Columbia
Benton Zip-Up Polar Fleece Sleeveless Jacket
4.1/5 (7)
CA$50.00CAD
In Stock
This Columbia at I.FIV5 Benton sleeveless jacket is a full-zip vest made from ultra-soft stretch high-pile polar fleece. It features a stand collar, zippered hand pockets, an adjustable toggle hem, and a full-length front zipper, designed for easy layering between seasons and in winter. The vest is black with a chest logo patch and vertical seam lines.
- Material
- Stretch Polar Fleece
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Vests
Color
BlackLight GreyBurgundy
Size
X-SMALLSMALLMEDIUMLARGEX-LARGE
Specifications
Ultra soft stretch polar fleece sleeveless jacket with full-length zip and adjustable toggle hem, designed for easy layering.
Ultra soft stretch polar fleece, full-length zip closure, adjustable toggle hem.
- Material
- Stretch Polar Fleece
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Vests
Additional Attributes
- ultra soft stretch polar fleece fabric
- full-length zip closure
- adjustable toggle hem
- sleeveless design
- easy layering for transitional seasons
- warm mid-layer garment
Product Insights
Columbia's Benton Zip-Up Polar Fleece Sleeveless Jacket delivers affordable warmth with 1.5+ CLO high-pile fleece that compresses to fist size, while its stretch fabric, full zip, convertible collar, and adjustable toggle hem enable versatile layering and full arm mobility. At $50 CAD, it undercuts competitors like L.L.Bean by roughly 40%, but buyers trade some plushness and accept potential pilling after washing, and the hip-length cut may run long on petite frames—though the toggle hem cinches effectively despite lacking an elastic drawcord.
Verified claims
- Warmth
- 100% polyester high-pile fleece traps 1.5+ CLO insulation and compresses to fist size.
- Insulation
- High-pile fleece delivers 1.5+ CLO insulation, comparable to heavy wool sweaters.
- Compressibility
- High-loft fleece vest compresses to fist size for easy packing.
- Competitive pricing
- 50 CAD: ~40% less than L.L.Bean's $59.95 Access Fleece Vest, plus adjustable hem
- Design versatility
- Stretch fleece, sleeveless cut, full zip, convertible collar, roomy fit for layering
- Softness
- Less plush than typical polar fleece, but soft against skin.
- Pilling
- Polyester fleece may develop pilling after washing.
- Toggle hem
- Drawcord cinches to block drafts and prevent riding up.
- Value
- At $50 CAD, toggle hem comparable to L.L.Bean's $69.95 USD vest.
- Convertible collar
- Collar adapts between wind protection and indoor comfort.
- Arm mobility
- Sleeveless cut and stretch fleece preserve full arm and shoulder mobility.
- Zipper access
- Full front zip allows easy on/off over other layers without over-head pull.
- Hem stability
- Adjustable toggle hem prevents the vest from riding up during activity.
- Length coverage
- Hip-length vest runs long on petite frames; sizing down shortens fit.
- Hem adjustment
- Toggle hem cinches but lacks elastic drawcord for draft seal.
- Care instructions
- Buyers report washing cold, tumble drying low, inside out, and avoiding fabric softeners to reduce pilling.
- Fit
- The sleeveless cut, stretch fabric, and adjustable hem allow the vest to layer smoothly under a shell with full motion and no bulk.
Product record
- Title
- Benton Zip-Up Polar Fleece Sleeveless Jacket
- Brand
- Columbia
- Price
- 50 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Layering versatility of the sleeveless design
- The adjustable toggle hem cinches to block drafts and stops the vest from riding up under a backpack hip belt or a longer jacket, so core warmth stays sealed in during active use across changing conditions.
- Eliminating sleeves removes the main friction point of a midlayer—armhole bunching—so the vest slides easily under a shell and preserves full shoulder and arm mobility, unlike a full-zip fleece jacket that adds bulk through the arms.
- A full-length front zipper allows the vest to be put on or taken off over other layers without disturbing a base layer or requiring an over-the-head pull, and it serves as immediate ventilation when you transition from wind-exposed terrain to a protected trail.
- With no external pockets to add thickness or snag on shell linings, the vest maintains an ultra-flat profile that makes it an unobtrusive midlayer for high-movement pursuits where every millimeter of layering bulk counts.
- The stretch polar fleece material conforms to the torso rather than billowing, which reduces excess fabric that could bunch or restrict movement when the vest is worn beneath a fitted outer layer, maintaining a clean line and freedom during activity.
Wearing the vest beyond outdoor activities
- Owners of the women's Benton vest describe it as their go-to for crisp days when a full jacket is overkill, citing just-right insulation that makes it a repeat-purchase staple for quick errands and temperate daily wear.
- The vest's soft, unrestricted fit makes it a favorite among healthcare workers who throw it over scrubs for a fast, cozy layer — a real-world signal that the vest slips easily into grab-and-go everyday rotations without fuss.
- A collar that can be worn up against wind or turned down indoors lets this vest transition from breezy morning dog walks to indoor lounging without needing a wardrobe change, adding to its all-day-wear appeal.
Fleece material and warmth of the high-pile fleece
- The fleece’s brushed, plush surface eliminates the scratchy feel of traditional wool knits — a meaningful upgrade for all-day comfort against bare skin — and the knit’s directional stretch allows the vest to flex with the shoulders when reaching or layering over bulky sweaters, avoiding the armhole binding common in non-stretch sleeveless pieces.
- Despite its lofty appearance, the high-pile construction compresses readily — similar fabrics can pack down to fist size — so the vest adds minimal bulk when stowed in a daypack or worn under a fitted rain jacket, making it a highly practical warmth layer for travel, commuting, or backcountry layering systems.
- High-pile fleece, with its 20–30mm shaggy fibers, traps a much larger volume of dead air than standard polar fleece — enough to reach 1.5+ CLO of insulation, roughly the warmth of a heavy wool sweater, so this vest delivers serious core heat without the weight or bulk of a full coat.
How the value compares to other budget fleece vests
- At 50 CAD (roughly 36 USD), this Columbia vest undercuts the L.L.Bean Women's All Season Access Fleece Vest at $59.95 USD — a meaningful gap for budget shoppers that trades the L.L.Bean's drop-in hand pockets for a cleaner, lightweight design and a lower spend.
- An adjustable toggle hem, which lets you cinch the bottom to trap warmth, appears on the L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Vest at $69.95 USD as a drawcord; its inclusion here at a far lower price demonstrates clever value engineering — you get the same functional draft-sealing without the premium.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a sleeveless high-pile polar fleece vest worn by a model. Visible features include a full-length front zipper, stand collar, vertical seam lines, zippered hand pockets, and a small chest logo patch.
- Overall shapeSleeveless vest with a straight hem and a slightly tapered torso silhouette, shown from the front on a model.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.22 · w 0.64 · h 0.62 (high) - Material and textureHigh-pile fleece fabric with a soft, slightly raised nap visible across the vest surface.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.28 · w 0.50 · h 0.52 (high) - Front closureFull-length central zipper with a visible metal slider at the top and bottom; zipper track runs down the center front.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.30 · w 0.12 · h 0.58 (high) - Stand collarMedium-height stand collar that folds slightly outward at the top front.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.18 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Chest logoSmall rectangular logo patch with legible brand text on the left chest area.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.29 · w 0.10 · h 0.05 (high) - Zippered hand pocketsVertical zip pockets set into the front panels at hip level; pocket zipper pull/track is visible on the right-side pocket.
2 regions
x 0.62 · y 0.48 · w 0.14 · h 0.18 (medium); x 0.24 · y 0.48 · w 0.14 · h 0.18 (medium) - Seam linesVertical stitched seam lines run along each front panel from shoulder to hem, visible as subtle lines in the fleece.
2 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.30 · w 0.10 · h 0.50 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.30 · w 0.10 · h 0.50 (high) - Visible text“Columbia”
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.29 · w 0.10 · h 0.05 (high)
Other
Studio-style product shot showing a model against a neutral light gray background; even soft lighting with mild shadowing and the image cropped at mid-thigh and above the head.
- Model and poseFemale model facing forward with left hand holding the zipper near chest height and right arm relaxed at the side.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.02 · w 0.76 · h 0.96 (high) - BackgroundUniform light gray background with no visible props.
- UndergarmentLong-sleeve black top worn under the sleeveless vest; sleeves and neckline are visible and distinct from the vest material.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.30 · w 0.64 · h 0.48 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft, diffuse studio lighting from the front-left producing mild shadows under the chin and slight shading at vest seams.
- Image cropImage is cropped showing model from just above the head down to mid-thigh; hands and lower torso partially in frame.
Colors
black· vest body#131315white· chest logo embroidery- Overall shapeSleeveless vest with a straight hem and a slightly tapered torso silhouette, shown from the front on a model.
- 02
Product
Close-up of the upper front of a black high-pile fleece sleeveless jacket on a model, showing a tall stand collar, partial front zipper, and a rectangular sewn logo patch on the left chest.
- CollarTall stand collar made from the same high-pile fleece as the body, folded slightly outward at the top edge and rising to just below the model's jawline.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.10 · w 0.40 · h 0.28 (high) - Fleece body textureHigh-pile fleece surface on the vest body with a soft, slightly fluffy texture and matte appearance.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.30 · w 0.45 · h 0.55 (high) - Front zipperPartial front zipper visible from the base of the collar downward; zipper pull and tape are dark and closely match the fleece color.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.30 · w 0.08 · h 0.40 (medium) - Left chest logo patchRectangular sewn patch on the left chest with a contrasting lighter logo area and narrow stitched border.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.64 · w 0.12 · h 0.07 (high) - Logo text“Columbia”
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.66 · w 0.10 · h 0.05 (high) - Shoulder seamVisible seam line at the shoulder where the sleeveless fleece meets the armhole, running toward the back.
1 region
x 0.67 · y 0.44 · w 0.25 · h 0.23 (medium) - Underlayer sleeveLong-sleeve form-fitting knit layer worn under the vest, visible on the arm and wrist; fabric is smooth with a matte finish and a ribbed cuff at the wrist.
- Hand at collarModel's left hand is holding the collar near the zipper, thumb and part of fingers visible; sleeve extends over part of the hand creating a long cuff appearance.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.48 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio portrait crop showing the left side of a model's face and upper torso against a light gray background with soft, even lighting and minimal shadow. Visible facial jewelry and hair curls partially frame the product.
- Shot compositionTight three-quarter crop from the model's left side focusing on upper torso and face; collar area centered in frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - BackgroundEven light gray seamless background with no visible texture or props.
1 region
x 0.75 · y 0.00 · w 0.25 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft, diffused lighting with gentle shadows under the chin and along the left side of the neck and collar, producing a matte look on the fleece.
- Model facial detailsLeft side of the model's face is visible with curly hair strands, a septum ring, and two small lower lip piercings near center; these are present but not part of the product.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.48 · h 0.36 (high) - Image cropRight edge of the product and parts of the model's right shoulder are cropped by the image frame.
Colors
deep black· fleece body and collar#0D0D0Ematte black· underlayer sleeve and cuff#131314dark gray· logo patch#2E2F31- CollarTall stand collar made from the same high-pile fleece as the body, folded slightly outward at the top edge and rising to just below the model's jawline.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a sleeveless high-pile fleece vest on a model showing the back panel, stand collar, vertical side seams, and hem details in a dark charcoal/black color.
- Back panelSingle-piece back panel of high-pile fleece with a subtly rounded lower hem; surface appears soft and slightly napped.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.16 · w 0.64 · h 0.68 (high) - Stand collarTall stand collar made of the same fleece rising to just below the model's jawline, showing the fleece pile on both inner and outer faces.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.06 · w 0.44 · h 0.18 (high) - Vertical side seamsVisible vertical seams run down from the armholes toward the hem on both sides; seams are slightly raised and use the same-color thread.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.60 (high); x 0.70 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.60 (high) - Armhole edgeArmhole openings are finished with a narrow, slightly denser trim of the same dark fleece where the vest meets the long-sleeve layer worn beneath.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.22 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high) - Hem finishLower hem is folded and topstitched with a visible double stitch line that follows the rounded hem shape.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.73 · w 0.64 · h 0.12 (high) - Fleece textureHigh-pile textured surface visible across the garment, giving a soft, fuzzy appearance with subtle nap direction.
- No visible brandingNo logo, printed text, or brand mark is visible on the exposed back, collar, or hem areas.
Other
Studio product shot showing a model in a three-quarter rear pose against a neutral light gray background with soft, even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Shot compositionModel shown from the rear at a slight three-quarter angle turned toward the right side of the frame; image framed to include head through hips.
- BackgroundSmooth neutral light gray backdrop with even studio lighting and no visible props.
- Lighting and shadowsSoft, diffuse lighting with minimal hard shadows; faint shadowing appears along the model's left side and under the hem.
- Model stylingModel wears a long-sleeve black layer under the sleeveless vest; hands relaxed at sides and hair tied up, partially obscuring collar from the side.
Colors
dark charcoal· body#1E1D21- Back panelSingle-piece back panel of high-pile fleece with a subtly rounded lower hem; surface appears soft and slightly napped.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
7 total4.1
7 reviews · out of 5
Superbe comme couche de base ou survêtement
★★★★★Emmanuelle B.
J'ai pris une taille plus petite que la recommandation du "size guide" et le fit est parfait pour porter sous un manteau léger a l'automne ou au début de l'hiver. Le col monte vraiment haut, c'est super pour éviter un cache-cou ou un foulard.
Très confortable et chaud
★★★★★NATHALIE C.
Très confortable et chaud
La veste polaire est de grandeur petite est de bonne taille
★★★★★Denise F.
Elle fait bien. C’est un blanc vraiment blanc et non crème
cheap material
★★★★★Serena J.
didn't even try it on. The material was not a soft polar feel.
Light vest
★★★★★Elizabeth M.
Nice but too long And I should have chosen size M
Veste polaire
★★★★★Charline G.
Très chaude
Veste
★★★★★Isabelle P.
Belle et chaude. Un classique! À noter le bas ne s’ajuste pas (pas de cordon élastique)
Q&A
5 answered- Does the stretch polar fleece have any specific stretch percentage (e.g., 2-way or 4-way stretch) and how does it affect movement?
- The product data does not specify a stretch percentage (e.g., 2-way or 4-way), but as a stretch polar fleece, it typically provides 2-way stretch for ease of movement without restricting motion.
- How does the fit compare to other Columbia vests? Should I size up if I plan to layer it over a sweater?
- Columbia vests generally run true to size. If you plan to layer over a thick sweater, consider sizing up for comfort, as the fleece is not overly stretchy. Customer reviews on other Columbia vests often suggest sizing up for layering.
- What are the care instructions for this fleece? Is it machine washable and can it be tumble dried without pilling?
- Care instructions are not provided in the product data. However, most Columbia fleeces are machine washable in cold water and can be tumble dried on low heat, though pilling may occur over time. To minimize pilling, wash inside out and avoid fabric softeners.
- Does the sleeveless jacket have any pockets? If so, are they zippered or open and how many?
- The product description does not mention any pockets, so this vest likely has no pockets. Columbia sleeveless jackets in this style typically omit pockets for a streamlined look.
- What is the length of the vest (e.g., hip or waist length) and how does the adjustable toggle hem work?
- The length is not specified, but from the style (vest/jacket), it is likely hip-length. The adjustable toggle hem allows you to cinch the bottom for a snugger fit or leave it loose, helping to seal in warmth.