
Columbia
Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest
The Columbia Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest is a sleeveless layering garment made from soft, stretch polar fleece with a plush sherpa-style texture produced from recycled polyester, worn over a hoodie or base layer for core warmth in cool conditions. It features a full-length snap-button front placket, stand-up collar, nylon elastic binding at the armholes and edging, two zippered hand pockets, a signature Columbia logo on the left chest, and an adjustable toggle-cinch hem. The vest has a straight torso silhouette with a slightly rounded hem and is shown in black.
- Material
- Recycled polyester fleece with nylon elastic trim
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, classic, athleisure
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Vests
Specifications
Sleeveless polar fleece vest with plush recycled polyester fabric, snap-front closure, and adjustable toggle hem for layering warmth.
Full-length snap front, stand-up collar, zipped hand pockets, adjustable toggle hem, nylon elastic trim, logo detail.
- Material
- Recycled polyester fleece with nylon elastic trim
- Secondary
- nylon
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, classic, athleisure
- Occasion
- everyday, casual, weekend, running-errands, travel, hiking
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Vests
Additional Attributes
- soft, stretch polar fleece fabric with plush handfeel
- recycled polyester construction
- sleeveless vest silhouette for layering
- full-length snap-button front
- stand-up collar
- accent nylon elastic trim on edges
- zipped hand pockets
- signature logo on front
- adjustable toggle clasp hem
- Columbia brand
Product Insights
Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest Regular fit, true to size, with room for a long-sleeve tee or midweight sweatshirt Midweight, uninsulated fleece warmth for cool dry days Core-warming mid-layer that leaves arms free Machine wash cold, no softener, tumble low or hang dry
Verified claims
- fit
- Regular fit, true to size, with room for a long-sleeve tee or midweight sweatshirt
- length
- Waist-length cut, landing near the high hip
- warmth
- Midweight, uninsulated fleece warmth for cool dry days
- materials
- Shell 100% recycled polyester; insert 100% nylon
- thermal_mechanism
- Brushed pile traps air for warmth without weight
- stretch
- Stretch comes from the knit, not the polyester fibre itself
- collar
- High stand collar seals the neck to reduce drafts
- closure
- Full-length snap placket for easy on/off and venting
- pockets
- Two zippered hand pockets
- hem
- Adjustable toggle-cinch hem
- armholes
- Nylon-bound armholes move comfortably over layers
- layering
- Core-warming mid-layer that leaves arms free
- use_cases
- Best for dry cool days, shoulder seasons and active layering
- styling
- Casual fleece-vest styling in Black or Ivory/Cream Beige
- care
- Machine wash cold, no softener, tumble low or hang dry
- durability
- Pile can pill where it rubs; armhole binding is a wear point
- static
- Fleece builds static and attracts lint, dust and pet hair
- water_resistance
- Hydrophobic and quick-drying, but not waterproof
- sustainability
- Recycled polyester with no published percentage; wash less to reduce shedding
- construction
- Smooth placket and trim contrast the plush fleece body
Product record
- Title
- Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest
- Brand
- Columbia
- Price
- 95 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 11 sourcesUses
Layering over hoodies and long-sleeve tops
This sleeveless fleece vest is shown in product photos worn over a hooded sweatshirt and a long-sleeve top, so a natural use is adding an extra cozy layer over base layers when you need warmth through the body without covering your arms. The images also show its snap-button front, low pockets, and hem drawcord toggle in action while styled this way.[2,3,4]
Stay Warm with Textured Sherpa Fleece
This vest provides warmth through its thick, textured sherpa body, which is visible across the back panel. The insulating sherpa material also covers the stand-up collar, helping to keep your neck warm during outdoor activities.[3,4]
Layering with a collar that keeps drafts out
A sleeveless sherpa fleece vest for adding warmth over hoodies or long sleeves on cool days. The stand-up high collar wraps the neck, and a snap-button front placket with smooth trim makes it easy to open and close over layers.[3,4]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest: Choose this if you want a sleeveless layering piece in soft, stretchy polar fleece with a plush, textured sherpa-style surface, made from recycled polyester (100% polyester shell with nylon insert). It suits wearers who like a high stand-up collar, full-length snap-button front, zipped hand pockets, and an adjustable toggle-cinch hem. It comes in X-SMALL to X-LARGE in Black and Ivory/Cream Beige; note one analyst description saw no visible drawcord or elastic at the hem in a front view, while the listing and other views show an adjustable toggle-cord hem.[1,2,4] | Benton Zip-Up Polar Fleece Sleeveless Jacket: Choose this if you want a warm, sleeveless high-pile fleece layer for in-between seasons or winter, since it's described as intended for easy layering and reviewers found it very comfortable and warm under a light coat. It has a full-length zip, tall stand collar, zippered hip pockets, and an ultra-soft stretch polar fleece body. Note that some reviewers say it runs slightly large and is long on shorter torsos—sizing down works for a snug layered fit—and the hem has no cinch to block drafts, with one reviewer finding the fleece less plush than expected.[5,6,7] | Timber Meadow Solid Polar Fleece Jacket: Choose this if you want a relaxed, boxy half-zip pullover in ultra-soft stretch polar fleece for everyday warmth—Columbia's MTR fleece is designed to conserve body heat with a lofty structure, and a silicone finish repels water to help keep the fleece in shape. The chin-height mock neck, elastic cuffs, and adjustable toggle hem suit wearers who like a loose, dropped-shoulder silhouette in 100% polyester, offered in Black, White, and Sage Green from X-Small to Large. Note that no pocket openings are visible in the front or rear views, and listed size/color combinations vary by color (for example, Black appears in Small and Medium).[8,9,10,11] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01

Product
Front view of a sleeveless sherpa fleece vest in black with a high stand collar, central snap-button placket, two zippered hand pockets, and a small white Columbia logo on the left chest.
- Overall shapeSleeveless vest with a straight torso silhouette, slightly rounded hem, and a high stand collar that reaches the model's lower chin.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.76 · h 0.68 (high) - Fabric textureThick textured sherpa or pile fleece covering the front body panels with visible curled fleece surface.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.20 · w 0.70 · h 0.60 (high) - Front closureCentral vertical placket with visible round snap buttons spaced down the front; placket material is smoother and less textured than the fleece.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.18 · w 0.16 · h 0.68 (high) - PocketsTwo diagonal zippered hand pockets on the front lower panels with visible zipper tracks and small pull tabs.
2 regions
x 0.14 · y 0.52 · w 0.28 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.52 · w 0.28 · h 0.16 (high) - Chest logoSmall white logo and wordmark on the left chest area of the vest.
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.30 · w 0.16 · h 0.06 (high) - Front chest text“Columbia”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.30 · w 0.16 · h 0.06 (high) - Placket button detailRound matte snap-button heads visible on the placket, evenly spaced from collar to hem.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.20 · w 0.08 · h 0.62 (medium) - Hem constructionSlightly rounded hem with the fleece continuing to the edge; no visible drawcord or elastic.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.74 · w 0.72 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio product shot featuring a model wearing the vest over a dark long-sleeve top, neutral light gray background, even studio lighting with soft shadows, and a centered crop from mid-thigh to above the head.
- Model stylingVest is shown worn by a model who has her hands behind her back and is wearing a dark long-sleeve layer underneath; only the vest is the product.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - BackgroundPlain neutral light gray studio backdrop with smooth gradient and no props.
- Shot compositionCentered frontal product shot cropped from just above the head to mid-thigh; soft even lighting with minimal harsh shadows.
Colors
black· fleece body#0E0E11matte black· front placket and pocket trims#0D0D0Ewhite· logo- Overall shapeSleeveless vest with a straight torso silhouette, slightly rounded hem, and a high stand collar that reaches the model's lower chin.
- 02

Product
Rear view of a sleeveless sherpa fleece vest with a high collar; visible features include textured fleece back, bound armholes, and a slightly rounded hem with a small zipper pull/adjuster visible at the lower side seam.
- Back body materialFull back panel made from thick textured sherpa or pile fleece with a dense, nubby surface visible across the entire back.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.64 · h 0.66 (high) - High collarStand-up high collar covered in the same sherpa fleece, wrapping the neck and visible from the rear neckline.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.04 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Armhole finishingArmholes finished with a smooth narrow binding that contrasts slightly in texture from the fleece body and follows the sleeveless opening edges.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.48 (medium); x 0.76 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.48 (medium) - Hem and side adjusterSlightly rounded hem with a visible small zipper pull or cord adjuster at the lower right side seam (viewer left is model right), suggesting an adjustable or zippered side detail.Partial
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.68 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium) - Visible seamsVertical center back seam or stitch line running down the middle of the back panel, visible as a subtle line in the fleece texture.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.12 · w 0.06 · h 0.56 (high)
Other
Studio rear-three-quarter product shot on a neutral light gray background showing a model wearing the vest over a long-sleeve top; even studio lighting with soft shadows.
- Shot compositionRear-facing model shown from head to upper thighs, cropped just below the hips, centered in frame with visible right-profile of the model's face.
- Background and lightingEven neutral light gray studio background with soft, diffuse lighting and minimal shadows around the model.
- Underlayer clothingModel is wearing a long-sleeve smooth fabric top under the sleeveless vest; sleeves are visible and should not be interpreted as part of the product.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.20 · w 0.80 · h 0.62 (high) - Accessories and stylingModel wears a single hoop earring visible on the right ear; hair is down and partially covers the upper left shoulder area.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.00 · w 0.30 · h 0.24 (high)
Colors
black· back body#0E0E11dark charcoal· armhole binding#2D2E34- Back body materialFull back panel made from thick textured sherpa or pile fleece with a dense, nubby surface visible across the entire back.
- 03

Product
Front three-quarter view of a sleeveless textured fleece vest worn over a hoodie; visible features include a snap-button front placket, textured sherpa body, smooth fabric placket/trim, two low pockets, a small white chest logo, and a hem drawcord toggle at the right side.
- Overall shapeSleeveless vest with a straight hem and a moderately high collar, shown on a model from a front three-quarter angle.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.18 · w 0.50 · h 0.64 (high) - Main materialTextured sherpa or pile fleece surface covering the visible front and sides of the vest, appearing nubby and matte.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.30 · w 0.40 · h 0.44 (high) - Front placket and trimSmooth fabric placket runs down the center front with visible snap buttons and smoother trim along the collar and button line contrasting the textured fleece.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.28 · w 0.16 · h 0.48 (high) - Snap buttonsA vertical row of round matte snap buttons is visible along the placket; one snap near the hem is open showing the placket layer beneath.
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.36 · w 0.06 · h 0.36 (high) - Chest logo text“Columbia”
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.34 · w 0.10 · h 0.07 (high) - Logo markSmall white emblem mark located to the left of the chest text
1 region
x 0.59 · y 0.34 · w 0.03 · h 0.06 (medium) - Lower pocketsTwo angled lower front pockets with horizontal openings; the right-side pocket opening is visible near the model's hip.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.54 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (medium) - Hem drawcord toggleSmall cord toggle and cinch visible at the vest hem on the right side (viewer left), where the hem curves slightly.
1 region
x 0.74 · y 0.74 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (medium)
Other
Lifestyle studio shot showing a model wearing additional garments and accessories against a neutral background with soft lighting and minimal shadows.
- Styling garmentsModel wears a maroon hooded sweatshirt under the vest; the hood is up behind the neck and visible at the chest and shoulders.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.30 · w 0.40 · h 0.38 (high) - AccessoriesModel has a light blue ribbed knit beanie, slim black sunglasses, and carries a dusty rose backpack over the left shoulder with a pair of brown gloves partially visible from a side pocket.
2 regions
x 0.52 · y 0.02 · w 0.36 · h 0.24 (high); x 0.20 · y 0.44 · w 0.20 · h 0.34 (high) - Pose and cropCropped three-quarter body shot from above the knees to just above the head; the model's right hand extends forward toward the camera.
- Background and lightingNeutral light gray seamless background with soft, even studio lighting and minimal cast shadow on the floor behind the model.
Colors
black· main fleece body#1D1E21dark charcoal· placket and collar trimwhite· chest logo- Overall shapeSleeveless vest with a straight hem and a moderately high collar, shown on a model from a front three-quarter angle.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Columbia
Men's Helvetia™ II Vest
Variants
7 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4612211 | Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest - Black - Small | CA$95.00 | Yes |
| 4612212 | Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest - Black - Medium | CA$95.00 | Yes |
| 4612215 | Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest - Ivory/cream Beige - X-Small | CA$95.00 | Yes |
| 4612216 | Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest - Ivory/cream Beige - Small | CA$95.00 | Yes |
| 4612217 | Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest - Ivory/cream Beige - Medium | CA$95.00 | Yes |
| 4612218 | Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest - Ivory/cream Beige - Large | CA$95.00 | Yes |
| 4612219 | Helvetia Sleeveless Polar Fleece Vest - Ivory/cream Beige - X-Large | CA$95.00 | Yes |