Fleece

Key features of fleece

The insulating properties of fleece are a major reason why the fabric is so popular. Fleece is loosely knitted, but it is then washed in a way that causes the material to shrink. Fleece used for blankets and soft clothing is brushed and sheared after washing, giving it a soft, wool-like texture. However, there is also fleece with a smoother structure that is used for medical applications, such as splints and braces, because it is stretchy yet sturdy.

Fleece absorbs less than 1 percent of its weight in water, compared to cotton fabrics, which can absorb up to about 20 percent. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The greatest advantage has to do with the insulation qualities of the fabric. Fleece remains a good insulator even when wet. However, fleece does not feel comfortable against wet or sweaty skin, which is why summer clothing is often made of more breathable fabrics. For winter clothing, fleece is ideal. Fleece is not windproof in itself, but it can be combined with materials that are. Softshell, which is used in many winter jackets, is an example of this.

Because fleece is a synthetic fabric, some people express concern about its environmental impact. The production of fleece does not impact the environment any more than other fabrics, especially since recycled materials such as plastic bottles and other types of fabrics are increasingly being used to make fleece. Polyester also contributes to the fabric's insulating properties. However, washing fleece can release microplastics into rivers and seas through waste water. Nevertheless, fleece needs to be washed less frequently than cotton.

What makes fleece so popular for clothing?

Fleece is a relatively recent invention. In 1979, American clothing manufacturers Malden Mills and Patagonia developed a fabric they called Synchilla. They wanted to develop a synthetic variant of chinchilla, a fabric that would mimic the soft but thick fur of the rodent. Synchilla was intended to offer the same benefits as the fur but improve on it where possible. The result was a fabric that was stronger and lighter than wool. Fleece is therefore an excellent alternative to wool for people who are allergic to wool or find the fiber too itchy.

When the patent for the fabric was applied for at the end of 1981, it was already known as "polar fleece," which is still the common term for the fabric in most English-speaking countries. The name literally means "polar fur," and this name promises a lot. Fleece can deliver on this promise, which is why the material quickly became popular for clothing that is intended to keep the wearer warm. Winter clothing is the clearest example, but fleece is also excellent for outdoor sports clothing. Fleece blankets are also very popular because they retain the body heat of the person under the blanket excellently, while repelling cold air.

Fleece is available in different thicknesses, which are expressed in grams per square metre (g/m2). The higher the number, the thicker the fabric. All fleece in the Quality Textiles webshop is between 200 and 300 g/m2. This means that the fabric is quite thick. However, fleece is easy to cut or trim, and is even easier to cut than some other common fabrics such as jersey. However, use a sharp knife or scissors.

Washing and caring for fleece

The biggest drawback of fleece is that it releases microplastics when washed. However, this may not be as great a problem as it seems at first. Because fleece absorbs almost no moisture, it repels perspiration and other bodily fluids. This means that fleece will need to be washed less frequently than most cotton fabrics. Moreover, fine polyamide wash bags are available that capture most of the microfibers that would normally go through the washing machine's filter. Fabric softener and bleach can damage the insulating properties of fleece. Instead, use a mild detergent that leaves the fabric intact.

Normally, it is sufficient to air dry fleece. Does the material smell so strongly that it still needs to be washed? Then turn the fleece clothing inside out to reduce wear on the outside. Fleece is a fabric that is perfect for the cold, but is not so good with heat. Therefore, a fleece blanket or fleece clothing should not be put in the dryer. It is better to hang the fabric on the clothesline or let it air dry indoors. For the same reason, fleece should not be ironed. The fibers will shrink and stick to the iron.

Buy fleece online

There are few fabrics more suitable for clothing than fleece that can keep the wearer warm. Quality Textiles has a wide range of high-quality fleece fabrics. From soft cuddle fleece to luxurious polar fleece in more than 30 different colors: we can supply the perfect fleece for your winter clothing. Would you prefer alternative warm fabrics? Wool and fur are also excellent for making warm clothing. If you cannot choose between two or more fabrics, our fabric experts will be happy to advise you.