The Best Fleece Jackets of 2023, According to Shoppers Who Call Them "Teddy Bear Soft"
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These retro toppers seem to always be in style, so snap up one of the icons now before the temperatures drop below freezing.
Whether you’re struggling through cold climates or need a cozy piece to sport around the house, a fleece jacket is a must in your wardrobe. Thankfully, many brands have succeeded in creating unique styles for this type of outerwear (we’ve come a long way since the North Face Denali Jacket hype in 2010!) so no matter your personal taste, you’re likely to find a fleece jacket to fall in love with.
Although we’re fans of the more fashion-forward styles on the market nowadays, fleeces are a necessity in our eyes first and foremost due to their ability to keep you warm and stand up to the elements, usually without the bulkiness of a puffy coat. So, whether you're on the hunt for a serious performance piece or just a casual layer for wearing around town (or while lounging in your living room!), keep scrolling for the best fleece jackets for women.
Athleta Forever Fleece 1/4 Zip Sweatshirt
Cozy loungewear that’s cute enough to wear outside of the house isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and thankfully Athleta has the ideal piece to achieve this look. "I'm obsessed with the Forever Fleece 1/4 Zip Sweatshirt," says Shape writer Madison Barber. "It feels like a warm hug once you pull it over your head, thanks to its plush exterior and soft fleece inside." She also shouts out the relaxed, oversized fit and a collar that covers the majority of your neck if it’s zipped all the way—a plus if you want to keep that area toasty when you’re outdoors.
This piece works as both a standalone jacket or layered with your go-to puffer coat, and comes in black, white, and heather grey (so no matter what colorway you get, it’ll likely match with the other shades in your outfit).
Columbia Women's Benton Springs Fleece Jacket
Not only has this classic fleece managed to secure an impressive 4.7 rating — even after more than 19,000 ratings — but it's also the number one best-seller on Amazon in the "women's fleece jackets and coats" category. It's lightweight, has handy pockets to keep your items secure, and features an active cut for comfortable outdoor activities. Plus, the full zip at the front allows you to wear it open if you start to overheat walking around town or hiking on a trail. And with 32 different shades to choose from, you truly can't go wrong.
"When I find a garment that fits me great and is extremely comfortable, I tend to become obsessed with it," admits a customer. "I own six of these, and I love all of the colors, especially the Lily red. I wear these every day from early fall to late spring. They are my go-to jackets for my mountain hikes, park walks, and all my daily outdoor activities. I love that the neck zips into a turtleneck. The side pockets have a zipper which I love, and this even has an interior pouch for my gloves."
Patagonia Women's Lightweight Synchilla® Snap-T® Fleece Pullover
Chances are, you've spotted this iconic, color-blocked, snap-down fleece on Instagram, on one of your friends, or you may have rocked a version of it when you were a kid. This everyday jacket is made with mid-weight 100 percent recycled polyester fleece, so it offers plenty of warmth and comfort, and delivers retro vibes — if that's what your after. While, at one point, it may have been reserved for the woods and camping, it's now a cute, trendy staple to sport out and about and to dinner after a long day on the slopes.
"The classic snap tee has perfect quality and workmanship," said a happy buyer. "You'll have this for the long haul. The fit is full, allows a tee shirt layered beneath, providing enough warmth for brisk temperatures (not frigid, though). The elasticize sleeve and bottom hem keep the draft at bay. The neck can be snapped up high for more warmth or left unsnapped for a cool-down. These are serious secure plastic snaps — do not think flimsy. There have been so many colors and color combination variations over the years, but I'm so happy Patagonia keeps the classic style unchanged. Why update an icon?"
Fjallraven Stina Fleece W
Designed to resemble a sweater, this soft topper is made from recycled polyester fleece, has a high collar to protect from wind, and spacious zippered pockets to keep your items safe. It looks as great on its own in the city on a cool summer evening as it does layered under a shell jacket on the mountain. Also nice? The fleece is made in an eco-friendly process that actually uses about 50 percent less water and 31 percent less energy consumption, compared to a traditionally produced fleece sweater, so you can feel good about your purchase, too.
"Wonderfully soft and cozy," says one customer. "I've owned many fleece jackets over the years, but this is the best ever."
L.L.Bean Sweater Fleece Pullover
The durable construction and heritage-inspired style of this classic fleece from L.L. Bean might be what makes it so popular. The high neck protects you from the elements in biting cold weather — but if you get overheated on the trails, just unsnap the buttons for airflow. From high-intensity outdoor activities to everyday errands, you'll always find yourself reaching for this pick. Not to mention, it has nearly 800 five-star reviews, with many admitting to owning this pullover in multiple colorways.
One reviewer said: "I love this fleece, and actually have it in two sizes and colors. I purchased the black in medium and the sailcloth in large. They're both very comfortable and nicely loose-fitting. They are super warm and seem to be best-suited for lower temperatures (50 or below). They hold up nicely with regular laundering — the sweater fleece hasn't pilled at all in over a year of regular wash and wear."
Related: The 13 Best Running Jackets of 2023, Tested & Reviewed
Cotopaxi Women's Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket Zip Jacket
Sustainable, cozy, and bright — what more could you want in a fleece? It's made from repurposed fleece and DWR-treated, polyester taffeta left over from other companies' production runs, so you can feel good about your purchase. You can wear it a mid-layer or on its own, but you're probably going to want to show it off! Swap your go-to black outerwear for this striped, retro fleece and get ready for all the compliments.
"What more can I say, it's so warm! said a customer via the brand's website. "Great as a mid or outer layer, depending on the time of the year. I love Cotopaxi's colors! I get so many compliments on it."
Free People Hit The Slopes Printed Fleece Jacket
The ultimate layer for studio-to-street fashion, this oversized, slouchy fleece jacket has a button-down front and zippered pockets to keep your essentials safe and close at hand. It comes in a variety of bold colors and patterns, including zebra, butterfly, and indigo prints. While it might seem a bit more untraditional — in comparison to classic, solid-colored fleeces — this is a nod to your childhood when it was cool to wear ~out-there~ prints and designs.
One shopper wrote: "Love this fleece! Wore it cross-country skiing or just walking around town. I got my usual size small in Free People clothing. Love it and definitely recommend!"
Kari Traa Rothe Midlayer Fleece Jacket
A best-selling style at Kari Traa, this cozy, teddy fleece bomber has a slightly relaxed fit, elastic cuff sleeves, and a high collar for extra coverage in chilly weather. It can be worn on its own or as a mid-layer beneath a shell for days on the mountain. The convenient pockets and chest panel pocket allow you to keep everything you need with you (and ensure you won't lose that ski pass, again!). It comes in six fun colorways (including bright green; shown) and is currently discounted, which might make it tempting enough to buy more than one. And if you prefer a longer, hooded version that covers your bum (perfect over leggings), check out the brand's Røthe L Hood jacket (Buy It, $100, karitraa.com).
"This is a great midday jacket I use when skiing the backcountry," shared a buyer. "Keeps me warm and dry, even when it's wet, and it looks good when we stop at the pub for a brew on our way home from skiing. It's versatile, warm, keeps me dry, fits perfect, and looks great on or off piste, or out for a casual night."
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