Men's Midlayers & Fleece

Men's midlayers and fleece — the warm layer of the system

The midlayer is the warm heart of the three-layer system: worn between the base layer and the jacket, it traps heat while letting moisture escape. Fleece, a technical quarter-zip or a merino sweater, find midlayers at Soccer Sport Fitness for running, hiking and the outdoors, from Columbia, Smartwool, Brooks, Under Armour and 2XU.

On this page: What is a midlayer · Fleece, quarter-zip, merino · The 3-layer system · How to choose · Brands

What is a midlayer?

It's the insulating layer worn over the base layer and under the jacket. Its job: trap body heat while staying breathable, so you don't end up soaked under effort. Add or remove it depending on intensity and weather.

Fleece, quarter-zip or merino?

• Fleece: warm, light and breathable — the go-to for the outdoors and dry cold.
• Technical quarter-zip: perfect for running — open the collar to vent as soon as you heat up.
• Merino sweater: warm, breathable and odour-resistant, ideal as a versatile layer.

The three-layer system

For the cold: a base layer that wicks moisture, a midlayer that insulates, and a jacket (windbreaker or waterproof) that blocks wind and rain. In deep cold, add a puffer.

How to choose a midlayer

• Running: a light, breathable quarter-zip that vents easily.
• Outdoors / hiking: a warm, breathable fleece.
• Deep cold: a thick fleece or merino under your jacket.

Our brands

Columbia for fleece and the outdoors, Smartwool for merino, Brooks for running, Under Armour and 2XU for performance.

Our expert advice

Our team dresses athletes for the Quebec winter. The rule: a base layer that wicks, a midlayer that insulates without stifling, a shell that protects. Round out your kit with our sweaters and hoodies, our running tops and our socks.