13 Best Custom Jackets for Employee Holiday Gifts in 2026

Last updated: September 28, 2026

What's the best jacket to give employees for the holidays? Usually, it's the one that fits where and how they'll wear it. Someone working at a desk may want a light sweater fleece, while a warehouse employee or field rep may need something warmer and more weather-resistant.

The good news is that jackets are a gift people want. In ASI's 2026 research, 51% of Canadians said they would be excited to receive fleece or jackets. The harder part is choosing the right style for each team.

Below, you'll find 13 custom holiday jacket ideas, each paired with the kind of team most likely to wear it, from sweater fleece for the office to sherpa-lined coats for crews working outside all winter. Each includes a practical gifting tip on fit, fabric, sizing, or decoration, drawn from our work sourcing and customizing employee apparel.

 

Custom Holiday Jackets by Team and Work Environment 

In ASI's 2026 research, fleece and jackets ranked second among the promotional products people would be most excited to receive, just behind food gifts and ahead of T-shirts. But that excitement only lasts if the jacket suits the person's job. The 13 ideas below start with office and remote teams, move through warehouse, retail, sales, trades, and outdoor crews, and finish with premium options for top performers.

(Source:ASI)

1. Sweater Fleece Jackets for Office Teams

A sweater fleece is a smart holiday gift for office teams, especially in buildings where the thermostat never suits everyone. It has the look of a knit sweater with the warmth and easy care of fleece, and it layers over a polo, button-down, or T-shirt without looking out of place at a desk or in a meeting. Tuck a matching beanie into the gift box to round it out.

Gifting tip: Heathered gray, charcoal, and navy suit most wardrobes and hide everyday wear better than solid black.

2. Half-Zip Fleece Jackets for Remote Employees

A half-zip fleece is one of the easier apparel gifts for remote teams. It's forgiving on fit, pulls on over anything, and looks put together on a video call. It's the layer people grab for a cold morning at the home desk, a walk at lunch, or weekend errands. Since remote employees rarely celebrate together in person, a handwritten note in the box matters more than usual.

Gifting tip: A midweight fleece gets the most year-round wear. For remote teams, collect sizes before ordering or use a company store, since exchanges by mail are slow and easy to skip.

3. Heavyweight Fleece Jackets for Warehouse and Facility Teams

A heavyweight fleece is one of the most practical holiday gifts for employees in warehouses, loading docks, and drafty facilities. It keeps people warm through a cold morning shift without the bulk of a winter coat, so they can still lift, climb, and move freely. Pair it with fleece-lined gloves for a simple "stay warm this winter" bundle.

Gifting tip: Choose an anti-pill finish so the fleece stays soft and clean-looking after repeated washing, and collect sizes in advance, since heavyweight styles often fit differently from regular fleece.

4. Full-Zip Hooded Jackets for Hospitality, Retail, and Event Teams

For hospitality, retail, and event staff, a full-zip hooded jacket is a relaxed gift they can wear to and from shifts, on breaks, and on days off. Staff who open early or close late often step outside in the cold between tasks, and a full zip and hood make that quick. Handing them out at the staff holiday party lets everyone wear theirs together.

Gifting tip: A lined or heavier-weight style feels more substantial than a basic hoodie. If staff might wear it on the floor, confirm it fits your uniform policy first.

5. Softshell Jackets for Sales Reps and Field Sales Teams

A softshell jacket suits sales reps who spend their days moving between client meetings, job sites, and the car. It blocks wind and light rain but still looks tidy enough to wear into a client's office, which a bulky parka doesn't. A short note thanking them for the year's miles makes it personal.

Gifting tip: Look for a brushed or fleece lining for colder months, and a water-resistant finish if reps spend a lot of time outdoors.

6. Lightweight Puffer Jackets for Commuters and Frequent Travelers

A lightweight puffer is warm enough for a cold train platform or airport curb but packs small enough for a backpack or carry-on, which makes it a good match for transit commuters and anyone who travels for work. It stays useful from fall through early spring. Give it before the holiday travel rush, along with a branded travel mug, and it's ready for the trip home.

Gifting tip: Packable styles that fold into their own pocket or pouch are easy to keep in a bag or car.

7. Insulated Winter Jackets and Parkas for Cold-Climate Teams

For technicians, drivers, and employees facing long winters, including much of Canada, an insulated jacket is a gift they'll wear almost every day from November to March. Match the insulation to the work: someone moving between a vehicle and customer sites may need a lighter jacket, while employees outdoors for long stretches need more warmth and wind protection. Give it early in the season, before the first big snowfall.

Gifting tip: Look for a longer cut, a hood, and storm cuffs. Ask your supplier about the best decoration method for insulated fabric, since some methods can damage the shell or insulation.

8. Thermal-Lined Workwear Jackets for Construction and Trades Crews

A duck canvas jacket with a thermal lining is a far more useful gift for construction crews, mechanics, and installers than typical office swag. The canvas stands up to rough job sites, the lining handles cold mornings, and the cut leaves room to reach, kneel, and climb. Handing them out at a year-end crew breakfast or site celebration gives the whole crew a moment of recognition together.

Gifting tip: Keep decoration clear of areas covered by safety harnesses, vests, or high-visibility gear. A leather-style patch suits rugged canvas.

9. Sherpa-Lined Workwear Coats for All-Winter Outdoor Crews

For yard, logistics, and snow-removal crews who work outside through the coldest months, a sherpa-lined coat is one of the warmest gifts you can give. The thick lining and longer cut keep out the wind on long winter shifts, and a well-made coat lasts several seasons. When supervisors hand them out in person, it's clear the coat is a thank-you and not just new gear.

Gifting tip: Sherpa-lined coats are bulky and harder to size, so collect each employee's size before ordering to avoid exchanges and unworn coats.

10. Bomber Jackets for Creative and Tech Teams

A bomber jacket is a good choice when you want holiday apparel that doesn't look like corporate merchandise. The short, casual cut suits creative agencies, tech companies, and style-conscious teams, and it works at the office or on a night out. Letting each person pick their own color gives them a say in something they'll wear in public.

Gifting tip: A subtle sleeve mark or back-neck detail fits the bomber's minimal style better than a front logo.

11. Quilted Jackets for Client-Facing Professional Teams

For financial services, real estate, and professional services teams, a quilted jacket is polished enough for client visits. Its thin, flat profile sits neatly over business-casual clothing, and unlike a puffer, it doesn't look like outdoor gear in a meeting room. Presented in a gift box with a matching scarf, it makes a refined thank-you.

Gifting tip: Diamond quilting and a slim, tailored fit give the most premium look.

12. 3-in-1 Jackets for Teams Across Different Climates

When your team is spread across different regions, a 3-in-1 jacket saves you from choosing one weight for everyone. The weather-resistant shell and removable inner layer can be worn together in deep winter or separately in milder weather. A short card showing the three ways to wear it helps employees get full use from it.

Gifting tip: Add a small logo to both layers so each piece looks finished when worn on its own.

13. Premium and Retail-Brand Jackets for Top Performers and Milestones

For top performers, long-tenured employees, or major work anniversaries, a premium jacket turns a thank-you into a real reward. Depending on your supplier, brands such as The North Face, Carhartt, Columbia, and Nike can be co-branded with your company logo. A personal note from leadership explaining why they're being recognized will mean more than the logo.

Gifting tip: Look beyond the brand name to fabric quality, fit, and construction, and choose something the recipient would realistically buy for themselves.

 

FAQs

What are the best jackets to give employees for the holidays?

The best jacket depends on the employee's job and work environment. Sweater fleece and quilted jackets suit office and client-facing teams, half-zip fleece works well for remote employees, and heavyweight fleece, thermal-lined workwear, or sherpa-lined coats are better for warehouse, trades, and outdoor crews.

Are fleece jackets a good holiday gift for employees?

Yes. In ASI's 2026 research, 51% of Canadians said they would be excited to receive fleece or jackets, ranking them second only to food gifts. Fleece is also comfortable, easy to layer, and works for many roles.

What's the difference between fleece and softshell jackets?

Fleece is soft, warm, and comfortable, which makes it a good choice for offices, remote employees, and indoor work. Softshell jackets block wind and light rain and have a smoother, more polished look, so they suit sales reps and field teams who move between outdoor sites and client meetings.

What's the best jacket for employees in different climates?

A 3-in-1 jacket is one of the most flexible options. Its weather-resistant shell and removable inner layer can be worn together in colder weather or separately in milder conditions, so one style can work for employees in different regions.

How do you handle sizing when ordering jackets for employees?

Collect sizes before ordering, especially for bulky styles like sherpa-lined coats or heavyweight fleece. For remote or distributed teams, a company store can let employees choose their own size and reduce the need for exchanges by mail.