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Notable new trends in mid-layer insulation have come to life this year; like the idea that synthetic sheet insulation is far lighter and more efficient than fleece, or thicker more ‘plumey’ fleece traps air better. Both fair and theoretically correct ideas. But here – before you – are all the facts, new materials, and fabrics that you need to know about to buy your next fleece jacket. If you’re an avid walker, alpinist or ultra runner choosing the right gear from the get-go will always make the trip.
These days, in the digital wasteland of uninformed reviews, blogs and YouTube videos, it is very easy to get stuck trying to get your hands on the ‘perfect piece’ for your next adventure. But, not to worry; this is where I come in. Helping you make informed decisions about what fleece you want to move to the top of your spreadsheet, underlined, and bolded.
So, for you, I have put together a list of some of the best fleeces in 2025, highlighting different uses and reasoning, so you can make the best decision.
Also, all of the fleeces below are the male version; they do all come in the exact same female versions, too.
Best Fleeces of 2025: Our Top Picks
The Best Fleece of 2025
1. The North Face Summit Series Futurefleece Full Zip Hoody
Description:
Since this revolutionary piece’s release – in early 2024 – The Futurefleece range by The North Face has been a staple for hardcore alpinists and tenacious morning-walkers alike. Its incredibly light hexagonal polyester weave known as octa-yarns allows for maximum heat retention and breathability - showcasing a new era in fleece innovation. Weighing just 200g it exhibits an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Along with a minimalist thumb-loop and tapered hood, it’s ideal for fast-paced days in the mountains – or in the office.
| Three-word description | Ultralight, Versatile, Innovation. |
| Fabric GSM (grams per square meter) | 108gsm |
| RRP | $ 270 |
Why It’s the Best:
If your ‘ideal Sunday’ is relaxing on a mountain top or getting in an early morning trail run, then this is THE hoody. One of the most versatile jackets on or off the mountain, in or out of the ski resort, and into or out of the coffee shop. Easily a staple and the best fleece of 2025. But seriously though, It is crucial to point out that; The North Face is in an almost constant state of ‘drawing board’ with this piece, there is always a new variation – with altered zippers or slightly lighter fabrics, they even address the idea of a seamless design in their newer models. What I am getting at is; this is a garment that is so widely used, and also widely reviewed to the point that it is extremely up to date with customer feedback. They don’t just read the feedback; they address and implement it.
Best Natural Fleece of 2025
2. Icebreaker 200 Realfleece Descender ½ Zip Top
Description:
A very niche section of the outdoor industry that is starting to get some light is the incorporation of TENCEL fibres (which is basically eucalyptus tree) with merino wool. Now this creates a fabric that the icebreaker calls Cool-lite. This fabric holds the properties of merino – anti-microbial, fire retardant, doesn’t smell – with the properties of TENCEL – hypoallergenic, naturally cooling, moisture wicking – and thus creating a fabric that is exceptional for 3 - season use. The Icebreaker 200 Realfleece descender is made solely of this very fabric. If you think that “nothing can be lighter and equally as durable as poly garments” Think, again, coming in at 230g in a men’s medium – the 200 descender truly means business and easily the best natural fleece of 2025.
Designed to be worn in conjunction with an ultralight setup, it is ideal for people who are conscious about natural, bio-degradable garments but still won’t compromise on quality and performance.
| Three-word description: | Natural, 3-season, Performance |
| Fabric GSM | 200GSM |
| RRP | $270 |
Why It’s the Best:
This piece is a half-zip pullover, meaning that its best use is with a t-shirt (as close to skin without on skin) allowing for all the best properties of the garment to come to life. As said previously, this jacket is set apart from the rest simply by its niche technology and its environmental consciousness. If you are either looking for a sweet new piece for you collection or needing a natural garment built from nature for nature, look no further. The Icebreaker 200 Realfleece descender ½ zip jacket.
Best Ultralight Fleece of 2025
Description:
In mid-2013 Polartec came out with a new ‘techy’ fleece called: Polartec Alpha; for use only by the U.S. Special forces. Since then, this amazing technology has been refined for commercial use and thus utilised by brands to make some of the best fleece jackets with the highest warmth to weight ratio. Being commonly regarded as the best fleece insulation out there it is a staple for an ultra-lighter. Sambob – an American small business – harnessed this technology and came out with a new range of pure Polartec alpha hoodies, with no zips or elastic zoning. Just pure ultralight technology in its simplest form – a hoody. Weighing in at an insane 85g this is a must have for someone who values handmade garments, Uber light weight technology, and simplicity. Quite easily taking the spot of the best ultralight fleece in 2025.
| Three-word description | Ultralight, simple, handmade. |
| Fabric GSM | 60GSM |
| RRP | $200 |
Why It’s the Best:
Some say, ‘lighter is better’, some think ‘versatility is key’, and some notice that those two thoughts equal the Sambob Alpha 60 Hoody. It’s as simple as that. You just cannot beat 86g for a full hoody of some of the best fleece in the world. It is a true spectacle and a Wild Earth staff favourite.
Best value for money fleece of 2025
Description:
The Rab Nexus Fleece is the best value for money fleece of 2025. Having a fully recycled polyester fabric in what Rab calls their ‘Thermic G’ technology. This certain fabric is basically little dots of mid-weight fleece or ‘plumes’ if you will on a sheet of thin 4-way stretch fleece. Housing easy YKK zippers on both the full-length front zipper and the two hand pockets. Its weight of 293g (men’s medium) shows that it is better used in a more casual setting or in conjunction with heavier attire when camping or hiking as it is on the heavier side.
| Three-word description | Stretchy, Streamlined, Well-priced. |
| Fabric GSM | 178GSM |
| RRP | $155 |
Why It’s the Best:
If you are one who occasionally doesn’t appreciate a big bulky collar on fleece jackets this one is definitely for you. Other than that, the nexus is a go to piece for anyone wanting technical equipment for a good price.
Best cold-weather fleece of 2025
5. Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Jacket
Description:
Patagonia is notorious for having many cult favourites. This is one of them. Showcasing a 100% recycled polyester fabric which you may think is not really that special… But wait. Within this polyester, is hollow core yarns. These yarns actually mimic the fur of the polar bear, who’s fur acts like down and insulates the wearer by trapping warm air from the body – and it works! The R1 fabric works a treat – even though it sounds a bit far-fetched. Coming in at 366g for a men’s medium it is definitely on the heavier side, but when it gets cold, there are few pieces that will work how they are designed, and the Patagonia R1 Air is 100% one of them.
| Three-word description | Packability, Insulation, under-rated. |
| Fabric GSM | 162GSM |
| RRP | $250 |
Why It’s the Best:
If you are someone looking for the most versatile, simple yet articulate fleece jacket that you can take anywhere with the quote “no worries” this is the piece for you. With many years being a cult favourite this fleece technology has been implemented into many, many different applications. Coming also with a lifetime warranty under Patagonia’s ironclad guarantee. You’re all set.
Best Casual fleece of 2025
6. Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
Description:
The Synchilla is one of those jackets that is an all-rounder casual jacket. It is a fine piece to wear anywhere; from the movies to a far-away summit. Made with 100% recycled polyester fleece, the Synchilla is a cost effective and cozy coat. In 2025 the market has shifted slightly, from solid colours and pattern-less designs, to what Patagonia does best – adding a little bit of ‘pizazz’ in their new colourways that have striking patterns and an extroverted nature.
To be truthful though, Patagonia’s Synchilla ranges are not designed to be the lightest out there, or to have the most technically advanced fabrics. It is simply to provide a warm and cozy casual piece – that deserves a spot on any buying spreadsheet and in every cupboard.
| Three-word description | Cozy, Casual, simple. |
| Fabric GSM | 250GSM |
| RRP | $200 |
Why It’s the Best:
For any outdoor enthusiast chasing a cozy jacket that is light, simple to use, and in a few pretty cool colourways. There really aren’t any other options as iconic as the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T. Over the years – like any brand with their head screwed on – Patagonia has altered the design bit by bit. From what used to be an entirely virgin plastic fabric to now an 100% recycled fabric. This is the way to go for a cost-effective piece without having to overlook quality and environmental impact.
Best Budget Full Zip Fleece of 2025
7. The North Face 100 Glacier Full Zip Fleece Jacket
Description:
A good quality budget fleece is hard to find, but it’s not that hard. When it comes to the 100 Glacier jacket, you are all set, ready to go. Its sleek design, fast zippers, and slightly tapered fit make it not only an amazing jacket to wear as a stand-alone piece, but also in a layering system. The fabric is quite dense, which eliminates the stretchy element of a garment, which can be an upside when wearing it as a stand-alone garment. The 100 Glacier coming in at 350g, shows that it is the best budget full zip fleece of 2025, because not only the weight but also the simplicity, just seals the deal.
| Three-word description | Budget, tapered, simple |
| Fabric GSM | 160GSM |
| RRP | $150 |
Why It’s the Best:
The high-rise collared neck is generally found as a major positive because it allows for a ‘seal’ if you will around the neck and stops unwanted winds – and if you’re a bit clumsy – unwanted soup spillages. One thing people cannot get over sometimes is price, this piece coming in at $150 is a pretty neat package, for yourself or as a sweet gift.
Best balue pullover fleece of 2025
8. XTM Marengo ¼ Zip Fleece Jacket
Description:
The Brand XTM, is a major player in the Australian outdoor wool industry, being based in Torquay, Victoria they have a strong connection with what matters on and off the slopes. The Marengo ¼ zip fleece channels that with an amazingly budget friendly fleece from an environmentally responsible Australian brand – that also is the main supplier of gear to the Australian Olympic ski team…Who doesn’t want some of that?
| Three-word description | Budget, Australian, loose-fit. |
| Fabric GSM | 180GSM |
| RRP | $100 |
Why It’s the Best:
This looser fitting garment is a go for a budget friendly kit-list, or a pleasant gift for someone that needs to get their gear dialled in. Considering the cost, 300g for $100 it easily takes the rains of the best budget ¼ zip fleece in 2025.
Everyone needs a fleece – if only opera handed us all a fleece and we wouldn’t be here, but no. Instead, you have just gone through the best fleeces of 2025 in all different brands, price brackets, weights, and sports. In the end, if you are a hiker, runner, climber or avid camper, these fleeces are the right fit for you. But make sure whatever decision you come to, you’re getting gear that delivers on performance, comfort, and reliability. If you’re ready to take the next step to getting fully kitted out, check out the full range at Wild Earth and get help from the professionals.
