The Best Fleece Jackets for Women
Fleece jackets come in many styles these days, from thick zip-up standalone models to thinner layers meant for active pursuits. Our comprehensive review highlights the top models on the market for different use cases, and we include expert advice to help you find the best fleece jacket for your needs and budget.
We've been testing women's fleeces since way back in 2010, and we've tested 73 unique fleeces since then. Our latest review update compares 13 of the top contenders side-by-side. While exploring the world, our diverse team of testers donned these through all types of weather, testing them while trail running, big wall climbing, sailing on the North Sea, and hiking in some of the most climatically diverse settings. We've dissected each to explore the nuanced differences in utility, style, and comfort.
Our test team's favorite fleece is the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody. This full-zip fleece is super soft, comfortable, and easy to layer with.
If you're looking for a super warm fleece to wear as a standalone piece (think spring or fall, when a jacket might be overkill), check out The North Face Denali.
For a budget model, we love the REI Trailmade and the REI Flash Hyperstretch. The Trailmade is better as a midweight to wear alone, while the Flash Hyperstretch is breathable and good for athletic endeavors.
No matter what type of jacket you need for the outdoors, odds are good we've tested it. For wet weather, we've tested rain jackets for women, and if you need something that protects from the wind, check out our wind jacket review.
Editor's Note: We updated our women's fleece review on February 27, 2025, to share more details from our team's experiences testing these jackets.
Related: The Best Fleece Jackets for MenRelated: The Best Base Layer for Women