Synonymous with softness and comfort, fleece sweatshirts are a must-have for layering during colder months. As the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to bring out last year’s favorites or add some new fleece sweaters to your collection.
If you live in a colder climate, there’s a good chance your fleece pieces take up a good portion of your wardrobe. That’s why knowing how to care for your fleece sweaters and sweatshirts is crucial for keeping them in top shape season after season.
We spoke with experts from Patagonia, REI and Tide to break down the best tips for extending the life of your favorite fleece sweatshirts and sweaters. Plus, we’ve rounded up the top picks for the best fleece sweatshirts of 2024 to help you stay cozy and stylish all winter long.
Most common types of fleece | Care tips | Fleece lifespan | Best fleece sweatshirts | Meet the experts
What are the most common types of fleece?
There’s a variety of fleece options to choose from in stores — sherpa, cotton blended and polar to start. The one you’re probably most familiar, though, with is micro fleece, or circular knit fleece constructions in polyester fabrics.
"Micro fleece offers lightweight warmth, good breathability, with a soft comfy hand feel," says Lauren Wallis, the senior manager of product strategy for REI Co-op Brands.
There are two ways micro fleece can be presented in a sweater, Wallis notes:
- Brushed fleece: "Soft and cozy on both sides," according to Wallis.
- Hard-faced fleece: "Soft and cozy on one side, typically facing the body to help trap heat, but flat [or] smooth on the other to offer more durability against pilling and snagging and sometimes even [provide] wind protection."
Tide scientist Kim Romine notes that these two different types of fleece do not need to be washed or taken care of differently.
What are best practices for washing and taking care of fleece sweatshirts and sweaters?
The simple act of turning your sweaters inside out will work wonders in maintaining its texture and overall appearance.
"This decreases the amount of friction the outside of the garment experiences while rubbing against other things in the wash cycle," says Romine. She also notes that it's a smart practice to wash sweaters and items with like fabrics together, rather than pairing them with jeans which could be "abrasive."
"To help fight static cling and freshen clothes," Romine recommends adding a dryer sheet or dryer balls in the dryer since fleece sweaters are made with "synthetic fibers like polyester" that are known for gathering static.
"Additionally, washing in cold water and using the gentle cycle is an excellent way to help maintain the integrity of the garment," says Romine.
What is the lifespan of fleece?
"A garment's lifespan will depend on how well its taken care of during ownership," says Lauren Bigelow, marketing manager of Patagonia's Worn Wear program. "Good care and repair means a longer product lifespan ... A jacket could have two owners for 10 years each, or three owners that keep it for three years — it’s not about the quantity of caretakers, but the quality."
Bigelow, who is employed by Patagonia, notes that the brand utilizes recycled fabrics in their products that not only are giving new life to products that were otherwise landfill-bound but are creating a product with materials that "are designed for versatility and repairability and made to last for years, if not generations."
In addition, the cleaning tips Romine provided above will help make fleece sweaters last.
Best fleece sweatshirts of 2024
Budget-friendly basic: Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Crew Neck
- Affordable
- Size and color inclusive
- Oversized fit
- Tag sticker leaves residue
Colorways: 35 | Sizes: S-5X | Type of fleece: Made of a cotton and polyester fabric blend.
Deputy editorial director Ali Deabler currently owns four of these sweatshirts. It's easy to stock up, thanks to their affordable price point and how many colors it comes in (over 30!). It's her "favorite sweatshirt," and reviewers also agree simply because it's "comfy," "soft" and of "good quality."
Vintage-inspired: Old Navy '94 Half Zip
- Fits true to size
- Feels like wearing a blanket
- Has a more cropped fit
Colorways: 6 | Sizes: XS-4X | Type of fleece: Performance fleece
Old Navy recently released a line of '90s-inspired clothing, in a collection called the '94 reissue, in honor of the brand 30th birthday.
This quarter-zip features a mock neck collar and the brand's performance fleece fabric, made entirely out of polyester. You also have the option to cinch the waist, thanks to the drawcord hem.
Expert-recommended pick: Lands' End Adult Crewneck Sweatshirt
- Fits true to size
- Just baggy, oversized enough
- Not as warm as expected
Colorways: 7| Sizes: XXS-XXL | Type of fleece: Brushed fleece; cotton and polyester blend fabric
Sometimes all you need is a simple and basic crewneck for casual days or dressing up when the occasion calls for it.
"Lands' End makes a really high-quality sweatshirt that holds up next to ones from J. Crew and Madewell for a fraction of the price," says writer and style expert, Erika Veurink. "And it can be monogrammed. I avoid drying mine to extend their wear," she advises.
For those in-between weather days: Eddie Bauer Mock Neck Fleece
- Lightweight yet warm
- "Comfy and stylish"
- Certain colors don't wash well
- Rips easily
Colorways: 11 | Sizes: S-3XL | Type of fleece: Made with polyester micro fleece.
This classic fleece jacket design feels even better than it looks, with an "ultrasoft" micro fleece fabric coming into play. There are three pockets total on this sweater, with two on the sides and a chest pocket.
The brand notes that this jacket provides a "lightweight warmth," meaning it's perfect to wear underneath a winter coat without worrying about overheating.
Not-so-oversized: Merrell Sherpa Fleece Hoody
- "Softest hoodie ever"
- "Very cozy and warm"
- Cropped length
- Boxy silhouette and fit
Colorways: 3 | Sizes: XS-2XL | Type of fleece: Brushed sherpa fleece and recycled polyester.
If you loved the sherpa hoodie styles that were going around in recent years but disliked how oversized most of the sweatshirts were, production associate Audrey Ekman recommends this find.
"It’s cozy while still being light enough to layer, and the mix of the sherpa fleece and hoodie shape is cuddly without being overly teddy-bear-ish," she says.
Quirky color schemes: Cotopaxi Amado Fleece Pullover
- "Lightweight yet warm"
- "Great color choice"
- Fitted style
Colorways: 5 | Sizes: XS-XL | Type of fleece: Made of recycled polyester fleece
Whether you love Cotopaxi for their eccentric and out-of-the-box color schemes, or because of how durable and reliable their products truly are, this fleece sweater combines both of those qualities into one clothing item.
Also available in a men's style, this quarter-zip includes elastic at the wrist cuffs and the hem to ensure a more fitted feel and to trap warmth.
For a subtle fleece feeling: Patagonia Women's Ahnya Pullover
- Can be dressed up or down
- Soft, cozy interior
- A more fitted silhouette
- Fleece interior, not exterior
Colorways: 5 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Type of fleece: Made of recycled polyester, organic cotton
I bought this fleece from Patagonia over a year ago, and it remains one that I find myself reaching for on a consistent basis, whether I'm headed to the airport or running errands.
While it doesn't present as fleece on the outside, the inside contains a fleece fabric that works to keep you warm.
For unbeatable warmth: Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Cropped Pullover
- "Super versatile"
- "Great design"
- Size up for oversized fit
- "Pockets feel far apart"
- "Run a tad long in the arms"
Colorways: 3 | Sizes: XS-3XL | Type of fleece: Made up of a combination of reclaimed wool, nylon and polyester
It's no secret that wool is synonymous with warmth, helping to trap body heat so that you don't run cold. Made out of a wool, nylon and polyester blend, writer Emma Stessman notes that this sweatshirt owns a newer version of this sweatshirt but says that it "really does keep you warm."
It also holds shape after years of owning it, adds Stessman.
Timeless design: Patagonia Lightweight Fleece Pullover
- "Great for layering"
- Long lasting
- Sleeves run long
- Non-stop shedding
Colorways: 12 | Sizes: XXS-2XL | Type of fleece: Made of recycled polyester fleece
Patagonia's classic design makes it recognizable anywhere while its more neutral colors are simple to dress up with a business casual outfit or down with a pair of jogger sweatpants.
The different hemlines at the wrist and the bottom of the sweatshirt are lined with spandex, so you can easily roll up the sleeves and it's loose enough that heat can escape if need be.
For layering up: Parks Project Acadia Waves Trail High Fleece
- "Super thick and cozy"
- "Like wearing a blanket"
- Not as soft as expected
- "Sheds a bit"
Colorways: 1 | Sizes: XS-2XL | Type of fleece: Made of polyester high-pile fleece
Modeled after National Parks, the fleece collection from Parks Project includes sites such as Acadia and Yellowstone. You're bound to be warm and cozy in this zip-up sweater, thanks to the additional five buttons that ascend past the collar to provide full coverage.
"It's probably the warmest piece of clothing I ever put on that wasn’t outerwear," said senior editor Jess Bender. "There’s enough room to put on multiple layers underneath during frigid stretches, and I especially dig the giant kangaroo pocket and high button neckline." She even noted this earned plenty of compliments at her parents' local dog park!
Functional fleece: Hikerkind Midlayer 01
- Functional and stylish
- The "perfect" length
- Reviewer complaints about fit
Colorways: 4 | Sizes: XS-3XL | Type of fleece: Made of midweight fleece
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo spotted this sweater at an event recently and noted that it is designed to not restrict your movement while engaging in activities like hiking.
Shigo shares that it can also easily be styled for other things such as in-office days or a happy hour afterwards.
Meet the experts
- Lauren Bigelow is the marketing manager for Patagonia's Worn Wear program, which is their in-house repair and recycle apparel program. Individuals can send in their lightly used and worn gear in order to be resold to others at a cheaper price.
- Kim Romine is a scientist at Tide, a laundry detergent and fabric cleaning brand.
- Lauren Wallis serves as the senior manager of product strategy for REI Co-op Brands.
- Erika Veurink is a writer and style expert based in New York City.
