Some brands have services for fixing apparel. Patagonia’s repair program will take your clothing and repair it for you, within reason. Make sure to check their list to know if your gear fits the bill (nothing extensively damaged or threadbare, for example).

We’ve also had luck with The North Face’s repair program for a broken zipper on a ski shell. But keep in mind some brand repairs can take two or more months, depending on demand. A nearby seamstress might have a shorter waiting list.

Price

If a wool fleece includes cashmere, a super-soft and fine goat hair, its price increases considerably.

Otherwise, the majority of fleece and wool falls in a similar price range, plus a handful of budget-friendlier fleece options.

The most economic choices in our guide are below $100. The cheapest option is the Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Jacket ($65). The Stio Turpin Fleece Half Zip ($99) comes in at just under a hundo.

At a moderate price, the majority of our favorite fleece are between $100 and $200. That collection includes the Kari Traa Rothe Midlayer Fleece Jacket ($100), Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie ($180), Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody ($199), Orvis Pro Fleece Half-Zip Pullover ($129), The North Face Denali 2 Jacket ($179), and Topo Designs Subalpine Fleece ($189).

Pricier fleece jackets that rank high on our list exceed $200. Those tags include the Norrøna Falketind Alpha 120 ($209), Voormi Diversion Hoodie ($269), and Norrøna Trollveggen ($249).

FAQ

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