Quick Answer: What Type of Fabric Is Fleece?
So, what type of fabric is fleece? Fleece is a soft, synthetic fabric typically made from polyester fibers that are brushed to create a plush, insulating texture similar to wool—but lighter, warmer, and easier to maintain.
It’s one of the most popular materials used in cold-weather clothing and cozy home accessories. Businesses sourcing fleece blankets wholesale or fleece blankets bulk often choose it for its warmth, durability, and affordability. Whether it’s a stylish jacket or a warm throw, fleece delivers comfort without compromising on performance or cost.
Now let’s dive deeper.

The Soft Science Behind Fleece Fabric
Few fabrics can match the warmth-to-weight ratio of fleece. It’s soft, it’s cozy, and it’s become an everyday essential—from athletic gear and winter wear to baby clothes and home décor. But despite its natural feel, fleece is not derived from animals like wool; it’s an entirely man-made textile innovation.
Understanding what type of fabric fleece really is can help consumers, retailers, and manufacturers appreciate its versatility. It also sheds light on why fleece blankets wholesale and fleece blankets bulk have become a booming market segment worldwide, especially for hospitality, promotional, and retail businesses.
1. What Exactly Is Fleece Fabric?
Fleece is a synthetic fabric primarily made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—the same material used in plastic bottles. It was developed in the late 1970s by the textile company Malden Mills (now Polartec) as a lightweight, warm, and vegan-friendly alternative to wool.
The result was revolutionary. Fleece mimicked the insulating qualities of wool but eliminated issues like heaviness, itchiness, and slow drying. Unlike natural fibers, it doesn’t absorb water easily, making it perfect for activewear and outdoor clothing.
Today, fleece is produced in many variations—microfleece, polar fleece, sherpa fleece, coral fleece, and more—each suited for different comfort and performance needs.
2. The Manufacturing Process: How Fleece Is Made?
The creation of fleece begins with polyester fibers, which are spun from molten plastic pellets. These fibers are then knitted tightly to form a fabric base. Once the fabric is woven, it undergoes a process called napping, where metal brushes raise the fibers to create that signature soft, fluffy surface.
This brushing process is done on one or both sides, depending on the desired texture and insulation level. Finally, the fleece is sheared to remove excess fibers, giving it a uniform thickness and smooth finish.
Some manufacturers also use recycled PET bottles to make eco-friendly fleece, reducing plastic waste. This sustainable approach has gained popularity among brands seeking environmentally conscious production methods.
3. Characteristics That Define Fleece Fabric
Fleece stands out for its unique combination of warmth, softness, and breathability. Here’s a breakdown of its defining qualities:
- Lightweight Warmth: Fleece traps air between fibers, providing insulation without bulk.
- Moisture Resistance: Unlike cotton or wool, fleece wicks moisture away, keeping the wearer dry.
- Fast-Drying: Perfect for outdoor or sportswear as it dries quickly after washing.
- Softness and Comfort: Its velvety texture makes it gentle on the skin.
- Durability: Fleece holds up well to frequent washing and use.
- Hypoallergenic: Since it’s synthetic, fleece avoids the allergens sometimes found in natural fibers like wool or down.
These attributes make fleece ideal for use in fleece blankets wholesale and fleece blankets bulk manufacturing, where comfort and longevity are top priorities for hotels, hospitals, and retail businesses.
4. Types of Fleece and Their Uses
Fleece isn’t a single type of fabric—it’s a family of textiles with varied thickness, texture, and use.
a. Polar Fleece
The most common type, known for warmth and medium thickness. Used in jackets, sweatshirts, and blankets.
b. Microfleece
Thinner and lighter, ideal for base layers or baby clothing. It’s soft to touch and provides breathable warmth.
c. Sherpa Fleece
Features a fluffy, sheep-like surface often used in linings or plush blankets. Perfect for luxurious comfort.
d. Coral Fleece
A smoother and denser version of fleece, used in loungewear and premium throw blankets.
e. Berber Fleece
Textured like curly wool, used in outerwear and stylish home décor.
Each variation offers a distinct balance of softness, insulation, and weight—making fleece one of the most adaptable fabrics ever created.
5. Comparing Fleece with Other Fabrics
| Fabric Type | Warmth | Breathability | Maintenance | Moisture Resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleece | High | High | Easy | Excellent | Low |
| Wool | High | Moderate | Requires Care | Moderate | High |
| Cotton | Moderate | High | Easy | Poor | Moderate |
| Polyester (Unbrushed) | Moderate | High | Easy | Excellent | Low |
Fleece combines the best of all worlds—warm like wool, easy to care for like cotton, and quick-drying like polyester. This explains why it dominates the market for cozy products, from jackets to fleece blankets bulk orders for institutional use.
6. Why Fleece Is So Popular in Blankets?
Blankets made from fleece are synonymous with comfort and practicality. Here’s why:
- Warmth without Weight: Perfect for year-round use.
- Durable and Easy to Wash: Retains softness even after dozens of laundry cycles.
- Color Retention: Fleece resists fading, keeping designs vibrant longer.
- Customizable: Ideal for printing logos, slogans, or designs for promotional purposes.
- Affordable: Makes it suitable for fleece blankets wholesale suppliers catering to large orders.
Hotels, hospitals, schools, and event organizers often buy fleece blankets bulk because they provide premium comfort at a fraction of the cost of natural materials.
7. Environmental Considerations: Is Fleece Sustainable?
While fleece offers many benefits, it’s not without environmental challenges. Since it’s made from plastic-based polyester, traditional fleece isn’t biodegradable. Moreover, microfibers can shed during washing and enter waterways.
However, the industry is evolving. Many manufacturers now use recycled polyester to produce eco-friendly fleece, significantly reducing the carbon footprint. Consumers can also minimize microfiber pollution by washing fleece items in cold water and using specialized laundry bags or filters.
With sustainability on the rise, recycled fleece blankets are becoming increasingly popular in both retail and fleece blankets wholesale markets.
8. Care Tips for Fleece Product
To extend the lifespan and softness of fleece, follow these expert care tips:
- Wash in Cold Water: Hot water can damage fibers and cause pilling.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: They can clog fleece fibers and reduce breathability.
- Use Mild Detergent: Harsh chemicals can wear down the plush texture.
- Air Dry or Tumble Low: High heat can melt or deform synthetic fibers.
- Brush Lightly: A soft fabric brush helps restore the fluffy surface if it becomes matted.
Proper care ensures that fleece products—especially fleece blankets bulk orders—stay soft, durable, and attractive even after repeated use.
9. Industries That Rely on Fleece Fabric
Fleece is used in almost every industry where warmth, comfort, or branding matters. Some common applications include:
- Hospitality: Cozy bed throws and winter comforters.
- Healthcare: Lightweight blankets for hospitals and clinics.
- Corporate Gifting: Custom-branded fleece throws for promotional campaigns.
- Retail & eCommerce: Stylish fleece apparel and accessories.
- Outdoor Gear: Jackets, gloves, and sleeping bags.
The combination of low cost and high appeal makes fleece a top choice for fleece blankets wholesale distributors and manufacturers worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Fleece represents one of the most successful textile innovations of the modern era—an affordable, high-performance, and endlessly versatile fabric. Its ability to combine softness, warmth, and durability explains why it’s found everywhere—from cozy household blankets to mountaineering gear.
For businesses, investing in fleece blankets wholesale or fleece blankets bulk provides an unbeatable balance of quality and value. For consumers, fleece remains a go-to comfort companion—light on weight, big on warmth, and timeless in appeal.
So, the next time you wrap yourself in a fleece throw or pull on a fleece hoodie, you’ll know: this isn’t just a soft fabric—it’s a perfect blend of science, comfort, and practicality.



