A mid layer is an insulated jacket or fleece designed to keep you warm and toasty. The term itself refers to the way the jacket is worn in relation to other garments in a layering system.
A “base layer” comes first, resting directly against your skin. Then, one or more mid layers provide warmth through their insulating ability. Lastly, when the weather turns, an “outer layer” or “shell” adds the necessary wind- and water-resistance to keep your entire ensemble dry.
Women's Mid Layer Coats
About Women’s Mid Layer Jackets
Mid layers can take you from the boardroom to the campsite and back again. Talk about versatility. Whether you’re looking for a formal, quarter-zip pullover or a fuzzy, frumpy fleece, you’ll find something to love in our curated collection of women’s mid layer jackets and vests.Style X Comfort X Warmth
Mid layers are a huge category of garments that encompass everything from your technical hiking puffy to your cozy campfire fleece to your understated office sweater. So what do all these things have in common? They’re stylish, comfortable, and warm. Plus, when the clouds roll in, all you have to do is throw on a waterproof shell for women.In general, mid layers are neither waterproof nor even water-resistant. Where they excel is in trapping warm air to keep you warm. This lets you maintain your core... temperature—even in extra chilly conditions.
Of course, when it comes to warmth, not all mid layers are created equal. Some are built to survive the wilderness while others are intended for casual urban use. Keep this in mind while shopping: Are you looking for a layer to curl up by the fire in? Or is it going to be a companion in constant motion? The choice is yours!
Get Mid Layers for Every Occasion, At Altitude Sports
Whether you’re taking an early winter stroll in the Columbia Lake 22 Down Hooded Jacket or sending a big wall in the Patagonia Classic Retro-X Full Zip Sherpa Sweatshirt at the crack of dawn—we’ve got you covered.Not sure about style or sizing? No worries—we offer a 30-day return policy. And, for orders of $74 or greater, you can enjoy fast, free, Canada-wide shipping. Visiting us from abroad? We’ve got you covered, too; take a look at our international shipping and returns page for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a midlayer jacket?
Which is warmer, down or fleece?
Like merino wool, down is one of nature’s most effective insulators. It’s found beneath the feathers of geese and ducks. To date, no synthetic/synthetic insulation has outclassed the warmth-to-weight ratio that down offers.
But, despite the fact that down is technically warmer, a fleece may actually work better as a mid layer in some circumstances. How so? If your outer shell fits tight, then your down jacket will get compressed. And compressed down is doomed to suffer a major decrease in loft—the very thing that makes it so efficient at trapping warm air.
But, despite the fact that down is technically warmer, a fleece may actually work better as a mid layer in some circumstances. How so? If your outer shell fits tight, then your down jacket will get compressed. And compressed down is doomed to suffer a major decrease in loft—the very thing that makes it so efficient at trapping warm air.
Is polyester a good midlayer?
Yes, modern polyester fabrics are an excellent alternative to natural fibers like duck/down insulation. In fact, one of the major benefits of polyester is its ability to stay warm even while wet. Polyester mid layers are also much more affordable despite being only slightly less insulating. A stellar example of a polyester mid layer with synthetic insulation is the Salomon Outline Primaloft Hoodie; this puffy is one of the most high-performance and cost-effective mid layers in any category. Period.