The humble fleece has shaken off its sensible hiking persona and become the unlikely fashion jacket de jour this spring. Sparked by a collaboration between MM6 Maison Margiela x The North Face last autumn, it has gained pace through lockdown III as the daily walk layer of choice. And what’s not to adore? Its cosy aesthetic, or the fact that it’s been given a fresh fashion edge, most notably when paired with biker boots and sport luxe look? As the days lengthen and layers lighten, fleeces are emerging in pastel shades and spring brights for the new season ahead. We present nine of our fashion favourites.

North Face


Cragmont Fleece, £125
WOMEN
Launched in the sixties in California by a pair of hikers, North Face’s appeal has since broadened beyond being the sole territory of outdoorsy types and has firmly found a place in the wardrobes of the fashion crowd. This perfectly on-trend mix of pale duck egg blue base with a pop of acid yellow (the hue to watch this spring) comes in a boxy, funnel-neck style that will keep out any spring gales in style.

Arket


Fleece Hoodie, £59
Arket Fleece Hoodie
A hybrid hoodie/fleece, this super-soft pull-on style in a smart khaki from Arket has a minimal, modern silhouette with a dipped hem and thumb hole-loops. Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles, it’s a wide cut, comfort fit. Perfect for adding a layer of warmth on cold mornings.

Patagonia


Woolyester Fleece Jacket, £140
Women
If you love the idea of a cosy fleece but prefer natural fibres, Patagonia’s recycled wool-mix fleece jacket is a great option. With a bomber jacket cut and contrast trim, it has all the tactile warmth of their classic fleeces yet with a more structured feel.

Roxy


Stand By Me Polar Fleece, £45
Stand By Me - Polar Fleece For Women

If you are craving the beach life, Roxy’s flattering cream fleece with khaki and peach trim gives a nod to a laid-back, outdoorsy look with a modern edge. The lightweight polar fleece fabric adds a layer of warmth without the bulk; great as a mid-layer under a coat now and by itself as the weather warms.

Nike


Black Melange Fleece Hoodie, £85
Mélange Fleece Hoodie
Nike’s long-line fleece jacket is the perfect throw-on over your running kit – or ‘athleisure’ – look. The oversized ‘shacket’ fit in a textured melange black fleece looks great with an all-black palette. Mix up your textures for a modern feel, or pair with army greens and light neutrals for a fresher spring look.


Sweaty Betty


Escape Luxe Fleece, £120
Escape Luxe Fleece Hoody

Sweaty Betty’s Escape Luxe Fleece in rich red is made from super soft, fine Italian fleece, created using recycled cotton. The perfect sweet spot between comfy and Zoom worthy. If you’re looking to smarten up your workout wear this spring, this is it.

Finisterre


Penmere Fleece, £85
Penmere Quater Zip Fleece
Originally designed for hardy British surfers, Finisterre’s range of fleeces are perfect for those looking for the best technical fabrics with a modern aesthetic. Its Penmere ¼ zip fleece in sage green or dusty blue is cut in a flattering, feminine fit. If you usually find that fleeces swamp your frame, this could be a great option.

North Face X Liberty


Sierra Fleece, £180
X Liberty Sierra Sherpa Fleece

Another North Face collaboration, this time with Liberty and their signature floral prints. A textural teddy bear fleece is paired with an exclusive new landscape print trim. Utilitarian with a shot of fashion heritage, it shouldn’t work but it does – perfectly.

Berghaus


Berghaus Polar 90 Tie Dye Half Zip Fleece In Green, £75
Berghaus Polar 90 Tie Dye Half Zip Fleece In Green

A bit bonkers but definitely joy-inducing and oh-so on trend in psychedelic tie-dye. Pair it with a 90s wash denim for simultaneously on-trend and nostalgic look.

By Lydia Mansi
March 2021

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