Published November 14, 2025 12:59PM
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6 Women’s Vests for Cozy, Cold-Weather Layering
From cozy fleece to high-output layers, these picks will keep you warm through every fall mood swing
Our favorite women's vests for indoor lounging, high output activities, and après sessions. (Photo: Lily Ritter)
When the days get shorter in November, a few rituals kick in: I stock up on tea, bury myself in blankets, power up my brightest headlamp for evening walks, and bake obsessively so my house always smells like cinnamon sugar. And for all of it, I’m almost always wearing a vest.
Shoulder season is vest season. Always has been always will be. It’s that stretch of the year when we live in a constant state of temperature indecision. Step into the sun on a 50-degree day and it feels like summer. Take two steps into the shade, and suddenly you’re in the North Pole. Or the walk-in Costco fridge.
From a purely practical standpoint, vests are cold-weather essentials: they warm your core, boost overall body heat, and pack down small for fall hikes when space is at a premium. But if we’re honest, their biggest draw might be the vibes. And isn’t fall the vibiest season of them all?
As a vest connoisseur, here are my go-to women’s vests for everyday wear, high-output activities, and pure vibes.
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Skida Snap Vest
For ultimate Hygge vibes, the Skida Snap Vest clearly understands the assignment. Snapping up this cloud-like layer over a plain long-sleeve when the temps start to plummet in November is one of my favorite parts of the shifting seasons. Made with Shearling Polartec Fleece, the Snap Vest is a cute, floofy fleece layer that I love to throw on over base layers for après or when I’m lounging around the house (anyone else’s house absolutely freezing right now?). Wear the slightly cropped vest buttoned or unbuttoned, and with Skida’s fun floral trim, it’s an easy way to dress up for a mountain-town dinner date.
Arc’teryx Thorium Vest
Technically capable but still perfect for a coffee date, the Arc’teryx Thorium Vest is easily the warmest vest on this list, and I love it for that. It’s packed with 750-fill down and body-mapped synthetic insulation, making it a quick way to turn up the heat on my morning coffee strolls. Because it’s so warm, it’s not a layer I wear around the house, but it’s comforting to know that serious warmth is just a zip away.
Stio Dawner Vest
Lightweight and breathable, Stio’s Dawner Vest has been my favorite layer for chilly fall runs in the Tetons. It’s perfect for those moments when the sun dips behind the horizon and you need a little extra warmth, but maybe not a full-on jacket. The wind-resistant nylon and spandex shell cuts morning gusts, while the raised grid interior promotes airflow once I start to heat up. When I really start to heat up, I can zip it into its own pocket and stash it in a running vest or pack. This is definitely one that will stay in the rotation for backcountry skiing come winter.
Smartwool Smartloft Vest
The hooded, midweight Smartloft Vest is my favorite layer for frosty fall hikes. Inside, recycled wool insulation adds breathable warmth without a ton of bulk, and a DWR-treated shell sheds light drizzle and flurries surprisingly well. I’m a sucker for a hooded vest, and this one is perfect for windy summits when you need a little extra something. Two zippered hand pockets hold gloves, and an internal chest pocket keeps keys or a phone secure.
Beyond Yoga On The List Faux Fur Vest
Beyond Yoga’s On The List Faux Fur Vest is one of those treat-yourself-layers—a total luxury, but after first zipping it up, I honestly can’t remember life before it. It’s basically a wearable version of my favorite fuzzy blanket, and a quick way to dress up a set of base layers for après festivities or a lunch date. The cropped design is very flattering, with hand pockets for car keys or a light set of gloves. Sure, you might feel a little extra in it, but the ultra-soft feel makes it pretty easy to just lean into it. Plus it’s faux fur—100 percent polyester—so no need to feel guilty.
Norrøna
A warm fleece midlayer with gorpcore vibes, I’ve been loving Norrøna’s Trollveggen Warm3 Vest for sunset hikes and brewery hangs. The two zippered hand pockets are spacious enough to stash a light hat or headband, and a zippered, reinforced chest pocket that protects and stores a phone. Since it’s made almost entirely from midweight fleece, it’s best worn under a shell on drizzly days. But for dry, cold fall hikes, it’s the perfect layer to slip on. Bonus: reinforcement around the shoulders and upper back add a little extra protection from backpack straps.