Of course, no list would be complete without the fleece that started it all. When Patagonia released its first fleece jacket in 1977, the company instantly transformed from a purveyor of climbing goods to a dominant force in the outdoor clothing industry. Featuring its proprietary synchilla fabric—a double-faced pile that does not pill—the fleece became the jacket of choice for outdoor explorers (not to mention the brand’s best-selling item). Today, the jacket, apart from a few modern updates including a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, lined hand-warmer pockets and a 100 percent recycled nylon chest pocket, is essentially unchanged and for good reason. Considering it continues to do massive numbers, is backed by an unmatched warranty and is damn near indestructible, you would be hard-pressed to find a better fleece. Oh, and the colorways are top notch. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

New-York based womenswear brand Sandy Liang inadvertently found itself in the menswear hotseat when it released a clearly Patagonia inspired oversized fleece jacket. While the jacket now is available in a number of styles the original Dean jacket is the clear favorite. Featuring a cheetah-print heavy pile upper half and quilted nylon running across the chest, the jacket is equal parts fashion and function and despite being designed with women in mind considering its over size nature works well for just about anyone. While the “Dean” silhouette is difficult to come by, if you see a Sandy Liang fleece available—buy it. They are never around for long.

When 1017 Alyx 9SM launched its menswear collection in the fall of 2017, designer Matthew WIlliams recreated his favorite garments to present a men’s wardrobe equally inspired by intense fabric research and timeless streetwear staples. With references ranging from Raf Simons and Prada to Patagonia and Supreme, Williams created pieces that while aesthetically similar to wardrobe classics were made in Italy of the highest grade materials. A prime example is the Myles fleece. Made from a high-grade Polartec, the digitally printed micro-camouflage sherpa fleece features premium hardware, fully taped seams, water-resistance and just about every other design flourish you can think it. Available in a wide variety of colors, our personal favorite is the original digital army camo. Featuring an asymmetrical zip running from the neck to hem, the pull-over is equal parts tactical and fashionable, encapsulating the fleece trend all on its own. Sure, these jackets go for a premium, but what else would you expect for one of the most fashionable brands on the market.

Founded by former Issey Miyake designers Keita Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori, Japanese label and Wander is directly inspired by the two designers love of hiking and the outdoors. Essentially a mountaineering label designed by two high-fashion veterans, the label is the intersection of Japanese hiking-chic and fashion industry-leading ingenuity. Of its many high-end interpretations, and Wander’s high-loft fleece is no doubt it’s most popular. Aesthetically similar to the Patagonia Retro-X except boasting Polartec, Primaloft fill, a waterproof shell and a storm-flap laden funnel neck with a hidden hood, the High Loft fleece toes the line between fashionable and functional in the ideal way. A favorite amongst the techwear set, the niche label is poised to make a major breakthrough, and its best-selling fleece is a major contributor.

Over the years Supreme has released countless fleeces, but the “Roses” jacket might just be our favorite. Part of its celebrated Fall/Winter 2016 collection, the fully reversible jacket boasts a nylon water-resistant interior, Polartec fleece outer and an all-over rose print reminiscent of your great aunt’s tapestry. Released well ahead of the all-over print trend that’s currently dominating menswear, this fleece is primed to make a comeback, particularly considering how Supreme has released many similar fleeces—albeit with drastically different prints—over the past few seasons. For those looking for a piece that while on trend still stands out, considering picking this piece out the vault.

Despite hundreds of items per season constantly in flux, one of the few recurring pieces in each Kapital collection is its Boa Fleece. Fully-reversible and made from a heavy-weight acrylic/polyester blend, the jacket is a calling card of sorts for the increasingly popular Japanese brand. Though available in a slew of colorways and patterns, the leopard version is no doubt the fan favorite. Boasting an embroidered graphic on the interior (only visible when the jacket is reversed), red piping and a custom “tiger” zipper pull tag, the jacket may not best as technically savvy as some of its competitors, but what it lacks in fabric innovation it more than makes up for in style. Get in on the hype before the label truly goes mainstream.

Originally released in 1995, The North Face Denali jacket [set the bar for fleeces moving forward](. Rivaled only by Patagonia’s Retro-X, the Denali jacket featured what was at the time cutting-edge technology, including underarm gussets, pit-zip venting, a nylon taffeta overlay with a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) finish and backed by a lifetime warranty. Inspired by the mountain of the same name—the tallest peak in North America—the Denali jacket was clearly designed with mountaineering in mind, however, caught the eye of the New York downtown set quickly. Within a matter of years, the Denali was a New York streetwear staple. While The North Face significantly modified the jacket over the past decade, thankfully earlier this year the brand reissued the original 1995 silhouette, a relaxed fit that fully integrates into both the Mountain or Mountain Lite jacket. Still, if you can find an originally ‘90s version—which on Grailed, you certainly can—act quick. It won’t be here long.

New York by way of Japan label Engineered Garments is still one of the city’s best kept secrets. Wholly underrated, the label is—alongside Needles—the crown jewel of the Nepenthes conglomerate. Inspired by classic Americana and workwear silhouettes, designer Daiki Suzuki’s brand offers clever twists on classic workwear staples, including chore jackets, denim and various other pieces. Earlier this year, the line began an on-going partnership with Japanese fast-fashion titan Uniqlo, offering its unique spin on the line’s core items including polos, liners and—of course–fleeces. Available in three colorways, the patchwork fleece jacket was a smash success, instantly selling out and commanding almost triple retail on Grailed. While the hype has calmed slightly, even above retail the jacket is still an incredible deal for one of the most popular fleeces of 2019.

London-based designer Martine Rose is known for her quirky take on British street and sportswear, particularly in relation to hooligan and roadman culture. Considering her usual offering, it made total sense when her eponymous label partnered with Italian label Napapijiri—outerwear of choice for many British Casuals. The collaborative line—NAPA by Martine Rose—included a number of styles ranging from down coats and track pants to oversized fleeces. The fleeces, available in two distinct rose patterns, are strikingly similar to the lauded Supreme piece listed above, however in muted color palettes and decidedly more luxe. For those willing to spend a tad extra, this is one of the best fleeces in recent memory.

As mentioned above, Japanese cult label Needles is one of the most well regarded brands out right now. With collections ranging from ‘70s bohemian to ‘90s sportswear, the label repurposes classic American style and presents it through a uniquely Japanese lens. One of the label’s many sub-tiers, Needles Sportswear creates luxurious versions of everyday American sportswear, including the beloved Micro Fleece jacket. Featuring a micro-pile made from a poly/cotton blend and contrast piping at the sleeves and hem, the jacket includes all the fleece design signatures albeit in a serioulsy luxurious way. For those who want a slightly irreverent take on the fleece trend, this Needles jacket is the one way for you.