What Are Fleece Blankets Made Of?

29 Dec

Perhaps you have once snugly wrapped yourself in a fleece blanket on a chilly night, in which case you should already know that it feels good immediately. One specific thing people seldom get to ponder about is why it feels comforting. This very curiosity is what generally gives rise to just one fundamental but quite persuasive query, “What is the fleece blanket made of?”

This blog is out to answer that question in the simplest ways possible. No heavy code or theoretical jargon. Just answer the question simply so we can get their practical significance in real-life scenarios, and so you can have a few “I see now” moments.

Understanding Fleece Before We Talk About Materials

We should understand what Fleece is. As far as we think, it comes from sheep, fleece wool, as its name suggests, that, despite its name, fleece does not come from sheep. The affection for fleece is discovered through the same factors negating its origins. Keeping warmth, a soft touch, and the ability to trap heat for warmth sum up the case of fleece, but the material itself differs dramatically.

Fleece is an artificial fabric mainly used for imitating wool but is much lighter in weight and reduced in itchiness and care-handling components; therefore, it feels soft and cosy while competing with any available traditional fabric in terms of wicking properties.

The Main Answer: What Are Fleece Blankets Made Of?

Most fleece blankets have a polyester weave as their base; polyester is a synthetic fibre produced from petroleum-based products, though it may sound very industrial, but in reality, this is what makes fleece most admired by the world.

The individual fibres of polyester are incredibly fine. When turned into fabric by the process of brushing, tiny air pockets are thus formed at the surface. These air pockets hold body heat, making the fleece blanket snug and warm almost directly after use. It’s not the thick fleece that makes the fleece warm, but the trapped air!

This is also why fleece blankets are so lightweight. You get warmth without the heavy, suffocating feel that some thick blankets have.

Why Polyester Works So Well for Fleece Blankets

The reasons that make polyester the backbone of fleece blankets are sturdy, meaning that it holds well even after many washings, does not shrink and stretch making sure that your blanket stays the same size and shape over all those uses, and dry very fast-isn’t that just the cherry on the cake, especially if you have seen instances where you attempt to pull a moist blanket?

Polyester fleece is practical too, perhaps easy-going on upkeep. All you need for fleece is no special textiles, only laundry. This makes it suitable for everyday use at home and in dormitories, while even casually travelling or outdoors.

Recycled Polyester: The More Eco-Conscious Option

Many fleece covers today are made from recycled polyethene terephthalate. This fleece comes from beginning as pet or h2o bottles, then is washed in caustic soda, and sunlight dried on fields, using the majority of recycled plastic bottles. Streams of the yarn are quickly made in the same soft fleece as one would guess in virgin polyester.

Comfort remains mostly at a constant level, but the environmental footprint is radically changed. Recycled fleece products make a dent in plastic waste and reduce the need for new raw materials. This is not a bad way for people who want some body heat in the midst of guilt without feeling any added heat.

An interesting real-life example is outdoor throw blankets and easy travel blankets. Many of them do, in fact, quietly consist of recycled polyester without the least hint of it happening to their truly soft textures.

Cotton Blends and Why Pure Cotton Isn’t Enough

Certain fleece blankets that are available contain a blend of cotton since a blend is made up of cotton together with polyester, not just cotton alone. Pure cotton does not retain heat effectively, as it means that heat loss occurs after getting wet, so purely because of its material and its limited softness, cotton by itself is not the best for a fleece.

When polyester blends with cotton, it adds the element of breathability and softness, provided by polyester for warmth and structure. These blankets tend to be slightly less “fluffy” but are wonderful for mild weather or winter use indoors when overheating is a concern.

Bamboo and Hemp: Natural Fibres Enter the Scene

Fleece blankets incorporating bamboo and hemp are essential and popular today. The population now prefers these performance-friendly materials by including some synthetics into the mix.

Bamboo fleece has been noted for being ultra-soft and moisture-wicking in nature, while possessing mild antibacterial properties that minimise odour for a longer duration. In contrast, hemp fleece is really tough and sturdy, and thus also lasts forever and, somewhat comfortably, feels natural once softened with processing.

These materials are still less common than polyester fleece, but they are growing in popularity, especially among eco-focused buyers.

How Fleece Blanket Fabric Is Made (In Simple Terms)

Once the fibres are ready, they are twisted into threads. Instead of weaving, jersey is commonly knitted; this gives the fabric elasticity. Knitting maintains its airiness in the fabric as well, making it lighter and more breathable.

Brushing follows knitted articles, going a step further in value addition. It is where all the magic happens. Thin brushes on the face surface of the fabric smooth against the fibres, yielding this characteristic hairy or fluffy touch. Brushes slightly lift the pile for more softness, more air pockets, and, in conclusion, more warmth.

The fabric finally undergoes a treatment to extend its durability. The heat setting prevents shrinking, and it gets treated with an anti-pilling finish to keep the surface from pilling if pressure is applied due to rough use over time.

Why Material Choice Matters More Than You Think

Not all fleece blankets look the same because not all fleece is created in a similar way. The fibre type, brushing process, and finish treatments can impact the warmth, softness, and life of a fleece blanket.

If ever any of you thought why a fleece blanket would last forever while another would start losing nubbiness after just a few washes, the group of materials would answer it all almost every time.

Caring for Fleece Based on What It’s Made Of

Fleece blankets are generally easy to care for, but material still matters. That being said, washing fleece in cold water will prevent firmness from developing. Fabric softeners may seem helpful, but they, in fact, discharge a coating on the fibres that works against the fleece in trapping warmth over time.

Air drying or using low heat is the safest way to keep fleece blankets looking and feeling good for years.

Clearing a Few Common Myths About Fleece

Many people consider fleece to be warm because it is thick. In reality, the warmth in fleece comes from the air that is trapped. Another common misconception is that fleece belongs to the natural fibres like wool, whereas in reality, most fleece is synthetic. Some have the belief that fleece is bad for the environment, but this is not true anymore because of the recycled and plant-based choices.

Understanding these details helps you make better choices instead of relying on assumptions.

A Warm Closing: Knowledge Meets Quality

Now that you know the materials used in making fleece blankets, you can’t help but come to appreciate the feeling of quality fleece. Material really does make a difference. So, too, does how it was made, and we can assure you that experience does matter, too.

We have long been venturing into the production of top-line fleece products for over 21 years. For us, fleece is not merely a fabric, but rather our area of focus; something we brandish with pride and insight. Such fleece products range from classic 70″ x 54″ blanket throws to baby blankets, fleece blankets wholesale, picnic blankets, and our all-in-one in-flight travel system, the inimitable Travel Billow.

We are more than happy to help you in your search for that perfect fleece blanket right for your specific wholesale needs, whenever you want customised quality and a real customer service friend in the world.

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