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Fleece Jacket Buyer's Guide

How do you choose a fleece jacket? It seems there are a million different types of fleece out there and we know choosing the right fleece jacket can be tough. That's why we put together this fleece jacket guide. To simplify things, we have broken fleece jackets down into four main categories: Lightweight, Midweight, Heavyweight and Windproof. While not every fleece will fit neatly into the definitions below, there should be enough information here to set you on the right path.

Lightweight Midweight Heavyweight Windproof
The North Face Momentum Fleece Jacket - Men's
Marmot Warmlight Fleece Jacket - Men's
The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket - Men's
The North Face Windwall
Popular Materials:
  • 100-Weight Fleece
  • Polartec® Thermal Pro® (lightweight)
  • R1®
  • TKA 100®
Popular Materials:
  • 200-Weight Fleece
  • Polartec® Thermal Pro® (midweight)
  • R2®
  • TKA 200®
Popular Materials:
  • 300-Weight Fleece
  • Polartec® Thermal Pro® High Loft
  • R3®
  • TKA 300®
Popular Materials:
  • Polartec® Wind Pro®
  • R4®
  • WindStopper®
  • WindWall®

Description & Use:

  • Bridges the gap between heavy base layers and mid-layer insulation
  • Low bulk, highly breathable
  • Good for active athletes who generate lots of body heat

Description & Use:

  • The most versatile and highly used fleece
  • Commonly used as a mid-layer over your base layer and under a shell
  • Often used as an outer layer in moderate temperatures
  • Still breathable enough for aerobic activities in cold weather

Description & Use:

  • The choice when warmth represents a larger concern than weight and breathability
  • Often worn as an outer layer in cold weather without precipitation, and still breathable enough to be used as a mid-layer
  • A good choice for relatively stationary, cold-weather activities like camping, belaying, or easy skiing

Description & Use:

  • Can be light, mid, and heavyweight fleece
  • A sandwich of materials with a windproof membrane layered between two fleece layers
  • Less breathable than standard fleece, so it feels a bit clammier in highly aerobic pursuits
  • Usually worn as an outer layer in place of a traditional shell
  • Good for relatively stationary activities in cold or windy weather

Shop All Fleece

If you don't see what you're looking for here, we have a much larger selection.

Check 'em out:
Men's Fleece Jackets | Women's Fleece Jackets

Softshell Jackets

If you're seeking the breathability of a fleece, but you need some added protection from the elements during your high-output exploits, you might find the perfect balance in a softshell.

Softshells are garments that feature some of the weather resistance found in waterproof hard shells, using durable stretch woven fabrics to block wind and rain while maintaining the softer hand and enhanced breathability of fleece.

Check 'em out:
Men's Softshell Jackets | Women's Softshell Jackets