Which dog fleece is best for my dog?
With its cosy and soft feel, lightweight warmth, high resistance to outdoor use, and easy care, it is no surprise that fleece is one of the most trusted fabrics for outdoor enthusiasts. But why limit it to humans, when dogs can enjoy the same comfort and performance?
Dog fleeces are a versatile way to keep your dog warm without overheating. Whether on a crisp autumn walk, camping in the mountains, or resting by the bonfire on a chilly evening, the right fleece gives your dog lasting comfort and freedom of movement.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about dog fleeces, including:
- What they are and when to use them
- The different coverage styles
- Our selection of high-performance fleeces
- Answers to the most frequently asked questions
Quick answer: Find the best fleece for your dog
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What are dog fleeces?
Dog fleeces, sometimes called dog sweaters or fleece jackets, are made from synthetic fleece or wool to keep dogs warm in cold, dry weather.
High-quality fleece is built for the outdoors. It’s light, tough, and adapts to your dog’s movement. Even if it gets packed and unpacked a hundred times or comes back damp from snow, it maintains its insulating power. In other words, it keeps your dog warm without ever holding them back.
Dog fleeces generally come in three main coverage styles:
- Pullovers: Sleeveless or short-sleeved, dog pullovers fit snugly around the chest and most of the back. Their simple design keeps the core warm without adding pressure points and moves naturally with your dog’s stride, making them great as a baselayer or for active use.
- Jackets: Dog fleece jackets have a loose, more adjustable fit that covers the main muscle groups and the neck. This style is often the most versatile, making it a go-to piece for everyday use.
- Overalls: Full-body dog fleeces offer maximum warmth by covering everything from the neck to the ankles. They’re a lifesaver for small dogs close to the cold ground, seniors, puppies that chill quickly, short-haired breeds, or dogs with little natural insulation.
When is it cold enough for a dog to wear a fleece jacket?
Every dog is unique. Age, breed, size, coat type, and health affect cold tolerance. Even siblings from the same litter can feel temperatures differently.
In general, puppies, small dogs, senior dogs, dogs with health issues, or breeds without an undercoat will get cold faster. Pay attention to shivering, stiffness, or reluctance to keep moving: these are clear signs your dog needs protection.
Activity level plays a role: for high-intensity adventures, lighter options like pullovers are often enough, while jackets or overalls provide steady warmth during calmer moments and on long outdoor winter days.
Due to its breathability, fleece can be worn for most dogs in mild autumn and freezing winter. For added protection in wind, snow, or rain, use a fleece as a midlayer under a raincoat or a warm dog jacket. Learn more in our layering article.
For additional tips, see our complete guide to take care of dogs in cold weather.
Activities where a dog fleece makes a difference
Thanks to its lightweight and breathable properties, a well-designed fleece keeps your dog warm from low-intensity daily walks, camping trips, and vanlife to high-intensity activities such as skiing, running, hiking, or snowshoeing in sub-zero temperatures. It’s just as valuable for recovery after swimming, during warm-up or cool-down sessions, or simply for staying comfortable in the car, tent, or cabin.
Find the right fleece for your dog
With years of experience designing gear from the dog’s perspective, our jackets ensure complete freedom of motion and meet the highest material quality and comfort standards so that every dog can thrive, regardless of weather or activity.
Here’s our selection of high-performance base and midlayers:
Trail quest fleece pullover – Close-to-body warmth
Perfect as a baselayer, this sleeveless dog pullover in high-quality Polartec® fleece keeps your dog’s core warm during all kinds of cool-weather activities. Stride after stride, it moves with your dog thanks to the breathable, stretchy gridded fleece underneath. It’s also a great choice when your dog needs an extra layer without pressure points like buckles or zippers to rest in the tent, the car, or indoors.
- Lining: Polartec® 100 series (size 27-40) – Polartec® 200 series (size 45-70)
- 11 Available sizes: 27-70
- Leash opening: No (snug fit under a harness)
DISCOVER TRAIL QUEST FLEECE PULLOVER
Trekking fleece dog jacket – Soft jacket for rest and recovery
The Trekking fleece dog jacket offers just the right amount of warmth to keep your dog’s temperature stable in mild weather. The large fit covers your dog’s main muscle groups, aiding post-exercise recovery while ensuring comfort and mobility.
- Lining: Fleece
- 11 Available sizes: 27-70
- Leash opening: Yes
DISCOVER TREKKING FLEECE DOG JACKET
Wool dog jacket – The power of wool
Wool is one of nature’s most effective performance fibers. It provides outstanding warmth, along with thermoregulation, breathability, and odor resistance. It absorbs moisture without feeling cold or wet, making it ideal for varying conditions. The Wool dog jacket combines all these natural benefits with reinforcement on exposed areas for added durability.
- Lining: Woolmark® wool blend certified
- 11 Available sizes: 27-70
- Leash opening: Yes
Trail quest fleece overall – Full-body warmth
A warm dog suit, like the Trail quest fleece overall, is the perfect solution for dogs that are especially sensitive to cold and can’t have a single part of their body exposed. Made from high-quality Polartec® fleece, it keeps your dog warm and comfortable on chilly days while allowing a natural stride, thanks to the stretchy, breathable gridded fleece fabric.
Available in many sizes and with five smart adjustment points, it’s easy to get a good fit for everything from extra-small dogs to large, strong ones.
- Lining: Polartec® 100 series (size 27-40) – Polartec® 200 series (size 45-70)
- 11 Available sizes: 27-70
- Leash opening: No (snug fit under a harness)
DISCOVER TRAIL QUEST FLEECE OVERALL
Fjord lined raincoat – 2-in-1 protection
If cold, rainy weather is more the rule than the exception, the Fjord lined raincoat saves both time and closet space. Its highly waterproof outer layer shields your dog from heavy rainshowers, while the soft, fleece-like Primaloft® ACTIVE inner lining adds warmth without bulk.
- Lining: Primaloft® ACTIVE Insulation (bluesign® APPROVED) (71% Recycled polyester, 29% polyester)
- 12 Available sizes: 27-80
- Leash opening: Yes
FAQ
Are dog fleeces waterproof?
No, but they are hydrophobic, which means they repel moisture. They perform best in dry, cold weather, yet keep their insulation when exposed to snow or drizzle. And if they get soaked, they will still provide a reasonable degree of warmth. On cold, wet, and windy days, the smartest option is to use a fleece as a baselayer with a dog raincoat on top, or a raincoat with integrated fleece lining.
Can dog fleeces be layered in winter?
Absolutely. Because fleece is breathable, it’s perfect as a midlayer under a warm dog jacket or on top of a snow suit. Continually monitor your dog to prevent overheating. Learn more in our layering guide.
Wool vs synthetic – which should I choose?
Each material has its strengths; ultimately, the choice usually comes down to personal preference. Both synthetic fleece and wool dog jackets are breathable and sustainable (with quality fleece like Polartec® made from recycled materials and wool being a natural fiber), and they’ll both keep your dog warm even when wet. Fleece is lighter, easier to wash, and dries faster, while wool naturally regulates body temperature in both warm and cold weather, plus it’s odor-, stain-, and fire-resistant.
Why is Non-stop dogwear using Polartec® fleece?
Our goal is always to equip dogs with gear that delivers maximum durability, freedom of movement, and comfort. The Polartec® fleece used in our Trail quest series does exactly that. Made from 100% recycled fabric, it offers an unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio, so it won’t weigh your dog down while staying highly breathable. It’s tough enough to keep up with active dogs, yet velvety soft against their skin and resistant to wear and tear.
How do I care for my dog's fleece?
Most Non-stop dogwear fleeces are machine-washable. Wash in cold water with a mild detergent, avoid fabric softener, and tumble dry on low or hang dry. Always check the care label. Store it in a well-ventilated area and away from a direct heat source.
For more tips, read our complete product care guide.
We’re here for you!
Do you need more help choosing the right jacket, size, or fitting advice? Our experienced customer service team is always ready to help: contact us.