The 8 Best Fleece Jackets for Men, Tested and Reviewed by Style Editors

An excellent warmth-to-weight ratio is key for staying cozy without feeling bogged down. Patagonia’s classic retro fleece jacket incorporates this element in its design, earning the top spot on our list. Based on our testing, we found it’s versatile enough for layering—ideal for wearing under a heavier jacket in extreme cold or on its own in milder conditions. The blustery winds didn’t stand a chance against the heat-trapping fleece as we felt super toasty walking the city streets. If you’re active outdoors or need to carry it in a backpack, the lightweight feel means it’s easy to move in, easy to pack, and won’t add extra bulk to your load.

As for the fit, it stops at the hip and gives you that relaxed, just-right fit—not too tight, not too baggy. You can wear it over other clothes like a sweater or t-shirt. And with Y-joint sleeves, the jacket moves with you better, so when you’re reaching or stretching, the sleeves won’t bunch up or feel tight. The level of functionality also made it deserving of the best overall title. There’s a total of three pockets, two zippered at the side, and one on the chest made with a contrast nylon fabric that repels water. In other words, it’s easy to keep your precious belongings close and safe from the elements.

The green and gray abstract pattern brings all the nostalgic vibes and just looks super cool. Our fashion editors love to pair it with blue jeans and a simple sneaker. Aside from style purposes, this fleece jacket would hold up nicely during early morning dog walks or chilly nights by the campfire.

Read More: Best Leather Jackets for Men

When the depths of winter make its grand entrance, you will need something to greet the cold with a warm embrace. Helly Hansen has the perfect jacket to step in and save the day. Crafted with high pile fleece, which is bulkier in density, this option is perfect for everyday wear or ski slopes. Our testers love the high collar that acts as a barrier against wind, preventing drafts from sneaking in. Another highlight is the anti-chafe chin guard, a soft, padded section at the top of the zipper, designed to avoid irritation and discomfort around the chin and neck area.

During our trial run, we were afraid that we would overheat, but that wasn’t the case. This jacket does a remarkably great job at keeping you toasty, while also supplying enough airflow. Aside from its ultra-soft fabric, we found that this piece easily fits into our rotation of casual and athleisure looks. Navy is always classic and versatile, and the red zipper string details add a nice contrast.

A lightweight fleece jacket will ensure you’re warm but also keep things easy and breezy. Enter Eddie Bauer’s offering. The colorblock design is more felted than others we’ve tested, which means the fabric has a thicker, denser texture. It has a soft, almost fuzzy feel and can feel cozier and durable, with less chance of fraying or stretching out.

During our trial run, we found it’s lighter than the Columbia version yet still built for outdoors. It’s just not one that would fare in freezing, subzero temps. On the other hand, you can easily pack it in your backpack or suitcase without a second thought. Best of all, it’s one of the more affordable options that won’t break the bank entirely.

A pullover fleece is the ultimate grab-and-go cozy layer. That’s why we love this Columbia style that feels like a teddy bear. No fussing with zippers—just pull it on, and you’re ready to roll. This bright design keeps the cold out with binding on the cuffs and hem, on top of a half-placket snap closure that offers a utilitarian vibe. We found that it kept us adequately warm in brutal temps when thrown over a thermal and sweater.

We tested this Columbia fleece jacket on the trail, but it’s comfortable enough to wear around the house or during your casual weekend errands. The oh-so-soft and warm material makes it easy to toss on when you plan to snuggle up like a couch potato. It also helps that the fabric stretches, so you’re super stiff. Compared to the others we’ve put to the test, Columbia’s offering has less pockets. But the one zippered chest pocket is enough to hold cash or keys. When the weather gets a bit nippy at night, the flexible collar can be worn up to cover your neck.

Merrell’s adventure-ready gear is built with function in mind, but the brand’s fleece jacket is just as stylish as it is toasty. The cream sherpa fleece pairs perfectly with those green onion quilted details, making a killer hybrid combo. Plus, the sprinkles of orange from the Vislon zippers add some flair to the look. Thanks to its unique fabric blend of polyester and ripstop, you’re not just rocking a good style—you’re also protected from rain and abrasion, making it a great choice for your everyday outings.

We were impressed by how easily the material repels water, it’s like a little shield against mother nature. Just keep in mind that while it’s great for daily use, this option may not hold up as well in extreme conditions, unless it’s layered underneath a heavy coat. With 100 GSM (grams per square meter) of insulation, it hits that sweet spot between lightweight comfort and enough warmth to keep you feeling snug. But if you find yourself needing to really seal out the cold, the bound cuff and hem will do the trick.

A sherpa fleece jacket is equivalent to wrapping yourself in a giant, fluffy blanket that you can wear in public. Take L.L. Bean’s super comfortable version. Based on extensive testing, we found this piece is much thicker than others on the list. The rugged high pile has a dense, plush texture, provides a substantial amount of insulation, and can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities including camping and hiking.

Unlike the other fleece jackets, this one has a ribbed hem and cuffs along with a hint of stretch for freedom of movement. Our testers love the slightly fitted look that offers a flattering silhouette and allows for easy layering with reduced bulk. The zippered chest pockets adds functionality and protection with an abrasion-resistant overlay. In other words, your valuables will be tucked away safely from wind, moisture or any kind of damage.

Aether stands out in the fleece jacket category because the brand combines technical performance with a refined, minimalist aesthetic. The same ideal mix shined through in its hooded anorak during our testing. For starters, it’s made with Polartec fleece, which effectively traps heat while remaining lightweight and compressible (perfect for layering without added bulk).

The material is designed to be highly breathable and wick moisture away from the skin—key for staying dry during outdoor activities like climbing, hiking, and skiing. But it’s also a good travel companion, one that packs down easily in your luggage. Unlike generic fleece, Polartec is known for its durability. It’s pill-resistant and maintains its loft and insulation over time, performing well even after years of use.

Another standout feature is the 3-in-1 large kangaroo pocket that will hold your phone to prevent it from bouncing around as you’re on the move. Behind that center compartment are handwarmer pockets to free your fingers from potential frostbite. When the cold winds pick up, we found the sherpa-lined hood can make all the difference—especially this one with added thermal capabilities. The only drawback is the price tag, but it’s easy to overlook if you see it for what it is—a lifetime investment.

Flip it, reverse it—this double-sided fleece jacket can change up your style on the fly. The North Face number offers a fluffy fleece on one side, while wind- and -water-resistant nylon coats the other for another layer of defense from the elements. In fact, during our testing we preferred the latter because the fleece felt like a soft pillow and trapped heat like nobody’s business, especially when the weather would drop significantly.

Walking around in an oversized jacket may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we found the piece keeps it comfortable and stylish without looking like you’re drowning in fabric. And it looks great with a nice pair of joggers or track pants. Above all else, we love the reversible fleece for its supreme level of versatility. It’s great for all-day wear whether you’re exploring the beaten path, running errands, or traveling over the weekend.

What Type of Fleece is the Best?

Choosing the best type of fleece starts with determining your intended use of it. There’s various types to select from, including polar, microfleece, and textured fleece. Polar fleece is known for its heavyweight and fluffy feel as well as its insulation and superior warmth. The material is commonly often used in blankets, coats, jackets and sweaters. Microfleece is on the lighter side of the spectrum, offering a more breathable and thinner quality. Similar to polar fleece, textured fleece is thicker and features a patterned fabric. Fleece jackets also come in four different styles: hoodies, pullovers (sometimes with sap closures), half- and full-zip jackets.