While some fashion trends prove highly impractical (we’re looking at you, cut out dresses), others perfectly marry comfort and style in blissful harmony.
Case in point, the current trend for fleeces. You may have thought the famously uncool outdoorsy material would never see itself named as a top fashion trend – and you wouldn’t be alone in thinking so. But since athleisure exploded onto the fashion scene in the mid-teens, practical, comfortable styles that you can move in have only risen in popularity.
Add to that everyone’s lockdown-fuelled newfound love of walking and hiking and it’s no wonder outdoorsy clothing is getting a very fashionable makeover.
The perfect casual option for winter dressing, there are a number of styles you can go for. The most fashionable style is a pullover with a half-zip and funnel-neck – for extra style points choose a retro colour block design – but you can also go simple in plain black or white. Extra zips and pockets add to the ‘just gone hiking’ aesthetic.
For styling, we suggest pairing fleeces with sporty leggings, thick socks, chunky hiker boots and a knitted beanie if you want to fully embrace the outdoorsy aesthetic, but they go just as well with jeans and straight leg trousers.
The OG fleece brands are Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, Berghaus, Quicksilver etc, but now that fleeces are a top trend the whole high street is full of them and you can find stylish choices from M&S, Next, ASOS, Arket and more.
11 best fleeces for women
Teddy Anorak Jacket, £110, Jovonna London
Cotopaxi Abrazo Women’s 1/2 Zip Fleece, £89.99, Outsiders Store
Black/white faux fleece half-zip sweater, £35, Monki
Teddy Funnel Neck Fleece, £39.50, M&S
OG 1/4 Zip Fleece Forest, £32.40 (was £36), Harper & Lewis
Berghaus Heritage Oversized 1/2 zip fleece in beige, £90, ASOS
UO Landscape Mountain Fleece Mock Neck Jacket, £52, Urban Outfitters
