Men's Fleeces

Men's fleeces for every season

If there is one layer that earns its keep in an Irish wardrobe, it is the fleece. It goes on over a T-shirt on a cool spring evening, under a waterproof jacket on a wet hill day and over a base layer on a crisp winter walk. This collection brings together men's fleece jackets, half zip and quarter zip fleeces, pullovers and technical midlayers from Patagonia, The North Face, Arc'teryx, Rab, Columbia, Berghaus, Fjällräven, Icebreaker and Craghoppers.

Pick your weight

Fleece comes in different weights, and the weight decides how warm it is and how you will use it.

Microfleece is thin, light and breathable. It is the fleece you can wear on the move all day without overheating, and it layers easily under a shell. The Columbia Fast Trek II Full Zip Fleece is a classic microfleece for walks and everyday wear. Browse more in our men's micro fleeces.

Midweight fleece adds noticeably more warmth while still breathing well. It works as a midlayer under a waterproof jacket in winter or on its own on a dry, cool day. The Rab Stavel Fleece Pullover uses soft, brushed Thermic fleece that balances warmth and breathability, and the Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan uses Alpenex II fleece made from 100% recycled polyester. See more in our men's midweight fleeces.

Heavyweight and pile fleeces, including sherpa, are the cosiest of all. They are perfect for cold, dry days, evenings and travel. The Columbia Winter Pass Reversible Sherpa Fleece Jacket has plush sherpa on one side and microfleece on the other, so you get two looks in one jacket.

Zip style changes how you wear it

A full-zip fleece jacket is the easiest to vent and the easiest to take on and off. It works well as an outer layer. A half zip or quarter zip fleece is lighter, sits more neatly under a waterproof jacket and still lets you open the neck when you warm up. The North Face Glacier 1/4 Zip Fleece and the Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 Zip are two of the most popular. For full-zip styles, see our men's fleece jackets.

Technical fleeces for active days

When you are moving fast or climbing, a technical fleece lets heat and sweat escape before you get clammy. Grid fleeces have a pattern of channels on the inside that trap warmth while letting moisture move through. The North Face Polartec Power Grid Stormgap Hoodie uses Polartec Power Grid, and the Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hooded Jacket uses hollow-core recycled polyester in a zigzag structure, with a close-fitting hood that layers under a helmet and offset shoulder seams that sit comfortably under rucksack straps.

If you prefer natural fibres, the Icebreaker 260 Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Midlayer is made from 100% merino wool, which helps regulate your temperature and naturally resists odours.

Fleeces for everyday wear

Many of our fleeces are made to look as good in town as on the trail. The Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket has a sweater-knit face with a clean finish for commuting, travel and work. The Arc'teryx Covert range has a heathered finish that resembles wool. These are the fleeces you will pull on most days of the year.

How a fleece fits into your layers

A fleece is the warm middle layer. Wear a base layer underneath to move sweat away from your skin, and a waterproof jacket over the top when the rain comes in. A fleece is not windproof or waterproof on its own, so on a blustery day it works best under a shell. Look for a fleece that fits close enough to trap warmth but leaves room to move, and check that it sits comfortably under your waterproof jacket. Our guide on how to layer clothing explains the system in more detail, and you will find base layers in our men's baselayers collection and shells in our men's waterproof jackets.