Tag Archives: What Fabric Is Fleece

What Fabric Is Fleece?

27 Nov

In case you have owned a winter coat that was comparable to getting a warm hug, or have used a super soft blanket that almost made you quit your evening activities, then yes, you have already been enchanted by fleece. Nevertheless, some folks are still curious about what fabric is fleece and how it has managed to be one of the leading materials in clothing and home textiles of today.

This blog breaks down everything you need to know: what fabric is fleece made of, how it came to be, why it’s so widely loved, and how it compares to wool. And to make sure you stay awake through the educational bits, we’ll sprinkle in a little professional-friendly humour (the kind that won’t get you in trouble at work).

Understanding What Fabric Fleece Really Is

Fleece is a very soft, very light, very warm textile generally made of polyester, a synthetic fibre that comes from plastic. But no need to panic, it is not the rough, uncomfortable, crunchy plastic though. The cleverly developed process of melting, spinning, knitting and brushing slowly changes polyester into a puffy cloud-like substance that is excellent in retaining warmth.

Synthetic versions take the lead in the market, but fleece can still be manufactured from cotton, hemp, wool, or blended fibres. Its versatility, affordability, and comfort have raised fleece to the rank of a material for various products such as winter jackets and bedding, pyjamas, baby clothes, loungewear, and even clothing for pets.

So, the next time someone asks you what fabric is fleece, you can confidently say, “It’s basically engineered wool… without the sheep and without the weight-lifting session when it gets wet.”

How Fleece Is Made: The Transformation from Fibre to Fluff

The creation of fleece is almost like watching a science experiment become a comfort product.

The process starts with the melting of tiny plastic pellets, which are then turned into very fine wires with the help of a spinneret (a sophisticated metal device that resembles a very fancy showerhead). Later, the threads are knitted into fabric sheets. But the actual enchantment takes place later—the fabric is brushed on both sides many times to get the soft, plush feel that fleece is renowned for, by raising the fibres.

Through this brushing method, minuscule air pockets are captured, which perform the role of insulators. Thus, fleece becomes warm, but the weight is not there. It is nearly a cheat for the fabric industry that they discovered how to produce a very light and warm fabric. In contrast, the wool is struggling in the shadow, soaked with its own weight.

A Quick Look at the History of Fleece

The tale of fleece is traced back to the 1970s, when Malden Mills, a company that later changed its name to Polartec, was the one that made polyester fleece for the first time. During this time, the outdoor brand Patagonia joined forces with them to make Synchilla fleece, which soon became a revolutionary material for mountaineers, hikers, and everyday winter warriors alike.

Interestingly, the owner of Malden Mills, Aaron Feuerstein, refused to patent the invention. This meant other manufacturers could recreate fleece, making it widely accessible and affordable. A rare moment in business history where generosity led to global comfort. (Imagine if smartphone companies operated the same way. We’d all be billionaires by now.)

What Fabric is Fleece: Its Key Characteristics

Fleeces are among the most favoured ones of fabrics simply because they possess a number of excellent qualities. Its heat retention and insulating ability made it ideal for winter wear. It spreads perspiration over the surface of the fabric, thus keeping you dry and warm even when wet. Another of its properties is its lightness—compared to wool, which becomes heavy when wet, fleece continues to be as light as a feather.

The very characteristic of the “napped” surface gives fleece the quality of softness to such an extent that even babies or people with sensitive skin can use it. Adding to the good points fleece has, it also fights against pilling, and it keeps its shape through washing, hence it’s very easy care; just machine wash.

Fleece vs. Wool: Which One Wins?

The decision of the matter between fleece and wool is purely a matter of preference. Fleece has a lot going for it; it is light, soft, cheap, and dries fast. On the other hand, wool is biodegradable, thus making its green point (unless the contest is between wool and fleece made of plastic bottles, in that case, fleece is the winner).

Wool does stay warm even when it is soaked; however, it takes in moisture and can be very heavy. Fleece, on the other hand, is quite strong against water, making it ideal for quick-drying clothes and outdoor wear. Although both fabrics have similar breathability, fleece usually wins in comfort for everyday use, especially for people who find wool itchy.

Final Thoughts

The very concept of fabric fleece makes one realise its benefits in the areas of winter wear, furniture sheds, and even outdoor gear. Its comfort, warmth, durability, and price have made fleece still a favourite among different age groups, and that’s the other good reason. Fleece is a mix of performance and gentleness that is reliable whether you are picking clothes for adventure, warmth for home or comfort for kids.

About Us

At PeachFur Fleece, our priority is to merge comfort and craftsmanship with our luxurious fleece duvet covers, throws, and custom-designed products. With our supply of high-quality fleece blankets in bulk to retailers, organisations, and speciality projects, we can provide large-scale warmth that is reliable. Our promise is not complicated: we want to give the public fleece products that are pleasant to touch, durable, and help make comfortable living a standard in every place they are used.

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