The Best Fleeces of 2022
The fuzzy tops we’re reaching for when summer adventures turn cool
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Fleece can come in many forms, from a super-soft sherpa fabric to nubbly wool to a techy polyester blend. It might take the shape of a functional layer for high-output activity, a cozy sweatshirt for puttering around camp, or an around-town jacket for shoulder seasons. Here’s a look at our favorite fleeces for iffy weather and in-between moments, whether you’re spring skiing, biking, hiking, or slouched in a camp chair. You may even find one that works for all of the above.
Hikerkind Midlayer_01 ($183)
Best Style
This first offering from Brooklyn-based Hikerkind is a fashionable twist on the classic midlayer. It’s made of a low-profile knit that captures air in lofted pockets for warmth. The result is warm, but its non-fuzzy material provides a cool, next-to-skin feel, and it reduces environmentally harmful microfiber shedding. The combination of a sweat-ready fabric in a collared silhouette works equally well for a misty hike or a bar hang. (XS-3X)
POC W’s Merino Hood ($140)
Best for Sweating
Made of a warm, durable, and stink-repellant merino-polyester-elastane blend, the Merino Hood is cut slim through the arms and torso—ideal for layering while skiing, mountain biking, and hiking—but still roomy enough to wear casually around camp. We loved the spacious kangaroo pocket, thumbholes, and concealed zipper pocket on the side torso seam for keys and cards. (women’s XS-L)
Columbia Back Bowl Fleece Light-Weight Jacket ($70)
Best for Around Town
This take on a classic com-bines fashion and func-tionality with understated patterns and a polyester microfleece that’s buttery soft and easy to move in. A subtly cropped, boxy fit is right on trend and also leaves plenty of room for layers underneath. Bonus points for the affordable price. (men’s XXS-XXL)
Outdoor Research Vigor Plus Fleece Hoodie ($169)
Best for Bad Weather
A weather-resistant outer and a plush, brushed grid-fleece interior make this a great top to throw on for chilly, drizzly days and a solid layering piece for cold ones. Made of 93 percent recycled polyester, the Vigor Plus is cut with an athletic fit. Elastic at the hem and wrists helps trap heat without sacrificing mobility. (women’s XS-XL / men’s S-XXL)
Houdini Mono Air Houdi ($200)
Best All-Arounder
The Mono Air Houdi boasts attractive simplicity. It fits like your favorite hoodie and is stylish enough for everyday wear (it comes in a wide variety of rich, mostly neutral tones). Its 73 percent recycled polyester blend and trim, easy-to-layer fit are ideal for the trails. It kept one tester comfort-able on a hunting mission, from a 15-degree, middle-of-the-night start to a crisp 50-degree midday return. (women’s XXS-XL / men’s XS-XXL)
Mammut Innominata Pro ML Fleece ($179)
Best for Comfort
This thick, warm fleece brings top-notch comfort to base camp. We love the wide, high collar, which offers the coziness of a hood or a turtleneck without the claustrophobic feelings they often pro-duce. The polyester teddy fleece material doesn’t pill, and it stands up well to a machine wash and dry. (women’s XS-XL / men’s S-XXL)