The Best Fleece Jacket for Women: 13 Lightweight, Cozy Options
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Is fleece warm? Yes! Known for being the coziest jacket material—it’s terrific for a hike but they’re also wonderful to throw on for layering in the chilly season overall. Check out TFG’s top faves for light weight fleece jackets!
Is fleece warm? Yes! Known for being the coziest jacket material—it’s terrific for a hike but they’re also wonderful to throw on for layering in the chilly season overall. Check out TFG’s top faves for light weight fleece jackets!
Best Womens Fleece Jacket
Written By: Laura Pulling
Written By: Laura Pulling
Table Of Contents
When you’re venturing to some cooler climates or heading into the fall season, we at TFG always advocate wearing layers as a great way to stay warm and comfortable—whether you’re doing a day of hiking or sightseeing—layering clothes allows you to strip down to cool off when you need to, and wrap up if you feel a chill.
So, what is fleece made out of? Although it’s named after the wooly part of a sheep, chances are your fleece has never been anywhere near a farm! It’s made of a type of polyester that is cozily warm, moisture-resistant, and breathable.
Fleece is definitely stellar for travel too! You can squeeze one as tight as you like into a packing cube, and once you need it, it’s ready to wear, no creases, no hassle!
So we’ve rounded up the best fleece jackets women love, that will be perfect for layering during your fall or winter adventures. Check them out!
When you’re venturing to some cooler climates or heading into the fall season, we at TFG always advocate wearing layers as a great way to stay warm and comfortable—whether you’re doing a day of hiking or sightseeing—layering clothes allows you to strip down to cool off when you need to, and wrap up if you feel a chill.
So, what is fleece made out of? Although it’s named after the wooly part of a sheep, chances are your fleece has never been anywhere near a farm! It’s made of a type of polyester that is cozily warm, moisture-resistant, and breathable.
Fleece is definitely stellar for travel too! You can squeeze one as tight as you like into a packing cube, and once you need it, it’s ready to wear, no creases, no hassle!
So we’ve rounded up the best fleece jackets women love, that will be perfect for layering during your fall or winter adventures. Check them out!
Best Women’s Fleece Jacket
Columbia Womens Fleece Jacket Fire Side
Feel toasty warm in this Columbia fleece jacket—a TFG reader favorite! This Sherpa fleece jacket is velvety soft, with fluffy high-pile fleece both inside and out to keep you cozy. It comes in sizes XS-XXL, and in a ton of colors too!
Wearers adore this fluffy Columbia zip jacket, with nothing but rave reviews online. One share, “Of all the coats I’ve owned this is by far the best buys I’ve made!” While another gushes, “I am always getting compliments about how soft it is. It’s very warm for being so light.”
Shop: Amazon (XS-3X) | Columbia (XS-XXXL) | Columbia (1X-3X) | Dick’s Sporting Good (XS-3X)
Feel toasty warm in this Columbia fleece jacket—a TFG reader favorite! This Sherpa fleece jacket is velvety soft, with fluffy high-pile fleece both inside and out to keep you cozy. It comes in sizes XS-XXL, and in a ton of colors too!
Wearers adore this fluffy Columbia zip jacket, with nothing but rave reviews online. One share, “Of all the coats I’ve owned this is by far the best buys I’ve made!” While another gushes, “I am always getting compliments about how soft it is. It’s very warm for being so light.”
Shop: Amazon (XS-3X) | Columbia (XS-XXXL) | Columbia (1X-3X) | Dick’s Sporting Good (XS-3X)
Columbia Fleece Women Jacket Benton Springs
This classic womens Columbia fleece jacket is a perfect layer for walks and hikes. It’s perfect for fall evenings and has a classic fit that gives a feminine silhouette. It comes in a great size range (as we expect from Columbia!) from XS-XXXL and 1X-3X.
Reviews are exceptional for this Columbia fleece jacket womens style, One shares, “It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to store in a backpack and easy to layer, but it’s also heavy enough to keep me warm on night hikes! Totally a new favorite!”
If you prefer to keep your ears warm, you can get these Columbia fleece jackets with a hood too! Regular or plus.
Shop: Amazon | Dick’s Sporting Goods | The North Face | Zappos
This classic womens Columbia fleece jacket is a perfect layer for walks and hikes. It’s perfect for fall evenings and has a classic fit that gives a feminine silhouette. It comes in a great size range (as we expect from Columbia!) from XS-XXXL and 1X-3X.
Reviews are exceptional for this Columbia fleece jacket womens style, One shares, “It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to store in a backpack and easy to layer, but it’s also heavy enough to keep me warm on night hikes! Totally a new favorite!”
If you prefer to keep your ears warm, you can get these Columbia fleece jackets with a hood too! Regular or plus.
Shop: Amazon | Dick’s Sporting Goods | The North Face | Zappos
The North Face Women’s Fleece Jacket
Feel immediately warm in The North Face fleece jacket that’s styled like a classic North Face design from the late 80s, and has all of the technical features of a modern jacket. The relaxed fit has a reinforced hood, shoulders, chest, and forearms for abrasion resistance, with hand warming pockets and stretch fabric cuffs for added comfort.
Users rate this NorthFace fleece for its durability and style, one shares, “This is very warm and cozy. The fleece inside is soft and snuggly. I have worn this through this winter during rain and strong wind and I find it very protective even though it is not meant to be waterproof.”
Here are more top fleece travel jackets recommended by readers!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: L.L.Bean
Feel immediately warm in The North Face fleece jacket that’s styled like a classic North Face design from the late 80s, and has all of the technical features of a modern jacket. The relaxed fit has a reinforced hood, shoulders, chest, and forearms for abrasion resistance, with hand warming pockets and stretch fabric cuffs for added comfort.
Users rate this NorthFace fleece for its durability and style, one shares, “This is very warm and cozy. The fleece inside is soft and snuggly. I have worn this through this winter during rain and strong wind and I find it very protective even though it is not meant to be waterproof.”
Here are more top fleece travel jackets recommended by readers!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: L.L.Bean
LL Bean Womens Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
This LL Bean fleece jacket womens pick has a heritage style that gives it a classy high-end look as far as fashionable womens fleece options go! It’s beautifully tailored for curves, with a drop tail hem that stops the cold creeping in if you bend down. The outer is a sweater-knit that is soft and smooth, with a brushed interior for warmth and comfort. You can get it in: regular, petite, plus, and tall sizes.
Wearers rate this “heavenly” LLBean fleece, with one describing it as, “Exactly what I expected! The soft inner fleece is just wonderful, so comfortable! Three outer pockets have a soft lining. The jacket fits me like it was tailored for me! I wanted something close-fitting and not baggy or bulky, that I could wear with a long-sleeved shirt underneath for layering and be stylish too!”
You can also get this LL Bean hoodie option too.
Shop Sizes XS-M: BackCountry | REI | Moosejaw
This LL Bean fleece jacket womens pick has a heritage style that gives it a classy high-end look as far as fashionable womens fleece options go! It’s beautifully tailored for curves, with a drop tail hem that stops the cold creeping in if you bend down. The outer is a sweater-knit that is soft and smooth, with a brushed interior for warmth and comfort. You can get it in: regular, petite, plus, and tall sizes.
Wearers rate this “heavenly” LLBean fleece, with one describing it as, “Exactly what I expected! The soft inner fleece is just wonderful, so comfortable! Three outer pockets have a soft lining. The jacket fits me like it was tailored for me! I wanted something close-fitting and not baggy or bulky, that I could wear with a long-sleeved shirt underneath for layering and be stylish too!”
You can also get this LL Bean hoodie option too.
Shop Sizes XS-M: BackCountry | REI | Moosejaw
Patagonia Better Sweater Full Zip Hooded Fleece Jacket
This Patagonia fleece womens style is called the “Better Sweater” for a reason, the durable recycled polyester blend is made to have the virtues of wool, without the liabilities.
It’s a warm and cozy hooded option that’s also good for the planet, made of recycled materials and sewn in a fair trade approved facility.
One wearer of this Patagonia fleece jacket shares, “The fit and color and quality are outstanding. I received so many compliments on my green one that I had to come back and get another in the light balsamic!”
You can also get this Patagonia women’s fleece jacket without a hood here.
Shop: Lands’ End (XS-XL) | Lands’ End (1X-3X)
This Patagonia fleece womens style is called the “Better Sweater” for a reason, the durable recycled polyester blend is made to have the virtues of wool, without the liabilities.
It’s a warm and cozy hooded option that’s also good for the planet, made of recycled materials and sewn in a fair trade approved facility.
One wearer of this Patagonia fleece jacket shares, “The fit and color and quality are outstanding. I received so many compliments on my green one that I had to come back and get another in the light balsamic!”
You can also get this Patagonia women’s fleece jacket without a hood here.
Shop: Lands’ End (XS-XL) | Lands’ End (1X-3X)
Lands End Fleece Jacket
For a dupe of the North Face hooded fleece (that we mentioned earlier), at a fraction of the cost, take a look at this womens fleece jacket with hood by Lands End. The styling is similarly stylish to the outdoor brand, with a water-repellent nylon trim and brushed fleece lining that will keep you happily warm.
This version has a removable hood and is available in regular and plus sizes. It also comes as a stylish black fleece jacket along with other colors.
Find out why Anatomie Kenya Jacket is the best travel jacket ever!
Shop: Amazon (XS-XL and 1X-3X) | Lands’ End (XS-XL) | Lands’ End (1X-3X)
For a dupe of the North Face hooded fleece (that we mentioned earlier), at a fraction of the cost, take a look at this womens fleece jacket with hood by Lands End. The styling is similarly stylish to the outdoor brand, with a water-repellent nylon trim and brushed fleece lining that will keep you happily warm.
This version has a removable hood and is available in regular and plus sizes. It also comes as a stylish black fleece jacket along with other colors.
Find out why Anatomie Kenya Jacket is the best travel jacket ever!
Shop: Amazon (XS-XL and 1X-3X) | Lands’ End (XS-XL) | Lands’ End (1X-3X)
Lands End Womens Fleece Sweater Long Coat
So is this Lands’ End option more of a coat, a sweater, or a fleece? Basically, it’s all three combined! The length and look of a coat in a sweater fleece material that’s super soft inside.
The adjustable waist cinch helps you maintain a flattering silhouette, and what’s better is that this long fleece coat can be easily washed and thrown in the dryer at home for keeping it fresh.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon | REI | Arc’teryx | Backcountry | Zappos
So is this Lands’ End option more of a coat, a sweater, or a fleece? Basically, it’s all three combined! The length and look of a coat in a sweater fleece material that’s super soft inside.
The adjustable waist cinch helps you maintain a flattering silhouette, and what’s better is that this long fleece coat can be easily washed and thrown in the dryer at home for keeping it fresh.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon | REI | Arc’teryx | Backcountry | Zappos
Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan
The Arcteryx covert cardigan is a little pricier than other fleeces, it has a heathered texture for a comfy technical fit. The outside of this womens fleece cardigan looks more like stylish wool but has a brushed soft inside to keep you warm. It’s breathable and quick-drying, with stretch-knit cuffs for a comfort fit.
Users love this Arcteryx fleece womens, with one sharing, “The color is rich but subdued and the fabric feels and looks expensive. It is cozy but not too tight, warm but not hot, good alone or under a rain jacket.”
Shop Sizes XS-L: REI
The Arcteryx covert cardigan is a little pricier than other fleeces, it has a heathered texture for a comfy technical fit. The outside of this womens fleece cardigan looks more like stylish wool but has a brushed soft inside to keep you warm. It’s breathable and quick-drying, with stretch-knit cuffs for a comfort fit.
Users love this Arcteryx fleece womens, with one sharing, “The color is rich but subdued and the fabric feels and looks expensive. It is cozy but not too tight, warm but not hot, good alone or under a rain jacket.”
Shop Sizes XS-L: REI
KUHL Alska Long Fleece Jacket Women’s
For a chic option, these Kuhl fleece coats are styled with a long line silhouette that comes down lower, past the hips. The pockets and hem are trimmed with cozy shearling fleece, and the high neck funnel collar is both functional and looks good.
Would look wonderful dressed up or down, with some sleek gloves and a wooly hat!
TFG readers recommend their favorite travel vest styles!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
For a chic option, these Kuhl fleece coats are styled with a long line silhouette that comes down lower, past the hips. The pockets and hem are trimmed with cozy shearling fleece, and the high neck funnel collar is both functional and looks good.
Would look wonderful dressed up or down, with some sleek gloves and a wooly hat!
TFG readers recommend their favorite travel vest styles!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon
Amazon Essentials Full-Zip Fleece Jackets Womens
For a budget option that is still well rated by wearers, try this Amazon lightweight fleece jacket. Lots of people compare these cheap fleece jackets to the more expensive outdoor brand Columbia, but at a fraction of the cost. Plus it comes in so many color options, from prints to cute pink fleece jackets.
One wearer raves about her fleece zip-up jacket saying, “Seriously this is my new favorite jacket. It’s so soft and comfortable to wear around the house and out running errands. It also keeps me pretty warm when I’m outside and it’s windy.“
Shop: REI
For a budget option that is still well rated by wearers, try this Amazon lightweight fleece jacket. Lots of people compare these cheap fleece jackets to the more expensive outdoor brand Columbia, but at a fraction of the cost. Plus it comes in so many color options, from prints to cute pink fleece jackets.
One wearer raves about her fleece zip-up jacket saying, “Seriously this is my new favorite jacket. It’s so soft and comfortable to wear around the house and out running errands. It also keeps me pretty warm when I’m outside and it’s windy.“
Shop: REI
REI Co-op Hyperaxis Polartec Fleece Jacket With Hood
This REI fleece zip up hoodie is made with Polartec stretch fleece, for the ultimate in flexibility and movement. It’s breathable and moisture-wicking too. The thumbhole cuffs, hen, and hood binding offers a more snug fit, so that the biting wind doesn’t creep in at the exposed edges!
Wearers highly rate this fleece hooded jacket, with one sharing, “It’s lightweight and still keeps me warm and cozy when there is a chill in the air. The fabric is very soft, wind-resistant, and durable. It’s easy to stuff in my pack as an extra layer, without a ton of extra weight.“
Shop: Amazon | Moosejaw | Marmot | Backcountry | Zappos | Walmart
This REI fleece zip up hoodie is made with Polartec stretch fleece, for the ultimate in flexibility and movement. It’s breathable and moisture-wicking too. The thumbhole cuffs, hen, and hood binding offers a more snug fit, so that the biting wind doesn’t creep in at the exposed edges!
Wearers highly rate this fleece hooded jacket, with one sharing, “It’s lightweight and still keeps me warm and cozy when there is a chill in the air. The fabric is very soft, wind-resistant, and durable. It’s easy to stuff in my pack as an extra layer, without a ton of extra weight.“
Shop: Amazon | Moosejaw | Marmot | Backcountry | Zappos | Walmart
Marmot Polartec 300 Fleece Jacket
For a super soft and super warm option, you will love this Marmot fleece jacket. Made from Polartec 300 weight fleece, this is perfect as a winter mid-layer or for wearing on its own in the cooler spring or fall.
Users rate the quality and performance of this zip up fleece, with one sharing, “Sleeves are long enough, really good zippers, holds up in light rain, and it’s basically a really super classy warm fleece jacket. I have boots that match the trim and I have received so many compliments. Can’t say enough about this jacket. It’s10 steps above any other fleece jackets.”
The black and white fleece jacket combination or the black and brown make great neutrals for any wardrobe, but so does the navy color. Take your pick!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo
For a super soft and super warm option, you will love this Marmot fleece jacket. Made from Polartec 300 weight fleece, this is perfect as a winter mid-layer or for wearing on its own in the cooler spring or fall.
Users rate the quality and performance of this zip up fleece, with one sharing, “Sleeves are long enough, really good zippers, holds up in light rain, and it’s basically a really super classy warm fleece jacket. I have boots that match the trim and I have received so many compliments. Can’t say enough about this jacket. It’s10 steps above any other fleece jackets.”
The black and white fleece jacket combination or the black and brown make great neutrals for any wardrobe, but so does the navy color. Take your pick!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo
UNIQLO Fluffy Full Zip Fleece Jacket
For a fun option, check out this Uniqlo fuzzy fleece jacket. At a bargain price, this oh-so-soft fleece zip up is super thick and warm, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant. The stiff collar keeps the chill from creeping down your neck, and it comes in SO MANY color choices!
This fluffy fleece jacket has awesome ratings (almost 5/5 stars!). One wearer explains, “It’s so soft and keeps you so warm! It keeps its texture in the washer, and the pockets are definitely a plus. If you’re looking for a lightweight but warm winter jacket that you can carry anywhere, this is it!”
For a fun option, check out this Uniqlo fuzzy fleece jacket. At a bargain price, this oh-so-soft fleece zip up is super thick and warm, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant. The stiff collar keeps the chill from creeping down your neck, and it comes in SO MANY color choices!
This fluffy fleece jacket has awesome ratings (almost 5/5 stars!). One wearer explains, “It’s so soft and keeps you so warm! It keeps its texture in the washer, and the pockets are definitely a plus. If you’re looking for a lightweight but warm winter jacket that you can carry anywhere, this is it!”
