The Schaefer Guide · Mid-Layers
By the Schaefer Outfitter team, Texas · Updated November 5, 2026 · Specs pulled directly from our product pages
The mid-layer does the real work on a cold morning. It goes on at 5 a.m., stays on under the vest at noon, and comes off at the truck when the day warms up. Get it right and everything else is easier.
Here is how our fleece, quarter-zips, sweaters and overshirts are built, how they compare, and where each fits in a Western layering system.
From left: Elkhorn Pullover, Bighorn Full Zip Fleece, Fireside Full Zip Sweater.
The Layering Scale
Every piece here sits somewhere between “worn as a shirt” and “worn as a jacket.” Know where it sits and you know what to wear over and under it.
- Flannel Button Down
- Storm Cotton Hoodie
- Elkhorn Pullover
- Lodge Pullover Sweater
- Bighorn Full Zip Fleece
- Vintage Full Zip Fleece
- Fireside Full Zip Sweater
- Wool Overshirt
- Full Zip Logo Hoodie
Quick Picks
The Elkhorn Pullover
Elkhorn Pullover
One of our best sellersThe quarter-zip that lives on the back of the kitchen chair. Ultra-soft sweater fleece with a sherpa-lined collar that keeps the wind off your neck, and a quarter-zip you can open when the sun comes up.
- Fabric
- 100% polyester sweater fleece
- Collar
- Sherpa lined
- Fit
- Classic fit, true to size
- Colors
- Taupe
- Heather Gray
- Loden
- Navy
High-Pile Fleece
Bighorn Full Zip Fleece
Best under a jacketWarm without being bulky or overbuilt. The Bighorn goes under a Blacktail or brush jacket for extra insulation, or on its own on milder days. The funnel neck holds warmth in.
- Fabric
- High-pile polyester fleece
- Closure
- 2-way zip, funnel neck
- Fit
- True to size
Sweaters
Lodge Pullover Sweater
Best for townCabin mornings, campfire nights, Sunday dinners. A plush knit with a soft shawl collar and natural Corozo buttons for a Southwestern look.
- Fabric
- 60% cotton, 40% nylon knit
- Collar
- Shawl, Corozo button closure
- Fit
- True to size
- Best for
- Dinner out
- Cool evenings
Fireside Full Zip Sweater
Best woolA premium wool-blend jacquard with bold geometric patterns and our running horses. Wool stays warm when it gets damp, so this one earns its keep outside, not just by the fire.
- Fabric
- 80% wool, 20% nylon
- Closure
- 2-way zip, leather pulls
- Fit
- True to size
- Best for
- Cold mornings
- Statement layer
Overshirts & Flannel
Wool Overshirt
Best shirt-jacketWear it buttoned as a heavy shirt or open as a light jacket. Six pockets in all: two hidden snap chest pockets under the yoke, two hand pockets and two interior stash pockets.
- Shell
- Wool blend
- Lining
- Tencel-lined pockets, cuffs and collar
- Pockets
- Six, including two hidden
Flannel Button Down Shirt
The base layerSoft, yarn-dyed flannel with added stretch for riding the back forty in cool weather. Three-snap cuffs and a solid brass collar button add polish for town.
- Fabric
- Yarn-dyed cotton flannel
- Cuffs
- Three-snap
- Collar
- Solid brass button
Side-by-Side
| Layer | Material | Closure | Neck | Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhorn Pullover | Polyester sweater fleece | Quarter-zip | Sherpa-lined collar | Not listed |
| Bighorn Fleece | High-pile polyester fleece | 2-way full zip | Funnel neck | Zip waist pockets |
| Vintage Full Zip | High-pile sherpa | 2-way zip through collar | High collar | 2 zip waist pockets |
| Lodge Sweater | 60% cotton, 40% nylon | Corozo buttons | Shawl collar | Not listed |
| Fireside Sweater | 80% wool, 20% nylon | 2-way full zip | Collar | 2 waist pockets |
| Wool Overshirt | Wool blend | Front placket | Shirt collar | 6 (2 hidden) |
| Storm Cotton Hoodie | 100% Pima cotton | Half-zip | Hood, stand-up collar | Not listed |
“Not listed” means the detail isn't on the product page. Check the page photos.
How to Layer for a Cold Morning
- Base: a snap shirt or flannel. Cotton next to skin is fine when you aren't sweating hard.
- Mid: the Elkhorn or Bighorn. Zip it open as the day warms instead of taking it off.
- Core warmth: a wool or puffer vest over the fleece keeps your core warm and your arms free for work.
- Shell: a waxed canvas jacket on top for wind and rain. Size up if you layer thick fleece under it.
- Neck: a silk wild rag seals the gap at the collar.
- Strip down by noon: shell off first, then vest, then fleece. You should never be peeling a base layer in the field.
Fleece & Sweater FAQ
What is the difference between sweater fleece and high-pile fleece?
Sweater fleece, like the Elkhorn, has a knit face that looks like a sweater and a soft brushed interior. High-pile fleece, like the Bighorn, has a deep, lofty pile that traps more air for warmth without much weight.
Does the Elkhorn Pullover run true to size?
Yes. The Elkhorn is a classic fit and true to size, according to the product page.
Can I wear the Bighorn under a jacket?
Yes. It was designed to go under jackets for extra insulation or by itself on milder days.
Is a wool sweater warmer than fleece?
It depends on thickness and construction. Wool keeps insulating when damp and resists odor. Polyester fleece dries faster and is lighter for the warmth. Many ranchers own one of each.
What is an overshirt?
A heavier shirt cut to wear over another shirt, buttoned or open. It works as a light jacket on mild days and a warm shirt on cold ones.
More Schaefer Guides
Specs are taken from our product pages. Colors and sizes vary by product; check each page for current availability.