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The best women's fleeces for chilly summer evenings, camping trips and festival season
“It's hard to be unhappy in a turquoise, animal print fleece”
Ahh, British summertime. A teasing season that lures us in with balmy days and pink-hued sunsets, but torments us with chilly evenings and changeable weather.
Well, we've found the ideal remedy for the season's unpredictability. The best fleeces marry style and function, so they're perfect for picnics, festivals and camping trips, whatever the weather. There's a swathe of colourful and cosy borg jackets on the high street right now and, even better, they're bang on trend. We love it when fashion has a practical moment.
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In terms of which fleece is best, it really comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for an option to wear for long periods spent outdoors, you need something built for the job – we'd head to brands like Blacks and Trespass, which categorise their jackets by weight.
But, if you just want something to keep you cosy on early morning dog walks or for late festival nights, brands like Next, Uniqlo and Sweaty Betty are a great place to start on the high street. If you plan to wear thermal layers underneath, go for a looser fit, or opt for something snugger if you want to wear it under your inevitable rain mac or poncho.
Whatever you're up to this summer, these are the best feel-good fleeces to shop now.
Columbia Women's Helvetia™ II Cropped Sherpa Half Snap Printed Fleece
If you’ve watched Yellowstone, you’ll be just as taken by this Columbia fleece as we are. Although it really deserves a camping trip across cowboy country, it would make a great companion for those chilly mornings and evenings during summer festival season. Cowboy boots optional.
We love the colour of this sporty fleece from Next. It's lightweight, snuggly and made with recycled materials. Pair with your favourite leggings, cosy socks and your best slippers for the ultimate staying in/popping to the shop look.
If fleeces tend to feel a little too ‘outdoorsy’ for you, this more design-led option (with bows!) is equal parts practical and playful. The boxy fit adds a little edge, and – crucially – it’s still super fluffy and warm. It’s slightly more sturdy than other options, too, so feels more like a proper jacket.
With deep side and top pockets (we love a pocket!) and a high funnel neck to stop those winds getting in, this is just made for a cold evening.
We can't talk fleeces without an honourable mention for Uniqlo, home of the quality basic. There are no bells and whistles with this one – just cosy, fuzzy fabric in a range of colourways (including peach and sky blue) for less than £25.
Fleece but make it fashion. This is more of a jacket you'd wear by itself than a top for layering, hence the heftier price tag. We love the '70s style, which would look great with wide leg trousers or midi skirts and boots, and keep you cosy at the same time.
We're not sure it's possible to be unhappy in a turquoise animal print fleece. Our homes editor swears by her Sweaty Betty fleece pullover and this colour is bound to cheer you up when you're chilly, so really it would be rude not to splurge. It's also got an adjustable hem to keep the cold out.
We love the colours in this super soft fleece from cool Aussie brand, The Upside. It's pricey but it essentially replaces your denim jacket and you'll be glad of it on those chilly festival evenings. Perfect worn with your favourite jeans and wellies.
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