Fleece fabric is one of the revolutionary inventions in modern textiles. It changed our concepts of fabric features. Natural and organic fabrics are widely known for their better quality and environment friendliness. But after fleece was invented, we knew this was not always true.

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The history of fleece is not very long. However, within a short time, numerous types of fleece were invented. In this article, we will explore fleece fabric history, features, types, uses, drawbacks, and benefits. We will also compare it with natural fabrics and discuss why they are better or worse for the environment. 

So, as you can see, this is going to be a deep dive. Get a water bottle and sit tight!

At a glance :

Industrial Name	Fleece Fabric
Origin	Massachusetts, US.
Other Names	Pile fabric, Microfleece.
Construction	Made with polyester fiber, weaved automatically and finished with different stages.
Weight	Lighter than wool.
Color	It can be any color.
Airflow	Breathability medium.
Moisture Absorbance	High.
Weaving	Warp Knitting
Stretch	Usually no.
Heat Insulation	Very High.
Shrinkage Ratio	No Shrinkage.
Usage	Winter wear, sportwear, fashion dresses.

 

A Brief History of Fleece Fabric

The fabric was developed by Malden Mills, a company based in Massachusetts, United States. In the 1970s, the company began research to develop a synthetic alternative to wool. Before that time, animal-based textiles were our only option for making warm clothes.

In 1979, the company successfully produced a wool-like synthetic product named Poler Wool. The fabric was lighter, warmer, and more durable than wool. It wasn’t just a commercial success. It changed the textile industry. After the invention of the first fleece fabric, it was certain that fleece came with massive possibilities. They were not wrong in any way.

In the following decades, many types of fleece fabric were invented. With its amazing features, people easily embraced the fabric for everyday fabric. Today’s textile and fashion industry is highly dependent on these fabrics. And, of course, there is no sign of fleece losing popularity anytime soon. 

How is Fleece fabric made?

Now, let’s go through the steps of making fleece.

Collecting materials

Fleece fabric is primarily made of polyester. Polyester is made from natural gas and oil, which are not sustainable sources. However, the good thing is that one can use recycled plastic to make polyester. Recycled polyester is a cost-effective and easier-to-produce material.  

Melting and spinning

In the following steps, the polyester fibers are melted, and other ingredients are added. Added ingredients can be dye or materials that increase the durability. After that, the hot liquid is passed through a microscopic hole and cooled immediately. This is how we get our core material that will be processed into fleece clothes.

Knitting

The processed fiber is used to make yarn. Some of the fibers are also used for the piles. A knitting machine is used to weave the fabric. After the weaving of the fabric, it’s nowhere near our final product. It needs to go through a couple more steps to look like fuzzy fleece fabric.

Napping

Napping is the most essential step in making fleece. The napper machine is a spinning machine with a small throne. When the fabric is added to the napper, the spikes scratch the fabric and open the piles. The machine can vary depending on the type of fleece fabric.

Cutting and Brushing

Once the napping is done, the piles are uneven. They do not come with an appealing texture. The fabric is added to a machine that trims off the uneven piles to the desired size. After the cutting, the piles are brushed for the final look.

Processing for shipment

In the final stage, newly produced fleece fabric is cut to the desired size, washed, ironed, and packed for shipment.

Types of Fleece

Fleece fabric comes in various sizes, shapes, pile heights, and blends. 

Let’s focus on the primary types of fleece based on their textile properties.

Polyester fleece

Polyester fleece fabrics are everywhere. It’s one of the first invented and commonly used types of fleece textile. It is made with new or recycled polyester fleece. It is lightweight, durable, warm, and suitable for sports and day-to-day use.

Polar fleece

As the name suggests, polar fleece comes with a long and warm pile like a polar bear. It is the most insulating type of fleece fabric. It is used for heavy winter protection wear. Usually lighter and more convenient than wool.

Microfiber fleece

Microfiber fleece comes with shorter and more delicate piles. It has a soft silk-like texture and is more versatile in everyday use. Jersey joggers and other dresses are made with microfiber fleece.

Cotton fleece

Cotton fleece is a blend of cotton and fleece. It features the breathability of cotton and the warmth of fleece fabric. The fabric also has slightly more water absorption. Lightweight jackets, sweatpants, etc. are made with cotton fleece.

French Terry Fleece

French terry fleece is a combination of French terry and fleece fabric. The terry fabric is on the front side. And fleece stays in the inside part. This fabric allows the comfort of fleece and the style and utility of French terry fabric. 

There are a few other fleeces like hemp, bamboo and different blends.

Characteristics of Fleece fabric

As we describe, there are many different types of fleece fabric. There are differences in pile size, thickness, and uses. But most of them share some common traits. We have collected different types of fleece to share a real touch & feel experience.

Let’s find out the common features of this fabulous fabric.

Appearance

Fleece fabrics have a similar texture and look like wool fabric. The piles can be short to long. The cloth can be dyed in almost any color, but mostly neutral colors are used. It is stylish and nicely blends with any textiles and taste. Expensive fleece is more delicate. They have a luxurious feel and appeal. 

Thickness

Fleeces are fluffy, thick, and lightweight. Winter protective clothes are made with fleece cloths. On the other hand, short piles and relatively thin fleeces are used for sportswear and everyday use. Its fluffiness contributes to insulation, but it does not cause any irritation.

Softness

Fleece fabric is softer than regular wool fabric. It has a feather-like touch. The ultra-fine fibers of fleece textiles allow more softness and warmth. However, not all the fleece are similar in softness. Wool fabrics may irritate some individuals, but fleece is entirely skin-friendly and allergen-free. 

Yarn quality

This fabric can be made with two types of polyester: regular refined polyester and recycled polyester. There are very subtle differences in durability and quality among them. However, in terms of sustainability, recycled fleece fabrics are a lot more beneficial than regular ones.

Breathability

Fleece traps heat better than wool. But usually, it’s slightly less breathable than wool fabric. But that does not create any problem, as it protects you from itch and related skin irritation. We will discuss this in detail in the water absorption part.

Heat absorption

Fleece fabric keeps you warm inside, but it also protects you from outside heat. Due to its fluffy nature, the direct sunlight can not make it too hot. 

Stretch

Fleece does not stretch unless an elastic material is used. There are elastic trousers and sportswear for extra flexibility.

Water absorption

Fleece fabric has a notable water absorption character, which differs from that of tan wool. If we look closely, the fleece fabric features a dense centre and fluffy piles that remain in contact with the skin. The piles of fleece fabric absorb the moisture from the skin and transfer to the dense part. The moisture then evaporates, making you feel cool. As the evaporation happens away from the skin, it does not cause sweat-related irritations. 

In contrast, wool has a slightly water-repellent character. If you are going outdoors in cold, rainy conditions, wool clothes will be better than fleece.

Transparency

Fleece fabrics are not transparent at all. However, thinner and light-colored fleece may allow some light to pass through.

Shrinkage

This fabric does not shrink in general. But if you have a blend of cotton fleece, it may shrink a bit. Check the manufacturer’s care guide if you have other blends of fleece clothes.

Durability

Fleece textile is highly durable and damage-resistant. It does not lose its shape. But it is prone to pilling. Also, using harsh chemicals and washing powder may cause weakening and discoloration of piles. In comparison, fleece fabric is certainly more durable and convenient than animal-driven products.

Color retention

Fleece fabric retains color for a long time when maintained properly.

Fleece Fabric and Sustainability

Fleece fabric has both dark and light sides when it comes to environmental sustainability. Its effect on the earth depends on which part you choose. Approximately 40% of the carbon emissions from the fashion industry are attributed to polyester production. So, undoubtedly, fleece created from new polyester is bad for the environment,

But there is another side of the coin. Already, our soils and seas are flooded with leftover plastics. Those can be a great source of polyester. Already, many companies are producing fleece from polyester. 

But in reality, only 14% of fabrics are made with recycled materials. It could be 2-3 times higher for the fleece fabric. However, it still has no significant impact today. Now, everything is in your hands. Do you choose recycled or non-recycled fleece?

Uses of Fleece 

Fleece is quite versatile. We can use it for various purposes. The most basic use of this fabric is for winter wear. Jackets, hoodies, sweaters, and winter pants are made with fleece. 

Scarves, blankets, pullovers, and warps are also popular with this fabric. Gloves, hats, earmuffs, and other accessories are also popular made by fleece. Light fleece fabrics have a permanent place in the sports industry. Jersey, trousers, and tracksuits are made with it.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fleece 

Let’s see the pros and cons of fleece textiles. 

Advantages

• Lighter than most fabric of similar volume.
• It comes with high-insulating capabilities.
• Non-toxic and friendly to the skin.
• Does not cause irritation.
• Evaporates the sweat away from the body.
• Looks stylish and fashionable
• Soft and comfortable, suitable for babies to adults
• Easy to take care of.
• Mostly affordable and available everywhere.

Disadvantages

• Prone to pilling-related issues.
• Cause static charge.
• Environmental impact.

Fleece vs Wool 

Fleece and wool have similar looks and purposes, but they have some notable differences. 

Let’s point out the differences.

1. Wool fabric is derived from animal-based sources, such as sheep, goats, etc.  Fleece is made of polyester.
2. Polyester and wool are both very insulative, but polyester is quite light.
3. Wool can be a good option in the rain, as it can absorb up to 30% of water without feeling wet. Fleece absorbs water and gets wet fast.
4. Fleece is not biodegradable. Wool is biodegradable. Fleece also emits carbon in the production process.
5. Wool is a bit delicate and needs special care, such as hand wash. Fleece is machine washable.
6. Wool is generally more expensive than fleece.

How do you care for Fleece fabric?

Fleece fabric is not hard to take care of. 

Here are some tips that can help you.

• Check the manufacturer’s guide first. They will suggest the most specific way to care.
• Use mild detergent. Harsh detergents and chemicals may damage the softness, color, or durability.
• You can use a washing machine, but make sure to set it low.
• Air drying is best, but a low-heat dryer is also fine.
• Store in a cool, dark, and dry place.
• Do not dry directly in the sun.

Fleece Fabric by the yard

Fleece fabric is usually cheap, but obviously, there are categories of price. One can find cheaper ones for about 4$-10$ per yard. But standard and quality ones usually cost 10$-30$ per yard. Expensive and highest-quality fleece fabric may cost 40$-50$ or more per yard. 

Where can you buy Fleece Fabric?

Fleece is widely available both offline and online. Visit your nearest fabric market to buy your fabric by touch and feel. You can also find quality fleece fabric in online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy. However, it is not very clear to find good fabric, as the collection is vast.

Here are our suggestions.

• M Mute touch store
• RayLineDo
• EAGMAK
• BETTYFABRIC
• Big Z fabric

FAQ

Does fleece shrink?

No. Fleece fabrics are made of polyester, which does not shrink. Fleece fabrics with cotton blend may shrink a bit.

Is fleece fabric itchy? 

No. Fleece fabric is skin-friendly and does not cause itch or skin irritation. 

Conclusion

In this article about fleece, we prioritize the features and experience of this fabulous fabric. We also covered most of the essential details about it. Hope this is enough for you. 

Is Fleece not your type? Maybe wool, like Cashmere, will! Check the 9 best cashmere brands.