Fleece vs Softshell Jacket: Which One Should You Buy?
Quick answer
A fleece jacket is warm, soft and cheap, and it stops wind badly. A softshell jacket is wind-resistant, breathable and lighter, but it insulates far less. If you layer a fleece under a shell, you get the insulation of the first and the protection of the second. For most three-season use, the softshell is the more versatile single piece; for cold-weather static use at low intensity, fleece wins on warmth per gram.
Overview
| Criterion | Fleece | Softshell |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | High (synthetic pile traps air) | Low to medium |
| Wind protection | Poor | Good to very good |
| Breathability | Medium, slows down when working hard | High |
| Water resistance | None | Light drizzle, depending on finish |
| Best use | Mid-layer, cold static activity | Active use, wind, light rain |
| Typical weight | 250-400 g | 300-450 g |
| Care | Wash rarely, no fabric softener | Wash rarely, no fabric softener |
Practical rules
- For high-output activity such as hiking or climbing, choose the softshell: it breathes instead of trapping sweat, which is what actually makes you cold.
- For cold, low-output days (waiting at a bus stop, spectating, walking the dog), fleece is warmer for the weight.
- The three-season answer is usually both: a fleece mid-layer under a hardshell, or a fleece jacket plus a packable softshell that only comes out in the wind.
- Neither replaces a rain jacket. Neither is waterproof, and both need a hardshell in sustained rain.
Frequently asked questions
Is a softshell warmer than a fleece?
No. A softshell insulates far less. Its advantage is wind protection and breathability, which is why it feels better when you are moving, while a fleece wins when you are cold and still.
Can I wear a fleece under a softshell?
Yes, that is the classic layering order: fleece against the body for insulation, softshell over it for wind and abrasion. The combination is warmer and lighter than a single heavy jacket.
Is a softshell waterproof?
Usually not. Most softshells handle light drizzle for a couple of hours through a DWR finish, but sustained rain needs a hardshell or a rain jacket.
Sources
This guide draws on guidance and standards from the following authoritative organisations:
This article was last reviewed on October 23, 2026.