Women's Fleece Jackets
Women's fleece jackets, the comfortable mid-layer that goes from the trail to the couch, from light technical fleece for active days to cosy high-pile styles for cooler evenings. Our range features The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia and Norrøna.
Lighter fleece breathes well and layers neatly under a shell, while heavier and high-pile fleece gives more warmth on its own. Choose a closer fit for layering under a rain jacket, or a relaxed fit if it will mostly be worn as an outer layer around town and camp.
Fleece is all about the feel, so drop into our Grey Lynn concept store to compare weights and fits, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about women's fleece jackets
How should a women's fleece fit as a mid-layer?
As a mid-layer, a fleece should sit fairly close to your body so it traps warmth and slides easily under a rain jacket, without bunching at the shoulders or riding up at the hips. You should still be able to wear a base layer underneath. If you mainly wear it on its own, a relaxed fit is more comfortable for everyday use. A fleece with a slightly longer back hem stays tucked under a pack and keeps your lower back warm when you bend.
What is a sherpa or high-pile fleece?
Sherpa and high-pile fleece have a deep, fluffy texture that traps a lot of warm air, so they feel cosy and look great around town and camp. They are warm for standing around but bulkier and less breathable than technical fleece, so they are better as a standalone layer than a mid-layer under a shell. Many styles add a smooth lining or a woven face for wind resistance.
Which fleece is best for hiking versus everyday?
For hiking, choose a lighter technical fleece, often with a grid or textured inner, that breathes well and dries quickly when you work hard. For everyday wear, a heavier or high-pile fleece gives more warmth and a relaxed look. If you want one fleece for both, a mid-weight full-zip in a neutral colour is the most versatile. Look at the zip as well: a half-zip vents heat well on the move, while a full zip is easier to take on and off around town.
Are recycled fleeces as warm as new ones?
Yes. Recycled polyester fleece performs just like virgin polyester for warmth, breathability and durability, because it is the same material made from recycled sources such as plastic bottles. Many brands, including Patagonia, use recycled fibres across their fleece ranges. Choosing recycled is an easy way to reduce impact without compromising on warmth.
How do I keep a fleece soft after washing?
Wash it inside out on a cool, gentle cycle, skip the fabric softener, which actually clogs the fibres, and air dry rather than tumble drying on high heat. Washing fleece separately from rough fabrics also keeps the surface smoother. Treated this way, a fleece stays soft and warm for years. A laundry bag designed to catch microfibres also protects the fleece surface in the wash and cuts down on the fibres that go down the drain. Brushing a pilled surface with a soft clothes brush can freshen up an older fleece.
Can I wear a fleece in the rain?
A fleece is not waterproof, so in steady rain it will soak through, although it still holds some warmth when damp and dries quickly afterwards. For wet weather, wear your fleece under a rain jacket. Some fleece jackets have a water-repellent finish or a weather-resistant face that handles light showers, but they are not a replacement for a shell.
Is a fleece jacket or a fleece vest more useful?
A fleece jacket gives more warmth and covers your arms, so it is the better choice if you only buy one. A fleece vest keeps your core warm while leaving your arms free, so it is ideal for active days, layering under a shell without bulk in the sleeves, and as an extra layer on cool mornings. Many women find a vest becomes their most-worn layer once they have a good jacket.
Does fleece shed microfibres, and what can I do?
Like all synthetic fabrics, fleece can shed small fibres in the wash, especially when it is new. Washing less often, using a cool, gentle cycle, filling the machine fully to reduce friction and using a microfibre-catching laundry bag all cut shedding significantly. Higher quality fleece tends to shed less than cheaper fleece, and recycled options reduce the material's footprint in the first place.