Thick fleece jacket

There’s nothing quite like the warm and cosy comfort of pulling on a thick fleece when the cold weather starts to bite. Whether you’re heading into the countryside, layering up for a camping trip or just walking the dog on a chilly, frosty morning, thick fleeces from Columbia Sportswear® will keep you warm, comfortable and cosy. Our collection of women's and men's fleece jackets is designed for real life, to keep you warm without weighing you down. 

When you’re deciding what warm winter clothes you need for your wardrobe, make sure fleeces are at the top of your list. Whatever you have planned, we’ve got the perfect fleece for you, from a sleeveless fleece for those milder days to our warm hiking jacket for when you need extra warmth and insulation.

Why thick fleeces are a winter must-have

Winter is the time when you need something extra soft, warm and cosy to see you through those frosty mornings and chilly nights. Thick fleeces are designed to trap warm air close to the body, while still being breathable and practical for everyday wear. Unlike heavy coats, which can be uncomfortable or feel like they’re weighing you down, a casual men's fleece jacket is designed to be warm without being restrictive. That’s why they're so popular with hikers, campers and travellers. 

Take, for example, our sherpa fleece for women and sherpa fleece for men styles. With their adjustable waist, pockets, zipper pulls, elasticated cuffs and high collar to help protect against chilly winds and cold conditions, they are ideal for winter. Wear them while doing the school run, over workwear for your commute or simply lounging with friends at the bar. 

Thick fleeces for layering

What’s great about thick fleeces is that they work exceptionally well as part of a smart layering system. A fleece can be worn on its own as an outer layer during dry weather or it can be used as an effective warm midlayer under a waterproof jacket when rain threatens or conditions become unpredictable. 

If you’re choosing a hiking fleece in either wool or polyester fleece or comparing the best hiking fleeces to find the perfect one for you, thicker fleece styles are often a great match for slower paced outdoor activities where warmth matters more than lightweight performance. Meanwhile, when it comes to choosing a ski fleece, you may prefer combining a thicker fleece with thermal clothing and insulating clothing for extra warmth when temperatures really start to drop. Ultimately, choosing between lightweight fleeces and thicker styles often comes down to your level of activity while outdoors, the weather and personal comfort.

How to choose the right thick fleece

Not all thick fleeces are the same, so it’s a good idea to think about how you plan to wear yours most often. If you’re someone who enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors, perhaps hiking, camping or walking your dogs, men's technical fleeces and women's technical fleece styles are engineered for performance, warmth and practicality. This makes them ideal for colder conditions or more vigorous activities when you need reliable clothing. Features like zippered chest pockets, adjustable hems and a comfortable fit also help make them a good option for long days outdoors. 

When you need something for everyday wear, a women's fleece​ jacket, fleece sweatshirt or fleece zip up will easily fit your regular winter outfit. They work well layered over knit jumpers when you need extra warmth and look great styled with denim jeans and walking boots on colder days. If you prefer something lighter for more active or milder days, a microfleece jacket should be on your shopping list.

For extra warmth and comfort, styles like sherpa fleece pullovers, hooded fleece jacket designs and an insulated jacket offer cosy layering without feeling too bulky. Meanwhile, women's fleece gilets and men's fleece gilets are perfect when you want freedom of movement while still keeping your core warm.

Styling thick fleeces

Thick fleeces are not just for when you’re heading to a campsite or wrapping up for a brisk countryside walk. They’ve become a winter wardrobe staple thanks to their combination of comfort, warmth and effortless style. Thanks to neutral shades like cream, black, blue and earthy tones, alongside bold patterns and prints, they are easy to pair with your everyday wardrobe. Team up your favourite fleece with denim jeans or cargo trousers, walking boots and a simple knit underneath for a casual, relaxed look. For something a little smarter when you’re commuting to work or travelling, layer a fleece under a heavier coat for extra warmth without feeling too bulky. With a fleece in your wardrobe, you’ll always have something comfortable, warm and stylish to wear.

Whether you’re looking for warm hiking clothing for outdoor adventures or a comfortable everyday winter staple, thick fleeces are one of the most versatile cold weather layers you can own. Browse the full Columbia Sportswear® collection to find your perfect fit. Once you’ve experienced the comfort and warmth of one of our fleeces, you’ll wonder how you ever got through winter without one.