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We cosied up with on-trend and technical styles – and that includes sustainable options too
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These cuddly, practical coats are more popular than ever thanks to their versatility
Who’d have thunk an outerwear staple made of plastic would become such a fashionable wardrobe essential? Gone are the days when only lumberjacks and anglers would don a fleece for outdoor pursuits. Now these cuddly coats are totally acceptable for wearing to the pub and more.
It’s undoubtedly down to the growing acceptance of technical clothing, designed for movement and changeable weather, into our daily outfits. Even the most committed of suit-wearers are warming to the, well, warming capabilities of the versatile piece. The resurgence of colourful and retro outdoors looks hasn’t hurt either.
Fleeces are not only insulating but are also easy to fashion from discarded plastics due to being made from polyester, making them a win on the sustainability front.
And it’s no wonder the Brits have taken to fleece-wearing so fiercely. Our eternally autumnal weather (even during the summer) makes them an ideal mid or outer layer, whether it’s for a countryside hike or a dander to Pret.
We tested a range of fleeces from some of our favourite outdoors and fashion brands. We were keen to try trendy high-street options alongside designer, small-brand and technical pieces, keeping in mind that a mountaineer and a homeworker will have different criteria for what makes a brilliant fleece. As a result, we considered appearance, effectiveness, versatility and quality.
We didn’t know a smock-style fleece was something we wanted, but when this Finisterre model arrived we couldn’t get over how grown-up we felt in it. The shaping feels a little more a la Toast (or, whisper it, MHL) than what is normally on offer from this outdoors-obsessed Cornish brand. Thankfully the company is also obsessed with sustainability, with this piece made from recycled wool and polyester.
The wool element is a lovely addition to the fleece fabric, keeping the smock breathable and resistant to the odours it might otherwise collect. We have taken to wearing it underneath a larger workwear-style jacket, as the brushed lining makes it feel luxurious and the high neck means we can forgo a scarf. It’s also an exceptional outer layer for hikes on crisp spring mornings.
Our only criticism is that there is some less-than-perfect sewing on the cuff on our piece, but honestly, it’s so minimal we would have still bought it in a shop. And the fact we know it was constructed in a factory with fair working conditions more than makes up for it.
Hiking in the Lake District? Climbing El Capitan? Cycling to the pub? Arc’teryx is increasingly becoming the first port of call for technical clothing, and here at IndyBest, we understand why. Having made our round-ups of walking trousers, men’s waterproof jackets, men’s fleeces and down jackets, it’s a brand we trust.
This delta LT hoody is no exception, boasting a bunch of technical details that we came to rely on during the testing process, including a hood that helpfully fits under a bike helmet, a zip designed not to slip, and, of course, a fleece fabric that offers an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. It’s only 240g (less than a pack of Asda bourbon biscuits!), which means you don’t get that feeling of being enveloped in a cuddly jacket. But if that’s what you want, why are you even reading this? This model is for those who add up every gram of their kit before heading into the wilderness.
Yes, it looks a bit dorky, but if you want an unparalleled midlayer, it’s your best bet. It’s also available sans hood (£105, Arcteryx.com) and with a half-zip (£90, Arteryx.com), should you wish to have an even lighter setup.
Whatever your thoughts on Kim Kardashian, you can’t dispute the success of her shapewear brand, which first made waves in 2018 as a cooler, more inclusive alternative to the then-market leader, Spanx. Unsurprisingly after years of lockdown living, it has pivoted into loungewear, athleisure and other cosies, including this butter-soft teddy fleece.
Known for its minimalist aesthetic, Skims’s palette is typically neutral. We went for this warm beige shade and have struggled to prize it off our body since it arrived. It keeps us warm without making us overheat and the fluffy material is comforting. We love the big kangaroo-pouch pocket too.
It’s not the most flattering shape, with its slightly boxy cut, but nobody really buys a fleece with this objective in mind. The polyester fabric washes well and the long front zip means it looks great done up or more open. We can’t wait to get the matching joggers (£86, Skims.com).
We’ve quite literally not taken this fleece off. We particularly love the high neck and surprisingly, the popper fastening, which we thought would be a bit of a pain. This is more of a casualwear fleece than a technical piece, but we’ve layered it over a thinner jacket and worn it while working from home to keep us cosy during colder days. We’ve also worn it to exercise classes, and on warmer, drier days we’ve used it in lieu of a winter coat.
Made from recycled polyester, it’s also rather chunky and not something that easily packs down, so it isn’t ideal for long hikes unless you think you’d wear it the entire time. We love the contrasting colours and textures, including the cotton material used on the elbows and front fastening, and the complementary piping around the seams. There are two roomy side pockets and a small vertical chest pocket for things like sunglasses or lip balm.
Florals? For spring? The smiley-faced pink flowers are not the only stand-out feature on Lazy Oaf’s whimsical pullover. Apart from the downright joyful aesthetic the brand is known for, this warped flower fleece is made from a soft fabric that feels more like a lightweight blanket than a piece of clothing. It’s kept us cosy while working from home (the graphics really pop on Zoom) and as a top layer on brisk early-morning dog walks.
While it does a great job of keeping you toasty on its own, it’s perfectly thin enough for layering under a jacket or coat without too much fuss – though it’s certainly more casual than technical. We also really liked the popper neck opening and the oversized rings on zip-pulls.
In true Scandi form, Fjallraven’s vardarg jacket was made with aesthetics in mind. But that doesn’t mean it’s not practical too. Designed as a midweight layer, it’s certainly hefty thanks to its two-layer design made up of an outer teddy fleece, and a flat-knit jersey on the inside.
Although it won’t pack down into any bags while you’re out and about, it kept us warm on dry walks in the early spring sunshine, and we found it easy to regulate our warmth thanks to the full-front zip. Its simple design features two zipped side pockets – keeping practicality in mind – while looks-wise, we love its contrasting piping around the seams.
It would be impossible to write a piece about fleeces without including an example from Patagonia. Founded by a keen climber, the company debuted its still-popular synchilla fleece fabric in the Seventies, and it now offers a range of industry-leading lightweight options (we’ve tried lots of different examples over the years, and have never been let down).
But we love the classic retro-X for bringing the brand’s style heritage together with its activewear nous in a package perfect for walking the dog. The fabric, made from 85 per cent recycled polyester, offers a snug feeling around the collar and on the outside. However, it is worth noting that elsewhere on the garment, a mesh liner creates a barrier between the fleece and your body. Although this dials down the cosiness, it does offer very effective wind-proofing, meaning this is one of the warmest jackets in our round-up.
Fit-wise, it’s a little long in the arms, but we found this to be good for manoeuvrability, especially when hopping on a bike. It is also more fitted at the waist than some of the styles on this list, giving a more feminine silhouette than we’d expect from an outdoors brand.
If you need something simple, practical and affordable when it comes to midlayers, this is it. Made of microfleece, this piece is lightweight, so can easily be whipped off when it gets hot. It folds down small too, so it won’t take up too much room in your backpack if you’re out hiking. The brand says it’s designed for snowboarding, skiing or hiking and we think it makes a great midlayer for either, although we tested it out walking under a bigger jacket and at home.
The jacket features a full-front zip fastening and two good-sized side pockets large enough to keep your hands warm. It’s also able to zip in with other jackets from the brand too, thanks to the outer elasticated hook at the back of the neck and "snap-on’’ cuffs, although we didn’t have anything compatible to test this with. We found it was long in the arms, which worked well for our tester, and has a fairly snug fit. If you’re wanting this for casual wear, you could size up.
Looking for a fleece that goes the extra mile when it comes to fluffiness? Rowing Blazer’s deep-pile sherpa jacket is it. The New York-based designer brand is known for its candy-striped preppy look, and this jacket, which is the first fleece from the brand, was inspired by vintage jockey silks.
In terms of fit, the jacket is stocky and casual, with two pockets that zip up, making it a perfect outer layer to throw on and pop in your keys and a card or two in. While the deep-pile sherpa has the aesthetic draw, we particularly liked its inner mesh lining which meant the outer fluffiness kept us warm but didn’t make us break a sweat. Keep in mind that because it’s deep-pile, it won’t fold neatly in a hiking bag.
Few influencer-founded fashion ventures actually deliver, but this one, founded by Instagram star Sarah Ashcroft, is a great indie brand in its own right. This oversized, preppy American-style fleece is deliberately slouchy; it feels like you’re wearing a duvet, in the best way. We love the balloon sleeves that cinch in at the wrist and the long zip on the front. The size range could be far more extensive (it goes up to a UK16) but owing to its oversized style, we think someone up to a size 20 could wear the XL.
The teddy fleece is fluffy rather than wiry and doesn’t shed, even in the wash. We didn’t overheat either, which was surprising given how oversized it is. This fleece is quite long on the torso, so pairs well with slimline leather trousers for contrast, or straight-leg jeans. The graphic logo isn’t too overbearing either – this is a truly chic fleece.
Fleeces are normally made with zips, poppers and pockets. But with the increasing casualisation of the workplace, jumper-style fleeces are now a real option when it comes to keeping toasty in tundra-like office units – especially if you pop a collared blouse underneath.
We found this example from Everlane to feel snug, while the ribbed collar, cuffs and hem give it some variation in texture and durability where it will get the biggest battering. Made from recycled plastic bottles, it has a casual fit which makes it ideal for layering, although we would say that the raglan-style sleeves sit more nicely on someone with a bit of boobage. A word of warning: the photography is a touch misleading, with the “kalamata” hue proving to be a much cooler tone in person.
Your planned activities will have a huge bearing on which fleece is best for you, but for an all-rounder that looks as good as it feels, we wholeheartedly recommend Finisterre’s fabulous piece. The addition of wool to the materials palette makes it the perfect pullover for almost any situation.
For mountaineers after a microfleece option, Arc’teryx, as always, excels, while the more fashion-forward will appreciate Kim Kardashian’s effortless stylings via Skims. For a splash of spring, Lazy Oaf shouldn’t be overlooked.
For the latest discounts on fleeces, jackets and more, try the links below:
Beat chilly downpours with the best women’s waterproof jackets and women’s midlayers
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