Best Fleece Jackets for Men for a Cozy but Stylish Winter 2024

Winter is here, that frigid time of year when we gaze upon the humble sheep and mutter: That critter’s onto something. If you want your very own fleece wrapping, pull on your warmest sweatpants and hoodies, then take a look through our picks for the best fleece jackets for men.

Our top picks for the best fleece jackets for men

How we selected the best fleece jackets for men

My selections were made in consultation with three experts, who considered fit, style, warmth, construction, and value for money when making their recommendations. I also ensured that all of the fleece jackets for men on this list had overwhelmingly positive customer reviews.

What to consider when choosing fleece jackets for men

Price

“While it can be tempting to overstretch your budget when purchasing items of higher-end quality, finding an ideal fleece jacket that offers excellent value should always be your goal,” says Dimitry Loiseau, founder and chief editor of REGARD magazine. He adds that you just need to make sure the jacket will stand the test of time. “Carefully inspect all aspects of construction for quality assurance, such as reinforced seams and zippers that won't fray over time,” he suggests. “High-grade fleece should be soft to the touch with lasting insulation properties that retain their insulation.”

Materials

When it comes to winter jackets, it’s tough to find anything cozier than fleece. “Looking for fleece jackets constructed of recycled polyester or organic cotton fabric is going to be the best for quality, and best for the environment, in my opinion,” says Loiseau. He advises considering various fleece types (like microfleece, polar fleece, and grid fleece) when selecting a fleece material, and matching it to your intended use and climate needs. “Each of the varieties provides different levels of warmth, breathability, and weight, so select according to what will work for your purpose.”

Lining

To get the most warmth and comfort from your jacket while retaining breathability, Loiseau recommends looking for moisture-wicking linings that insulate without bulking it up too much.

Fit

“When selecting the ideal fleece jacket fit, personal preference and intended use play a vital role,” says Loiseau. “A slimmer style may offer more fashionable appeal, while looser fits may prove better suited to layering purposes, which will keep you warm outdoors.”

Use

“A fleece jacket is commonly used as a layering piece, so it will not have a completely water-resistant outer shell,” warns Roger LaGrone, founder of Alexander Noel. “A hood, pockets, and zipper closure on a fleece will make it a more versatile jacket, but you can also find quarter zip and crew neck style fleece, depending on your style preference.”

Sustainability

If sustainability is a factor in your decision, LaGrone advises searching for fleece made from recycled materials. “Fleece material is most commonly made from a majority polyester material and sometimes blended with nylon or wool for moisture-wicking properties,” he says. “For a more sustainable option, you can look for recycled polyester material, which is just as durable.”

Fleece types

Whether you’re buying a fleece jacket for women or men, generally speaking, the two main categories under which everything else falls are natural and synthetic. “Natural fleece is made up of sheep’s wool, a sustainable and renewable fiber source that truly is a wonder,” says Fratto. “One of the main drawbacks is that wool in its natural state needs a bit of TLC when it comes to how you wash and launder it. Synthetic fleece, meanwhile, is a type of polyester that was developed to mimic all the great qualities of wool but allows you to wash and care for the garment a lot more easily.”

Once you delve deeper into these categories, you’ll find a whole bunch of different types of fleece, all with their own uses. “Types of fleece are generally organized by their material composition,” says LaGrone. “Fleece jackets will commonly be made from either 100% polyester, a polyester cotton blend, or a nylon-spandex and polyester blend.”

“Other garments will use microfleece, which is thin and soft, or sherpa fleece, which is heavily brushed, making it very plush and a good lining inside garments,” LaGrone continues. “Purely cotton blended fleece is usually used inside sweatshirts and sweatpants. Similarly, French terry fleece is an unbrushed material most commonly used for lightweight loungewear.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best brand of fleece?

As with most such questions, this will be somewhat subjective, as you attempt to find the right balance between your budget and your needs. “Generally speaking, the bigger the name of the brand and the more you veer into the performance wear lane, the higher the price point becomes,” says Fratto. “You want to be on the lookout for better quality fleece as you’re shopping—the better the quality, the less pilling and the longer the wear.”

How can you tell if fleece is good quality?

“As with most garments made from a synthetic fiber, when you touch the fabric you can easily tell if it’s good quality or not,” says Fratto. “The more the fiber feels like plastic, the lower the quality. You want the fleece to feel soft, light, and warm.”

Should a fleece be tight or loose?

The answer to this really depends on what you intend to use it for. “If you plan on having the fleece as a standalone jacket for a cooler season, then having a looser fit might be your best bet,” says Fratto. “If you want the fleece to be a layering piece under heavier coats, then having a tighter (but not too tight) silhouette will reduce the bulk and be easier to wear.”