What did we ever do without them?
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It’s not so long ago that shooting fleece jackets didn’t exist. Whilst we love traditional tweeds and the cosiness of a pure new wool jumper, fleece certainly has its place. Fleeces are easy to wash, hardwearing, quick drying, come in a variety of different colours and they’re perfect for layering under a shooting jacket or wearing alone.
Whatever did we do without shooting fleece jackets? (If you’re looking for sleeveless fleeces, you’ll find a list of the best fleece gilets here.)
We’ve put together a list of the best fleece shooting jackets around. We’ve looked at things like sizing, design, finish, colour choices, warmth and wearability. Here’s what we’ve found.
Liam Bell, Shooting Times contributor and past chairman of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation commented: “We love our fleeces because they are light, easier to wash and keep clean (than wool and tweed), and to be perfectly honest about it, far cheaper. They may not be as environmentally friendly as some woollen products, but they do seem to last longer and are better at brushing off all the day-to-day grime we tend to throw at them.”
Best shooting fleece jackets
Top choice
Hoggs Sportsman II Waterproof Fleece Shooting Jacket – Green £109.95
Best for cartridge pockets
- Material: 100% polyester micro fleece shell with Teflon coating
- Colours: Green as shown
- Sizes: M-XXL
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Two way front zip
- Pockets: Zip chest pocket
This jacket is a well designed blend of shooting jacket with fleece. It is waterproof and windproof, has two front cartridge pockets with retaining straps and two hand warmer pockets. There is also a zipped map pocket and inside zipped wallet pocket. It’s designed in a 3/4 length and because it’s fleece it washes easily, so it doesn’t matter if you get a bit muddy in the field.
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Sasta Vilja Ladies Fleece – Military Olive £145
Best for looks and versatility
- Material: Polartec® fleece 77% recycled polyester, 23% polyester.
- Colours: Military olive (as shown)
- Sizes: 10-14
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Full zip
- Pockets: Popper fastened front pockets
As worn by Shooting Times contributor Ellena Swift in the main picture, this is a superior type of fleece that looks very smart although it’s certainly fit for working hard. It is warm, breathable and washes up a treat. It’s also windproof, water-repellant and quick drying.
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Harkila Mens Sandhem Fleece Pullover £139.99
Best for smart neckline
- Material: Polartec® fleece
- Colours: Dark navy, willow green melange
- Sizes: M – XXL
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Half zip
This fleece has good stretch giving you freedom of movement, plus a wind resistant lining in a classic check. On a chilly day zip it right up under your chin to keep the wind out.
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Harkila Mens Polar Half Zip Fleece £179.99
Best for stretch panels
- Material: Polartec® fleece
- Colours: Willow green
- Sizes: M – XXL
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Half zip
- Pockets: Side zip pockets plus antenna radio pocket
This Harkila fleece has hardwearing stretch panels in the sides and arms, an adjustable bottom hem and elasticated cuffs. It’s beautifully soft and will keep you warm and cosy throughout.
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R.M. Williams Mens Mulyungarie Top £70
Best for the pub after shooting
- Material: Brushed fleece
- Colours: Navy blue, navy, grey marl
- Sizes: S – XXXL
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Half zip
This fleece has ribbed cuffs and hem, so it’s more like a classic sweater than a plain fleece. Great for wearing to the pub after a day in the field.
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Dubarry Unisex Monaco 1/4 Zip Fleece Jacket £75
Best for unisex fit
- Material: 245gm² midweight, textured fleece
- Colours: Graphite, navy
- Sizes: S – XXL
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Quarter zip
If your partner is feeling the chill, you can be chivalrous and lend your fleece, because this one is designed to be a unisex fit. The wind resistant yet breathable fleece has a stretch on the hem and cuffs, plus a chin guard so that nothing rubs against your face. We think this fleece is pretty smart all over.
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Dubarry Mens Mustique Fleece Jacket £85
Best for acting as a fleece coat
- Material: 245gm² midweight, textured fleece
- Colours: Navy
- Sizes: M – XXL
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Full zip
This fleece jacket can be zipped up underneath your shooting coat, worn over a Tattersall shirt and tie or layered over a sweater. It is wind resistant, breathable with extra stretch at the hem and cuffs to enhance movement.
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Beretta Mens Woodbridge Fleece Jacket £99.99
Best for converting from jacket to sleeveless fleece
- Material: Polartec ®300 fleece
- Colours: Green as shown
- Sizes: S – XXL
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Full zip
If you’re looking for a garment that’s two in one then this Beretta fleece is it. It has detachable arms in hidden zips that allow you to convert this jacket into a gilet. So if the weather changes you’re prepared. It’s also breathable and fast drying. We’re all for versatility, so that’s why this one made it onto our list of shooting fleece jackets.
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Hoggs Of Fife Mens Stenton Technical Fleece Jacket £64.95 £57.95
Best for sheen finish
- Material: 100% Polyester hollow fibre fleece
- Colours: Green as shown, blue
- Sizes: S – 3XL
- Washable: Yes
- Zip: Full zip
This fleece looks smart with suede-look details but is also windproof, breathable and an excellent insulating layer. It dries quickly and has two useful zipped pockets.