Women’s zip-up fleece, with hood or sherpa

How to choose a women's fleece?

A women's fleece is chosen based on its use and how to layer it.

• The zipped fleece, with a full zip, opens to adjust warmth and can be worn like a jacket.
• The half-zip fleece is pulled over the head: lighter, it slips under a jacket.
• The hooded fleece protects the head and neck from the chilly wind.
• The sleeveless fleece keeps the torso warm while leaving the arms free.
• The sherpa fleece, or teddy, mimics the curly wool of a sheep: thick and soft, it can be worn on its own.

Thin or thick fleece: what to choose?

A thin fleece serves as an intermediate layer, between a t-shirt and a jacket: it keeps you warm without bulk and is breathable during activity. A thick or sherpa fleece keeps you warmer, but it is bulkier and allows the wind through.

The weight, when indicated by the brand, gives an idea of thickness: the higher it is, the warmer the fleece. For hiking, a thin fleece that dries quickly is more useful than a thick fleece.

Does a fleece protect against wind and rain?

A classic fleece allows wind and water through: its fibres trap air for warmth but do not form a barrier. In rainy or windy weather, wear a waterproof jacket or a women's parka over it.

Some fleeces come with a windproof membrane or water-repellent treatment: they withstand wind and a light shower better, but are slightly less breathable.

How to wear a women's fleece?

In the city, a sherpa fleece or high-collar fleece can be worn with jeans or a straight women's trouser, like a jacket. A short fleece pairs well with high-waisted bottoms.

When hiking, the fleece is worn as a second layer over a technical t-shirt, under a waterproof jacket. A sleeveless fleece can be layered over a sweatshirt or under a light women's puffer jacket.

How to care for a fleece?

Wash the fleece inside out at 30 °C, without fabric softener, which crushes the fibres and reduces their insulating power. Air dry it: it dries quickly, and the heat from the tumble dryer can make the surface pill.

To limit the microfibres that escape during washing, wash it less often, with a full machine load, or in a washing bag designed to catch them.

Which fleece brands to choose?

These fleece brands come from outdoor, mountain and snow sports.

• Regatta, a family brand from Manchester, creates accessible outdoor clothing, for hiking as well as walking.
• Swedish Didriksons started with rainwear for fishermen before moving to outdoor clothing.
• Superdry, an English brand, combines an American vintage spirit with graphics inspired by Japanese designs.
• Roxy, the women's line of Quiksilver born from surfing, also offers fleeces.
• Founded in the Netherlands by snowboarders, Protest outfits winter sports and snow adventures.

What other warm clothing to choose?

Other warm garments take over from the fleece depending on the cold: the puffer jacket for very dry cold, the parka for rain, and wool sweaters for the city, all collected on the sweaters and sweatshirts page.

When to find fleeces at reduced prices?

The fleece keeps you warm without being heavy, whether hiking or under a coat. Black Friday and winter sales come right in season for discounted fleeces.

Discounted fleeces during Black Friday can be found on the page fleece from Black Friday; during sales, head to the page women's clothing sales; outside of seasonal promotions, visit the Promotions page. Quick delivery and best price guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How to prevent a fleece from pilling?

Wash it inside out in cold water with similar materials, and avoid the tumble dryer. If pilling occurs, a lint remover can be gently used to remove them without damaging the fabric.

Fleece or wool sweater: which keeps you warmer?

At equal thickness, wool keeps you a bit warmer and remains insulating even when damp, while fleece is lighter and dries much faster. For physical activity, the fleece is more practical; for the city, wool is more stylish.

What size fleece should I take?

For a fleece worn as an intermediate layer, take your usual size, fitted enough to go under a jacket. For a fleece worn alone over a sweater, a size up allows for more room.

Is a fleece enough for hiking in winter?

No, it only allows the wind through: in winter, the fleece is part of the three-layer system, between a technical base layer and a windproof or waterproof jacket. The fleece retains heat, while the jacket cuts out the wind and rain.

How to restore softness to a sherpa fleece?

Gently brush the surface with a soft-bristled brush, in one direction only, to untangle the loops. Then wash it in cold water, without fabric softener, and let it dry flat, away from a heat source.