Looking for a functional fleece jacket that will see you through winter and beyond? From thick-pile to recycled polyester, here are six of the best Patagonia fleece jackets guaranteed to keep cosy in the colder months.
Women’s Woolyester Fleece Jacket (Photo: Patagonia.com)
Without Patagonia, there would be no fleece. Or there might be, but it would have taken us a lot longer to get there. Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, experimented for over a decade to create a fabric that was both warm and could absorb moisture. The signature Patagonia Pile Fleece Jacket, released in 1977, put Patagonia on the map. Five decades on, fleece jackets are more popular than ever. No longer the preserve of rock climbers, birdwatchers and outdoorsy types, fleece jackets are a welcome addition to any wardrobe.
There are hundreds of brands to choose from, but Patagonia still sets the benchmark for quality and design. The brand boasts serious eco-credentials too. In 2019, it was named a UN Champion of the Earth, owing to its green initiatives such as a self-imposed ‘earth tax’ and commitment to using recycled materials. With over two dozen fleece jackets to choose from, we’ve selected six of the best men’s and women’s Patagonia fleece jackets based on design, comfort and value for money.
Women’s R1® Air Zip-Neck
The R1® Air Zip-Neck is ideal for those looking to wear their fleece jacket on high-exertion activities in colder conditions. Made with 100% recycled polyester, this fleece jacket is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying. It’s structured for easy movement too, with off-shoulder seams that sit comfortably under a bag and a zip-neck design for added venting. There’s a helpful left-chest pocket for small items, so you can keep your valuables on you at all times. The fleece is available in seven different colours, ranging from solid black to punchy purple. It’s one of the more affordable options from Patagonia too. From $119.
Buy at Patagonia.com
Men’s Better Sweater ™ Fleece Jacket
Men’s Better Sweater ™ Fleece Jacket (Photo: Patagonia.com)
This warm, versatile full-zip jacket is robust and versatile. It’s available in nine different colours and patterns, including Patagonia’s flagship ‘Falconer Legend’. It ticks all the eco-friendly boxes too. Made with 100% recycled polyester, the jacket is dyed with a low impact process that reduces the use of dye, energy and water. It’s also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. In terms of functionality, it has two welter, zippered handwarmer pockets and a left-chest security pocket, ideal for a phone or keys. This one comes in at under $150 too, making it one of Patagonia’s most affordable fleece jackets too. From $139.
Buy at Patagonia.com
Women’s Woolyester Fleece Jacket
The Women’s Woolyester Fleece Jacket is a classic. There’s an excellent range of contrasting colours to choose from, including lava red, sky blue and forge grey. Features wise, it’s got two drop-in half-moon pockets trimmed with twill tape, rib-knit trim at the cuffs and hem, and a full-length zipper with twill tape for easy handling. You can fold the curved collar over for additional warmth too. Like all Patagonia products, there’s no greenwashing here either. It’s made from 46% recycled wool at a Fairtrade Factory in Thailand. From $159.
Buy at Patagonia.com.
Women’s Retro Pile Fleece Hoody
Women’s Retro Pile Fleece Hoody (Photo: Patagonia.com)
It’s easy to argue in favour of the practicalities of a fleece jacket, less so for its style credentials. That’s where this Patagonia Women’s Retro Pile Fleece Hoody comes in handy. Available in pelican cream, new navy and nest brown, this cosy fleece is a throwback classic. It’s warm too, made from double-sided shearling fleece with chest and hand warmers, a tall collar and a three-panel hood. Outdoorsy types will like it too since the breathable and fast-drying material wicks perspiration away. The straight side seams and hip length fit are flattering too. From $149.
Buy at Patagonia.com
Mens R1® TechFace Hoody
The Men’s R1 TechFace Hoody is the most serious – and one of the most expensive – entries on our list. This is the fleece jacket you take up a mountain; it’s warm and stretchy, but weather-resistant too. It offers the soft, cosiness of fleece next to the skin but it doesn’t trap any heat. The face is durable and treated with DWR (durable water repellent) which means it repels water too. The adjustable, visor-style hood provides coverage and ease of visibility, while the sleek, low-bulk and snag-resistant cuffs allow for movement. From $179.
Buy at Patagonia.com
Men’s Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket
Men’s Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket (Photo: Patagonia.com)
It’s Patagonia’s most frequently imitated style, and for good reason. Based on the original 1970s fleece jacket, the retro-x model is made in a thick-pile bonded sherpa fleece. It’s warm and windproof, so perfect for the cool and blustery weather. It’s not the cheapest on the list, but it will last you decades; vintage versions of this fleece jacket sell for hundreds of dollars. In terms of jazzy features, there’s a centre-front zipper with a wind flap, zippered handwarmer pockets and y-joint sleeves for ease of movement. It’s available in a variety of different colours, including the iconic pelican cream with a colour block pocket. From $199.
Buy at Patagonia.com