When I first moved to Europe more than a decade ago, a Swedish friend gave me some very good advice on getting through harsh, cold, and long Nordic winters: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” I always think of this saying when I pack for trips to northern Europe and much-loved ski regions — like Megève, France and St. Moritz and Zermatt, Switzerland — where regular jackets just won’t do during peak winter season. 

One of my favorite items of clothing to wear during the early winter months has been around for decades, but it’s infallible in my eyes: a fleece jacket. Fleece is hard to beat when it comes to braving wintery chills — the material is incredibly insulating and warm, and high-quality versions can be very lightweight, too. Over the years, fleece technology has definitely improved, making the humble fleece jacket a reputable winter warmer. Technical fleeces are so popular right now that brands like The North Face, Merrell, Patagonia, and Cotopaxi have really glammed up the otherwise basic outer layer. If you like stylish yet functional and durable clothing for winter that keeps you warm and insulated, a fleece layer is the way to go. Here are 12 of the best ones out there.

Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-zip Fleece Jacket

I walked past three people with the Abrazo Half-zip Fleece during my hike in Runyon Canyon on my most recent trip in Los Angeles, and I love how the classic fleece keeps me warm during chilly morning walks. Made with 100-percent-recycled fleece, the jacket is incredibly lightweight yet provides plenty of warmth on colder days, which I tested in Switzerland when I went mushroom picking during the fall. The side pockets sit very well when empty or full and are wide enough for your iPhone. There is also a breast pocket which I found useful for holding my hotel room key. 

Merrell Sherpa Mix-up Jacket

There’s so much to love about this soft sherpa fleece and I can’t recommend it enough. I wore an earlier version of this jacket last winter in St. Moritz, Switzerland and loved it, but have to say this iteration with added rain protection is even better than the original design. The jacket is very light so it can be stuffed into your luggage easily, yet it is so insulating. Bonus features on this jacket include two secure zippered pockets and woven overlay at the collar, lower torso, and pockets, which not only look stylish but help keep even more body heat in where it matters. 

The North Face Yumiori Quarter-zip Fleece 

This quarter-zip fleece is my favorite (compared to the full zip) because you can slip it on and off easily without having to deal with a big zipper, which can sometimes poke you in the abs area — hikers, you know what I mean! The fleece top comes in six different sizes from XS to XXL and a range of cool colors. 

Fjällräven Expedition Fleece Hoodie

Did you know that there are technical and leisure fleeces out there? I didn’t until a friend of mine, who is a “fleece expert,” told me that you can upgrade your fleece jacket by choosing ones made specifically for outdoor adventures. The Fjällräven Expedition Fleece is a good example of a technical fleece meant for extreme weather conditions. It’s not only comfortable, warm, and lightweight but very hard-wearing — the material dries quickly if rained on or if you sweat too much during high-intensity activities. There’s also a hoodie, which makes it even better for unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains. 

Cotopaxi Bacano Fleece Jacket

This is the perfect layering fleece and I recommend it to all my friends who want a decent jacket for both winter weekend sojourns with friends or late December romps in the Swiss Alps. The highly insulating jacket is a great layer if you are looking for extra warmth and is very comfortable to wear, too, thanks to the roomier cut and high-neck collar. 

Fjällräven Kaitum Fleece Hoodie

This is your typical-looking fleece jacket for mountain hikes and treks but is certainly not your everyday fleece when it comes to quality. The jacket has a tailored fit that is still incredibly comfortable and offers plenty of range of motion. I’ve tried this jacket on its own and never felt the cold, and I’m looking forward to wearing it in December when the temperature truly dips. Other shoppers have said it works great under a shell jacket, too, and I believe it. In addition to the microfleece lining (my favorite feature of the jacket), there are two zippered side pockets, which I also love. 

The North Face Tekware Grid Quarter-zip Fleece

While there’s a lot of science behind this technical fleece, all I know is that it looks great and I loved wearing it on a recent 16-hour, long-haul flight from Los Angeles to the island of Flores, Indonesia. The quarter-zip fleece's exterior looks more like a jacket rather than a large fuzzy pullover, and I feel confident wearing it around the city, on a plane, and in the mountains. The best feature is the water-repellent exterior, so it can keep you dry during unpredictable weather.

Billabong Fireside Cozy Fleece Jacket

Surfers know that it gets cold and chilly after a morning surf session, and this fluffy, high-pile fleece jacket can keep you warm not only after water activities but also during mountain hikes and trail runs. The jacket is stylish and has a longer cut than most fleeces, so it keeps more of your body warm. The best feature? The jacket is completely machine washable and tumble dry-friendly. Functional and durable — what’s not to love? 

Thread & Supply Cable Stitch Fleece Jacket 

One of the more fashionable fleeces I’ve come across, this cable-stitched jacket is nice enough for shopping trips in any European city yet warm enough for hiking in the mountains of France or Switzerland. The cozy jacket has a full-length front zipper and a stand collar to keep the wind from chilling your neck and funneling further down your body. 

Kari Traa Rothe Vest 

Fleece vests are a secret winter warmer I love to wear during colder months. Not only do they offer extra insulation under heavier coats, but they are also great when indoors — sleeve-free jackets allow for easy mobility! This Kari Traa Rothe Vest is made from a soft and supple cozy-pile fleece, but what I love most about this jacket is the handwarmer pockets that keep the chilliest fingers warm. 

Columbia Panorama Long Jacket 

A long sherpa jacket that is not only super warm but stylish? Yes, it does exist. The Columbia Panorama Long Jacket comes with all the features of a fashionable layer but is extra cozy thanks to the sherpa fleece. The jacket buttons up with a row of hidden snaps and features deep pockets, perfect for people whose hands get cold easily during the winter — guilty!

Oiselle PNW Shacket

Something about this jacket just screams Aspen, Colorado, and lazing around a fire with your mates after a long ski day. This “shacket” (half shirt, half jacket) was created by scientists at Polartec, so you know the material is made of a worthy high-tech fleece. It comes with two large hand pockets, a secure zipper pocket at the chest, and a stretchy woven trim. Whether you wear it while running errands or around the house, it’s easy to love this shacket. 

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