We've had Dior shows filled with hiking gear, Arc'teryx jackets walking the runway, and hiking sneakers dominating the most hyped drops — so I don't think you need me to tell you about how the gorp explosion has us in a chokehold. And one of the fallouts from this is that fleece jackets aren't only worn by hiking dads or the bosses of tech startups, they're everywhere now.
The fleece jacket has transformed into something of a streetwear staple, helped along over the years by us seeing the likes of Tyler, The Creator wearing a beige Uniqlo fleece, Kendall Jenner in a Patagonia, and Shai arriving pre-game in an Entire Studios fleece.
This new-found appreciation has meant that there are more options than ever available on the market, and some are selling out rapidly.
If you want to buy a Stüssy 8 Ball Fleece or Supreme's recent Nike ACG collaboration, you will have to fork out more than their retail price on the second-hand market as they flew off the shelves. And the holy grail for fleece lovers worldwide, the red and white checkered design from NIGO and Louis Vuitton's LV² line, is reselling on Stockx for quite a bit above $2,000.
The beloved fleece sweater has become a canvas for experimentation for streetwear heavyweights and luxury labels alike, creating menswear grails from a hiker's essential.
However, all of the high-fashion interpretations and Instagram-induced hype take nothing away from the outdoor labels that specialize in this type of outerwear, such as The North Face and Patagonia — the latter of which invented polar fleece in 1979 together with Malden Mills (now Polartec LLC).
Thanks to the work of those two labels, the fleece which we find in today's jackets allows moisture to evaporate quicker than cotton or wool, hence why it’s a great material to wear when exploring or when you’re working outdoors. And if you happen to get caught in a light rain you can expect those water droplets to bead up and keep you dry for the most part.
From tried and true outdoor labels to streetwear and luxury brands bringing their own spin to the design, we've brought together our favorite fall-ready fleece jackets.
Scroll on for a look at the best fleece jackets out now.
Barrow Ecofur jacket
Ecofur Jacket
Barrow
Barrow's MO is all about boldness. As if the furry Ecofur build of this jacket wasn't enough, it's been adorned with the unmissable graphics that have become Barrow's signature.
RANRA Gjof Fleece Jacket
Gjof Fleece Jacket
RANRA
Folks familiar with RANRA (formerly Arnar Már Jónsson) know the brand has a knack for using earth tones in its garments. The Gjof fleece comes in the perfect shade of brown and is cut to provide a bit more extra room where it counts.
Adsum Expedition Fleece
Expedition Fleece
Adsum
Adsum's expedition fleece is crafted using heavyweight fabrics on a jacquard loom for its unique diagonal texture. If you've always wanted the furry side of your fleece reversed for extra warmth, this is the one for you.
Stone Island Wool Track Jacket
Wool Track Jacket
Stone Island
Stone Island takes it up a notch with its fleece made from actual wool, which also features reinforced elbows and ribbed cuffs. The brand's signature patch is swapped for an embroidered logo on this all-white jacket.
NEIGHBORHOOD Fleece Jacket
Fleece Jacket
NEIGHBORHOOD
Japan streetwear connoisseurs know that any garment from NEIGHBORHOOD is built to last. This monochrome fleece is toned down impeccably.
ROA Fleece Jacket
Fleece Jacket
ROA
ROA's fleece offering is straight out of a gorpcore dream. Along with being crafted from a wool and acrylic blend, the jacket comes with a nylon lining and hidden hood to keep you cozy while outdoors.
Gramicci Sherpa Jacket
Sherpa Jacket
Gramicci
For over 40 years, Gramicci has been creating robust outdoor gear and this fleece jacket, with its eye-catching swirly print, comes from the label's seriously cozy FW22 collection.
Highsnobiety Reversible Polar Fleece Zip Jacket
Reversible Polar Fleece Zip Jacket
Highsnobiety
While all fleece jackets are practical by nature, this one from our recent fall collection has a few details that ensure peak functionality. Not only is it crafted from a dense Japanese polar fleece on one side and Japanese nylon on the other, but it's also reversible giving you the option of which fabric you would prefer on the outside on any given day.
NAMACHEKO Temen color-blocked fleece jacket
Temen Fleece Jacket
Namacheko
An upgrade on your standard all-black fleece, this one adds contrast paneling and a cropped fit to the mix for an elevated look.
The North Face ‘94 High Pile Denali Jacket
‘94 High Pile Denali Jacket
The North Face
No label is as ubiquitous with outdoor gear as The North Face, and for good reason. The label has been creating cutting-edge practical wear for over 50 years and this jacket sees it remaster one of its classics: the 1994 Denali Jacket.
and wander Panelled Fleece Jacket
Panelled Fleece Jacket
and wander
Fleece jackets are already very warm and cozy, but and wander has taken things to the next level by adding panels of Polartec fleece infused with Primaloft Insulation.
Carne Bollente Field of the Reams Jacket
Field of the Reams Jacket
Carne Bollente
Created by Carne Bollente in collaboration with artist Pep Moreno, this is one of the less x-rated pieces from the sex-positive label's latest collection. Moreno's drawings create a playful all-over print that depicts the brilliantly named "Field of the Reams."
Y/Project Fleece Jacket
Fleece Jacket
Y/Project
Glenn Martens and Y/Project ask the question: why have one collar when you could have two?
Acne Studios Soft Teddy Overshirt
Soft Teddy Overshirt
Acne Studios
If any color is synonymous with fall it has to be brown. The plush texture on this fleece is a guaranteed way to stay warm during the colder months ahead.
Marmot Aros Tech Fleece Jacket
Aros Tech Fleece Jacket
Marmot
A touch of color blocking is pretty much essential for any wardrobe. You can expect to be equally cozy and colorful with this jacket which comes with an additional interior lining.
Dickies Sherpa Fleece Jacket
Red Chute Sherpa Fleece Jacket
Dickies
If you're working on putting a nice look together, this white fleece is a strong option, and you can always rely on Dickies for long-lasting quality.
Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Jacket
Synchilla Fleece Jacket
Patagonia
For the inventors of polar fleece, it would be sacrilegious not to include an option from Patagonia on this list. This one stays true to the label's eco-friendly commitments as it's made from 100% recycled polyester Synchilla™ fleece.
Awake NY Coast to Coast Zip Up Fleece
Coast To Coast Zip Up Fleece
Awake NY
Some things are better left unsaid but Awake NY is demonstrating it pays to go the extra mile when it comes to making its garments unique. Americana on a fleece has never looked this good.
JW Anderson Jacquard-Knit Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie
Leather-Trimmed Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie
JW Anderson
JW Anderson merges the best of both worlds for those who are still undecided about fleeces over hoodies. The unorthodox pairing of olive leather trim and fleece with printed blue pigeons is an ideal way to make a statement this fall.
A. A. Spectrum Nelson Jacket
Nelson Jacket
A.A.Spectrum
From the rayon blends throughout to the graphic embroidery on the back, this blue fleece is truly one of a kind.
Kapital Reversible Printed Fleece and Shell Bomber Jacket
Do-Gi Boa Reversible Fleece Bomber Jacket
Kapital
Another olive and blue fleece on this list but this time it's also a bomber jacket. Fully reversible garments where you actually want to wear both sides are rare but should we expect anything less from Kapital?
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