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Jackets
Fleece Jackets
A fleece is one of the most useful things you can own in Ireland: warm when damp, quick to dry and easy to layer. The right one depends on whether it goes under a shell or over a T-shirt.
What to look for
- 01
A full or half zip that suits the job
A full zip is easier to vent and wear open, while a half zip is lighter and lies flatter under a shell.
- 02
Zipped pockets
Hand pockets with zips keep your keys and phone secure, and a chest pocket stays reachable when wearing a rucksack.
- 03
A tidy, close collar
A collar that sits snug against the neck traps warmth and doesn't bunch awkwardly under a jacket hood.
- 04
Fabric that resists pilling
Denser, smoother fleeces tend to stay neater for longer, especially where a rucksack strap or seatbelt rubs.
What this category covers
Fleece jackets are made from a brushed polyester fabric that traps air in its pile. They're warm for their weight, breathe well, dry fast and stay comfortable when a little damp, which suits a country with frequent rain and mild temperatures.
The main types are:
- Classic fleece jackets: full zip, plain fleece throughout, worn as an outer layer on dry days or a mid layer under a shell.
- Half-zip and quarter-zip pull-overs: lighter and neater under another jacket, often called a fleece top or midlayer.
- Grid and technical fleeces: a gridded inner face that traps warmth while letting sweat escape, popular for hillwalking and running.
- High-pile and sherpa fleeces: deep, fluffy pile for warmth and style, more casual than technical.
- Windproof and faced fleeces: a fleece with a wind-blocking layer or smoother outer face, sitting close to a softshell.
Fleece weights: 100, 200 and 300
Fleece is often described by weight, a rough measure of how thick and warm the fabric is. These are general categories rather than exact standards, and brands don't always label them.
| Weight | Feels like | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | Thin, light, very breathable | Base or mid layer, active use, cool summer evenings |
| 200 | Medium, the all-rounder | Mid layer under a shell, outer layer in spring and autumn |
| 300 | Thick and warm, a bit bulkier | Cold, dry days, or a warm layer for standing still |
For most people in Ireland, a 200-weight fleece is the most versatile single choice. It's warm enough for a cool autumn walk on its own and fits under a waterproof in winter without much bulk.
Mid layer or outer layer
As a mid layer
This is where fleece does its best work. Under a waterproof jacket, a fleece adds warmth while letting sweat move out through the shell. You can take it off when you warm up and put it back on at the top of the hill or the end of the day. Choose a slimmer cut and lighter weight, and check your shell has room for it; our guide to room for layering shows how.
As an outer layer
On dry, calm days in spring and autumn, a fleece works perfectly well on its own for the school run, walking the dog or pottering around the garden. A slightly roomier cut, full zip and deeper pockets make more sense here. Just keep a shell in the car or bag, because Irish showers don't give much warning.
Who it suits and when in the Irish year
Fleeces earn their place all year. In winter they're the warm layer under a shell. In spring and autumn they're often the only jacket you need for a dry morning. Even in summer, a light fleece is handy for evenings on the coast, when a breeze off the Atlantic can drop the temperature quickly.
They suit hillwalkers in Wicklow and Kerry, people who work outdoors, and anyone who wants something comfortable that can be thrown in a wash and dried overnight on an airer.
If you're building a full layering system for the hills, see outdoor jackets for how a fleece fits with a shell and an insulated layer.
Common mistakes
Expecting it to stop wind. Standard fleece breathes so well that a strong breeze cuts straight through it. On a windy hill or an exposed stretch of coast, put a shell over it.
Buying the thickest one available. A 300-weight fleece under a shell can be too warm for walking uphill and too bulky for a slim waterproof. Thinner and layered is usually more flexible.
Washing it hot with fabric softener. Both can flatten the pile and reduce warmth. Wash cool, skip the softener and air dry.
Guides for fleece jackets
Getting the fit right
Questions people ask
Is a fleece warm enough on its own in winter?
On a dry, still winter day, a 300-weight fleece over a warm base layer can be enough for a short walk. But most fleeces let wind straight through, and none of them keep out rain. In typical Irish winter weather, a fleece works best under a waterproof or windproof jacket.
Does fleece keep you warm when wet?
Fleece keeps a fair amount of its warmth when damp and dries quickly, which is why it suits Irish conditions so well. It won't stop rain reaching you, though, so you'll still get wet underneath. Wring it out and it's usually wearable again within hours on an airer.
What is the difference between fleece and softshell?
A fleece is a soft, open-knit fabric built for warmth and breathability. A softshell is a tighter woven, often stretchy fabric that blocks much more wind and sheds light rain, with less insulation. Some jackets combine the two, with a smooth outer face and a brushed fleece lining.
