Work Fleeces
Work fleeces keep your core warm without turning you into a sweaty mess, making them the go-to mid layer for cold starts and long site days.
When you're in and out of buildings, up scaff, or working in a draughty shell, a decent work fleece jacket is the difference between cracking on and freezing. Go for hard wearing zips, cuffs that don't go baggy, and a fit that layers under a shell without bunching.
What Jobs Are Work Fleeces Best At?
- Working through cold morning set-ups and first fix when the building is still open to the weather and you need a warm mid layer that lets you move.
- Outdoor snagging, fencing, and general maintenance where a breathable work fleece jacket keeps the chill off but does not feel clammy once you start grafting.
- Driving between jobs and doing quick call-outs because workwear fleeces are easy to throw on and off without messing about with bulky coats.
- Layering under a waterproof shell on wet, windy days so you stay warm without needing a thick insulated jacket that catches on tools and fixings.
- Warehouse and yard work where durable work fleeces take knocks from pallets, racking, and van loading while keeping your back and shoulders warm.
Choosing the Right Work Fleeces
Pick it like a proper mid layer: warm enough to work in, slim enough to layer, and tough enough to live in the van.
1. Mid layer fleece or outer layer fleece jacket
If you are wearing it under a waterproof most days, go for a closer fit that does not bunch at the cuffs and waist. If it is your main top on dry days, a work fleece jacket with a higher collar and a bit more body warmth makes more sense.
2. Warmth vs breathability
If you are constantly on the move, breathable workwear fleeces stop you overheating and then getting cold when you stand still. If you are on static jobs like snagging, gate hanging, or site supervision, insulated work fleeces keep heat in for longer.
3. Zip and pocket set-up
If you are in and out of buildings or vehicles, a full zip is quicker for venting than a half zip. Make sure pockets sit where you can actually use them with a tool belt or harness, and that the zip does not feel flimsy because that is what fails first on site.
4. Fit for men and women
Mens work fleeces often run longer in the body and broader in the shoulders, while womens work fleeces usually taper more at the waist. If you are layering over a hoodie or under a shell, size it for the thickest layer you will wear on the coldest week.
Work Fleeces FAQs
Are work fleeces warm enough on their own, or do I still need a coat?
On dry, cold days a decent work fleece jacket is often enough while you are moving. In wind or rain you will want a shell over the top, because fleece holds warmth but it does not block weather like a proper waterproof.
Do fleeces last on site, or do they bobble and tear quickly?
They will take day to day wear, but fleece is not indestructible and it will mark up if you are constantly rubbing on brick, Velcro, or rough scaffold boards. If you are hard on gear, look for durable work fleeces with reinforced panels and decent zips, because the zip is usually the first thing to fail.
What is the difference between a thermal work fleece and an insulated work fleece?
Thermal work fleeces are mainly about trapping warm air in the fleece fabric while still breathing. Insulated work fleeces usually feel warmer for standing around, but they can run hotter when you are active, so they suit slower paced jobs or colder sites.
Should I size up a work fleece for layering?
If you are wearing it over a tee or base layer, stick to your normal size so it does not flap about or snag. If you regularly wear it over a hoodie, or you want it under a waterproof without pulling at the shoulders, sizing up can help, but do not go so big that the cuffs and hem get in the way.
Are work fleece jackets breathable, or will I sweat in them?
Most breathable work fleeces are fine for active site work because they vent better than padded jackets. If you run hot, go for a full zip so you can dump heat fast, and avoid overly thick fleeces for jobs where you are constantly carrying, climbing, or drilling overhead.
Who Are Work Fleeces For on Site?
- Builders, chippies, and dryliners who want a hard wearing mid layer for cold shells and draughty refurbs without losing arm movement.
- Sparks and plumbers who need warm work fleeces that sit neatly under a jacket or hi vis without snagging when you are pulling cable or fitting pipe.
- Groundworkers, landscapers, and maintenance teams doing outdoor work who rely on thermal work fleeces for early starts, then peel layers as the day warms up.
- Anyone needing mens work fleeces and womens work fleeces that are comfortable for all-day wear, from van runs to handover days.
Work Fleece Layering Bits That Make Winter Easier
A fleece works best as part of a simple layer system, so you stay warm without ending up soaked in sweat.
1. Waterproof shell jacket
Throw a proper shell over your work fleece when the weather turns, instead of swapping to a bulky coat that restricts movement and snags on fixings.
2. Base layers
A decent base layer stops the clammy feeling once you start moving, which is what makes you cold later when you slow down.
3. Work gilets
If your arms are doing the work but your core is freezing, a gilet over or under the fleece adds warmth without making you feel bulky on ladders or in tight risers.
Shop Work Fleeces at ITS.co.uk
Whether you need everyday work fleeces for the van, heavy duty work fleeces for rough site use, or mens and womens work fleece jackets for proper winter layering, we stock the full range in loads of fits and sizes. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery.
