There’s definitely a change in the air. The evenings are drawing in, there’s a bit more bite in the breeze, and suddenly a fleece is the first thing you reach for before heading out the door.

Our new season deliveries have been arriving thick and fast at Wild Side Sports, with some brilliant new pieces from Columbia and Bleubird now in store and online. From cosy everyday fleeces to technical layers designed for colder days outdoors, here are a few of our favourites from the latest arrivals.

The Fleece You’ll Live In: Columbia Stellar Path Fleece Bomber

The Columbia Women’s Stellar Path Fleece Bomber in Chalk is one of those pieces that’s incredibly easy to wear.

Soft, warm and cosy without feeling overly bulky, the bomber-style shape gives it a slightly different look from a traditional outdoor fleece. The Chalk colour is a lovely neutral for autumn and works just as well thrown on for the school run as it does for a weekend away or a chilly walk.

It’s an ideal option if you want the warmth and comfort of a fleece but with a more casual everyday feel.

A Classic for the Men: Columbia Alto Pass Full Zip Fleece

For something simple, practical and versatile, the Columbia Men’s Alto Pass Full Zip Fleece in Black ticks a lot of boxes.

It’s an easy midlayer for walking and hiking, but equally useful as an everyday fleece when temperatures start to drop. The full zip makes it easy to layer over a T-shirt or underneath a waterproof jacket, while the black colour keeps things straightforward.

This is the kind of fleece that earns its place in the wardrobe because it gets worn again and again.

 

A Bit More Colour: Columbia Sequoia Grove Printed Fleeces

The new Columbia Sequoia Grove styles are bringing some much-needed colour and pattern into our autumn range.

For women, the Sequoia Grove II Printed Half Zip in Black Wizard Island Tonal combines the comfort of a cosy fleece with a subtle outdoor-inspired print.

For men, we have the Sequoia Grove II Full Zip Printed Fleece in Phoenix Blue Wizard Island, a brighter option that still feels very wearable.

And the good news is that the Sequoia Grove collection isn't just for the adults — we have some gorgeous versions for kids too.

Mini Adventurers: Columbia Sequoia Grove Kids' Fleeces

Some of our favourite new arrivals are the kids' Sequoia Grove fleeces.

Available across younger and older children's sizes, there are printed Phoenix Blue options as well as the lovely Tea Light and Sedona Sage colourway.

They’re warm, comfortable and easy to layer under a waterproof jacket — ideal for school, weekends, family walks and all the everyday adventures that come with an Irish autumn.

When You Need More Than a Fleece: Columbia Arctic Crest II Hybrid

The Columbia Men’s Arctic Crest II Hybrid Full Zip is a really interesting piece for anyone looking for something more technical.

This isn't a traditional fleece or a standard softshell. It’s a hybrid layer designed to provide warmth while remaining comfortable and practical when you're active.

One of the clever details behind Columbia's Arctic Crest technology is its inspiration from the way polar bear fur manages heat. It uses a biomimicry-inspired insulation system designed to help retain warmth without relying on excessive bulk.

For hiking, travelling or simply being outdoors on colder days, it's a great option when an ordinary fleece isn't quite enough.

Lightweight Warmth: Columbia Powder Lite II Mid Jacket

The Women’s Powder Lite II Mid Jacket in Sedona Sage is another standout from the new Columbia collection.

The longer length gives you extra coverage, while the lightweight insulated construction provides warmth without the heavy feel of a traditional winter coat.

And Sedona Sage is a particularly nice colour for this time of year — soft, outdoorsy and very easy to wear.

It’s a great transitional jacket for those days when a fleece isn't enough but you're not quite ready for the big winter coat.

New Bleubird Has Landed Too

We've also had a fresh delivery from Bleubird, with plenty of relaxed, outdoor-inspired pieces for autumn.

The new collection includes heavyweight organic cotton sweats, tees, cropped crews, hoodies and accessories, with colours including Forest, Berry, Marine, Moss and Off White.

We particularly like the Solace Hood in Forest, Trailhead Cropped Crew in Marine and Serra Cropped Crew in Berry.

Bleubird's designs are inspired by nature and everyday adventure, and that's exactly how these pieces feel — comfortable clothes you'll reach for whether you're heading for a walk, grabbing a coffee or packing for a weekend away.

Ready for Autumn

This is just a small selection of what has arrived for the new season, with plenty more new fleeces, jackets, outdoor clothing and accessories landing in the shop.

As always, we're happy to help with sizing, layering or choosing the right piece for what you need.

Shop the new season collection online or call into Wild Side Sports in Bandon to have a look.