10 Best Fleece Jackets in 2023 – Warm & Affordable

Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan

If you’re looking for a top-quality fleece jacket that’s great for any situation from having a coffee in town to layering up for climbing a snowy mountain, the Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan has you covered.

The Covert Cardigan been extremely well-made and will last a long time, even when put to the test against some heavy wear. The jacket feels soft against the skin, is breathable and quick-drying, so no matter the weather, comfort is never far away.

It’s got some good looks and comes in a huge range of colors to choose from. It’s made of a far less stretchy material and reduces bunching but still has enough stretch for full mobility and comfort. And, unlike a lot of old-school fleeces, it has a full zip too, from top to bottom.

It comes with two hand pockets plus a laminated sleeve pocket and fits well. It’s pretty slim-fitting too which is a bonus to some. The only drawback is that it’s pretty expensive.

Overall, the Covert Cardigan is the best fleece all-rounder that’ll last a long time and is worth the investment.

Marmot Reactor

If you’re on a budget and looking for a classic fleece that is good for everything from working on the computer to being a base layer, then the Marmot Reactor is the way to go.

The Marmot Reactor fleece jacket is of great value and is high-performing thanks to the Power Grid Fleece fabric that is light, warm, and moisture-wicking to keep you dry. No more getting cold on a break from a hike because your sweat has built up. It also comes with a full zip, so if you get hot, you can open it as much as you want.

While wearing this lightweight fleece jacket you’ll notice how soft and cozy it is. The padded shoulders are there for increased durability for use backpacking and the flatlock construction gives you chafe-free movement.

The only downside is that it’s not as warm as more expensive jackets and the wind will whistle through, but that’s simple enough to solve by adding another layer.

The Marmot Reactor is one of the best fleece jackets if you’re on a budget.

Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover

If a casual fleece is what you’re after then the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover might be in your future. More of a sweater fleece than a jacket, this one is a favorite amongst causal fleece wearers. Especially because it doesn’t come with full zip.

It’s not particularly technical but it is soft, cozy, warm, and rather good looking. Perfect for walking around town post or pre-ski, or staying snug and warm by the sofa. The relaxed fit also certainly helps.

The lightweight Synchilla Snap T is made from 85% recycled fabrics that are Fair Trade sewn, so you know the money is getting to the right people. It’s double fleeced and traps body heat, blocks wind, and is moisture-wicking to ensure you stay dry.

It’s a little pricey and it is just a fleece without any real pockets, apart from the cursory chest pocket of course. However, if casual is your game, you can’t put a foot wrong with the lightweight Synchilla Snap!

Tip: Compare the Patagonia Synchilla & Better Sweater

Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece

If you’re looking for the softest, yummiest fleece around then the Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece is the one for you.

It’s made from Polartec High Loft material that is as soft as butter, you’ll keep playing with it and so will others it really is that soft. But this isn’t one of those fleece jackets that’s made for just sitting in coffee bars, it’s an active fleece that is warm, light, and flexible.

There are stretchy moisture-wicking side panels that make sure you stay dry, give great breathability, and ensure mobility. It’s also made as a slim fit, making this a fleece jacket one day and a mid-layer on another. And, it also comes with full zip.

It does have some downsides though. The fleece will shed a bit, this is the case with the material but it won’t affect performance. And you’ll need to layer up when the temperatures drop or the wind picks up.

Overall an awesome fleece though, and top marks for softness.

Arc'teryx Fortrez Hoodie

The Arc’teryx Fortrez Hoodie is an ideal piece of gear if you’re looking for a warm, durable fleece jacket that’s great for being active in.

It’s been designed with climbing in mind which has made it exceptionally durable and breathable. The Arc’teryx Fortrez Hoodie is one of the most breathable fleece jackets around and does a great job of combing hard-wearing fabric with warmth and athleticism. If you’re looking for the best fleece jacket for every activity, this is the one.

The Polartec Power Stretch fabric is one of the reasons this fleece jacket is so easy to move in too. Polartec have been working on fleece jackets for decades and know their stuff.

This Arc’teryx Fortrez fleece jacket is one of the best on the market and the price does reflect that. It’s very expensive but worth it if you need high-performance fleece that’s good for every activity. It’s a bit too technical to wear around town but still good-looking.

Patagonia Better Sweater

Patagonia’s Better Sweater is one of the most popular fleece jackets around, and being Patagonia, you know its been made to the highest of environmental standards.

The newest version is made from 100% recycled materials and with a low-impact process that significantly reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy, and water. If you want your shopping choices to influence good in the world, Patagonia is a brand to be a part of.

The Better Sweater fleece is warm, soft to touch, and very comfortable to wear. It’s made of moisture-wicking fleece on the inside to keep you warm but dry and with a sweater-knit exterior to keep out the elements. It’s ideal for use as either a stay-at-home or around town fleece and a layer for cold mountain hiking or skiing.

The only downsides are that it’s not very good with wind and you’ll notice most drafts getting through it.

Overall a great fleece jacket, that looks good and works well no matter what you’re doing.

Compare Patagonia’s Better Sweater and Synchilla.

The North Face Denali 2 Hoodie

The North Face Denali 2 Hoodie is made to be tough and is the heaviest fleece in this review. This North Face jacket has some of the best weather resistance out of all the fleece jackets in the review.

The thick fleece layer and abrasion reinforced shoulders make it exceptionally durable. And the nylon-coated shoulders, hood, and chest are able to repel rain and block the wind. This is by far the warmest fleece around but it is heavy and bulky and not really suitable for layering.

The North Face Denali 2, due to its thick weather-resistant build, doesn’t pack down well (which is one reason down beats fleece) and is not really for use while being active in the snow but more for a strong outer layer to walk around town in after you’ve been carving the mountain.

Overall, it’s an iconic fleece from North Face, and perfect for casual wear.

Under Armour Tactical Super Fleece Jacket

The Under Armour Tactical Super Fleece Jacket is another great option for both layering and hanging out at home or in the outdoors on a brisk dry day.

The first thing you’ll notice when you pick it up is how soft it is, and then once it’s on you’ll get a warm fuzzy feeling thanks to the inner layer. It’s been made with a high loft Sherpa for extreme warmth to keep you going as a layer in the coldest of conditions.

It’s also been built with UA’s storm technology that not only repels water but holds on to its breathability. This means if you’re using it as an outer layer, then you’ll be pretty safe from a downpour, and as in an inner layer, you’re not going to overheat.

The only downsides are that it’s a bit tricky to get the right size, so be sure to measure and check before you buy. It’s also a bit pricey but not that bad compared to others of the same quality.

Overall an awesome fleece for casual and active use.

Columbia Fast Trek II

The Columbia Fast Trek II has been made as a layering fleece jacket for any weather. It’s perfect for brisk summer hikes and as a mid-layer while climbing snowy mountains.

It’s made from 100% micro-fiber fleece and is pretty stretchy, meaning a relaxed fit. Its raglan sleeves give you full mobility whilst being active in icy conditions while the micro-fiber keeps you warm.

The Columbia Fast Trek II is also pretty good-looking and comes in a large range of colors. It’s perfect for walking around town as well as hanging out around the house. It is one of the most affordable fleece jackets in the review and well worth a shot.

Berghaus Prism 2.0

The Berghaus Prism 2.0 is another very affordable fleece jacket that’s great as a layering option or an outer layer on warmer days. It lacks all the tech of more expensive fleeces but it gets the job done nonetheless.

It’s made from 50% recycled fleece fabric that is hard-wearing to ensure its long-lasting durability. Once on, you’ll notice how warm and soft it is. The Prism 2.0 also comes with an interactive zip that easily attaches to any of Berghaus’ outer shells, making it an easy choice if you’re a loyal Berghaus customer.

It fits nicely although the sleeves can be a bit narrow for some which can get uncomfortable. Also, the cuffs aren’t elasticated so there’s some movement around the wrist that lets some cold in.

Overall it’s a great fleece for the price that’s great for casual wear and layering.

Marmot Drop Line Fleece Jacket

The Marmot Drop Line Fleece Jacket is another great choice for those on a budget. Made for layering or as a casual fleece for wearing about town, the Drop Line looks good and is great for easy days in the outdoors.

Made from 100% polyester, this fleece jacket is soft, warm, and breathable. Marmot has added flatlock seams to ensure smooth, comfortable chafe-free movement while being active, making it an ideal inner layer for cold activities.

It comes with two zipper hand pockets and a chest pocket with a headphone port for easy listening while out on the trail or in town. This jacket is a bit thin, which is what makes it affordable. It won’t work well in a cold wind and you’ll need to layer up.

Overall, it’s a high-quality fleece jacket, great for warmer cold days and as a layer.

Columbia Granite Mountain Fleece Jacket

For those on a budget, or if you want a fleece that’s so affordable you can treat it mean, the Columbia Granite Mountain Fleece Jacket is right up your street.

Made from 100% polyester it gives you a warm fluffy feel that keeps you warm while being super comfy. The fit is comfy too, not too tight but tight enough to keep your body heat in.

There are two hand-warming zip pockets and a long middle zip with a mock neck to keep you toasty upstairs too. The sleeves are long with elastic cuffs and there is a drawcord hem to keep the fleece in place and stop any drafts from flushing up there.

Being so affordable, it does have some quality issues and if you want it to last, you’ll have to treat it with care.

Overall a great budget choice for casual or workmen wear.