Admittedly, fleece jackets have always been something of a controversial item. The more critical cool girls among us banished the fuzzy outerwear to the remit of outdoorsy mountaineers, primary school teachers or — excuse the GenZ lingo — finance bros. I'll be honest, my personal sartorial moodboard has also been firmly devoid of fleece – that is, until recently. In the topsy-turvy era of nostalgic trends where skinny jeans are cool again and the stylish are sporting busy Fair Isle and Argyle knits, the retro outerwear is enjoying a glorious moment in the fashion spotlight.
You could credit it to the rise of blokecore (thank you, Oasis reunion) or perhaps a nod to the brightly patterned jackets typically spotted by the ski slopes. Either way, the tactile jackets cropped up in the autumn/winter collections of several brands including Miu Miu, Lacoste, Jil Sander and Acne Studios. Instagram and TikTok feeds, meanwhile, have also been awash with an array of fleece jackets — from technical classics to dopamine-boosting patterns.
Although most of the aforementioned snuggly jackets are likely to cost a lot of money, the good news is that the high street delivers an array of fleece designs that are suitably cosy and comfy without breaking the bank. As with most winter staples, Uniqlo leads the pack with its Fleece Jacket, £49.90, whose chic boxy fit and band collar makes it universally flattering. It's been so popular that the burgundy iteration is already sold out, while the other colours are currently on sale.
Shop: Uniqlo's Fleece Jacket
On sale
www.uniqlo.com
Available in four neutral shades, this Uniqlo jacket is the perfect throw-over-everything design to invest in for winter.
If, however, your brief for the season is maximalism, Damson Madder's Ingrid Borg Jacket has an all-over chinoiserie print and comes with bow tie details for a feminine finish. Elsewhere, The North Face's technical quarter zips will keep you warm on winter runs, while Free People boasts colourful fleeces guaranteed to brighten up the gloomiest of January days. Whether your MO is bold and bright or technical excellence, keep scrolling for our edit of the best fleece jackets to get cosy in this winter.
Shop: The Best Fleece Jackets For Women
damsonmadder.com
With its oversized fit and flirty bow details, it's not hard to see why Damson Madder's Ingrid jackets are hugely popular with the style set. While the viral bow print version is now mostly sold out, this vase print design is just as chic and still in stock (for now).
www.freepeople.com
Free People has some of the best fleece outerwear in offer, including this purple, blue and beige colour block hoodie. Wear with joggers to the gym or throw over your favourite jeans and T-shirt combo for a casual off-duty look.
www.marksandspencer.com
If it's a classic you're on the hunt for, M&S' lightweight borg jacket with a funnel neck ticks all the right boxes. Plus, the navy will go with just about everything in your wardrobe, which is a welcome bonus.
51% off
www.arket.com
For the uninitiated, pile is a warmer iteration of fleece that offers higher insulation and wind protection, so you know it doesn't get cosier than Arket's hooded pile jacket.
www.thenorthface.co.uk
Far from stuffy banker associations, The North Face's Yumiori quarter zip fleece makes a serious street style statement with its poppy indigo and purple colour way. Style with cargos and Puma Speedcats for the ultimate cool girl look this season.
www.net-a-porter.com
Whether you're a seasoned runner or a marathon hopeful, Alo Yoga's water resistant shell panelled fleece jacket is sure to be your perfect companion for training in the cold. The cropped fit will also work well with wide leg jeans and trousers.
www.farfetch.com
If you want a slightly formal twist on the classic fleece jacket, Jil Sander's silk panelled shacket will give you just that. Wear with trousers and a crisp button-down to work or throw over a midi skirt for a chic date night look.
www2.hm.com
Another great colour block fleece jacket comes from H&M. You'll find it pairs well with almost everything in your wardrobe while the oversized silhouette keeps you toasty and comfortable.
www.ugg.com
UGG is practically synonymous with cosy winter essentials, so it's safe to say that the Nikia jacket is sure to deliver on the warmth and comfort front. Crafted from recycled materials, it's detailed with crochet panels and scalloped cuffs.
www.sezane.com
Now, this may be from the menswear section, but we had to include it. Somewhere between a fleece jacket and a polo shirt, the burgundy design is perfect for autumn/winter and will pair well with jeans and satin skirts alike.
www.newlook.com
While slightly more dramatic, New Look's cream leopard print jacket is perfectly on-trend and might surprise with its versatility.
Main Image credits: ©Instagram/@mariajoynson @gabihavens
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commercial content writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.