Fleece has found its way to high-performance outerwear to soft throw blankets as a comfortable fabric to wear, be warm, and be various. But fleece has more to fly than its plush touch. This blog will unravel it all: what fleece is, how it is produced, how it can be used on a multitude of applications, and how it is transforming to be more sustainable. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, a green consumer, or a company seeking quality blanks, knowing about fleece could make you have a different approach to your clothes.
What is Fleece?
Fleece is a warm, shaggy material of polyester- not wool as many believe. It is lightweight, breathable and will make you warm without bulking. Fleece dries quickly and is simple to take care of, and is a great option to use in winter coats or in lounge outfits.
The Origin and History of Fleece
Fleece was inspired in the late seventies when Polartec (formerly Malden Mills) partnered with Patagonia to develop an alternative to wool that was warmer and more useful. By the early eighties polar fleece was developed, soft, durable, cheap and free of animals. In a risky step, Malden Mills did not patent it, and fleece went flying into fashion and further. It is everywhere today, in outdoor gear or in comfy home decor.
How is Fleece Made?
The very complicated process of making fleece begins with synthetic fibers such as polyester. These fibers are then twisted into a thread, are knitted into a cloth and then brushed to stand up the fibers and make their trademark fluffy finish. Although made of synthetic materials, fleece is cost efficient and can be manufactured on a large scale, thus making it popular around the world. Due to the changing textile technology, fleece can now be composed using recycled plastic bottles, a much better way of securing a significantly better environmental footprint without affecting its quality.
Materials Used in Fleece Production
Fleece is crafted out of PET- the same type of plastic found in water bottles. It is melted, twisted into fibers and weaved. Cotton, wool or spandex can be added to some blends to make it soft or stretchy. Recycled PET is used by more brands and becomes wearable comfort.
The Manufacturing Process of Fleece
Fleece begins with melted PET pellets that are turned into fibers, which are then knitted into a fabric. It is brushed to make it soft and fuzzy and clipped down to a nice finish. Drugs such as anti-pilling or dyeing follow. The result? that kind of cozy, snugly-fleary feel we all adore.
Types of Fleece Fabric
Fleece is not a multi-purpose type of fabric. Not all types are identical, and each one is aimed at certain applications and comfort. The plethora of fleece choices, including ultra-light microfleece to plush sherpa enables the designer and consumer to select the material that perfectly fits their purposes. We shall have a closer look at these most popular fleece materials on the market today.
Polar Fleece
The most familiar and most common type of fleece is a polar fleece. It is medium to heavy weight and is meant to keep warm even during freezing. Polar fleece is a durable and soft material that is waterproof and fast drying, thus suitable as outdoor clothing, jackets, Sweatshirts & Hoodies. It comes in several different thicknesses (measured in grams per square meter or GSM) so the user can choose the appropriate weight to be used in their climate or activity level.
Microfleece
Fleece: Microfleece is the lightest and thinnest type of fleece that is a good layering choice or can be worn right against the skin. It has great moisture-wicking features and is widely used in athletic clothes, base-layer, and even baby clothes. Though rather thin, microfleece is surprisingly warm and has the breathability and flexibility. It is also easy to pack and is ideal in travelling and active lifestyles. Shop the following at affordable prices:
- Men's Camouflage Microfleece Full-Zip Jacket
- Men's Full-Zip Heather Microfleece Lightweight Jacket
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Men's Heather Microfleece Half-Zip Pullover Sweater
Sherpa Fleece
Sherpa fleece is a heavy, ultra soft material, meant to imitate the feel of natural sheepskin. It is usually light and fluffy piled on one side and a smooth knit bottom on the other. Sherpa is famous because of its unbelievable coziness and visual effect, since it could be used as a lining in an outer garment or as a statement material in warm winter clothing. You will also see sherpa in blankets, vests and lounge robes, where comfort is king.
Recycled Fleece
Due to the change in the fashion industry towards sustainability, recycled fleece is on the rise. Created using post-consumer plastic material, water bottles to be more precise, this eco-friendly material retains all the warmth, durability, and softness of regular fleece and has a substantially smaller carbon footprint. Recycled fleece is a smarter, more conscientious option to stay comfortable without hurting the planet, and is finding its way into activewear and fashion.
Benefits of Fleece
Fleece is not only a trend, but also a comforter. Cushy, cozy, and designed to work out, it is ideal to do exercises, meet friends, and any activity in the middle. Layer up, or lounge it out--fleece keeps it warm without the weight. Let us venture into the reasons why everybody loves it.
Why is Fleece So Popular?
Fleece is a warm, low-maintenance and soft fabric that is popular among all people, such as athletes, parents, and designers. It is all around: hoodies, blankets, pet gear, and high fashion. Fleece is not a fad, it is a flexible staple, but it continues to develop.
Lightweight and Comfortable
One of fleece’s biggest perks? Warmth without the weight. It is light, soft, and not bulky- it can be layered or worn alone during cool weather. Hiking, commuting, or simply lounging, fleece will keep you warm and free to move, with an element of day-to-day luxury.
Shop now the best-selling kids collection:
Excellent Insulation Properties
And don't fool you with the lightweight--fleece is a master of granting protection. The reason is that its fuzzy surface traps heat as it traps pockets of air where it forms a breathable surface barricading the cold. Fleece is ideal in winter training or hiking the mountains and it keeps you warm without being bulky or sweaty.
Moisture-Wicking and Quick-Drying
Fleece is unique in being moisture wicking. Fleece does not absorb moisture, like cotton, which absorbs it, and dries quickly, keeping you dry and comfortable. Rain or snow? No problem. Ideal on the workouts, outdoor activities, or any other weather challenges that come your way. It was constructed to work--and it looks like it. Shop now:
- Men's 3-In-1 Water-Resistant Jacket with Fleece Liner
- Men's Full-Zip Enhanced Value Fleece Jacket
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Men's Full-Zip Digi Stripe Fleece Jacket
Fleece vs. Other Fabrics: What Makes It Unique?
Badges of cozy clothing abound, but fleece is flexible. We can compare it with wool, cotton and polyester to understand why fleece really shines.
Fleece vs. Wool
Wool is cozy and rough and yet it is bulky, scratchy and expensive to keep up. Fleece has the same warm feel, but without the bulk, scratch or bother. It is hypoallergenic, fast-drying and less expensive to your pocket. Classic is cozy, yet fleece is contemporary.
Fleece vs. Cotton
Cotton is very hot weather–easy, light, breathable. But in the cold or wet? It absorbs water and is wet. Fleece is fast-dry, waterproof and warm even when it is moist. Fleece is the best in keeping one warm and dry.
Fleece vs. Polyester
Fleece is the warm up of polyester. Whereas normal polyester is slim and slick, fleece is brushed to give that warm, puffy touch and added coziness. They are both waterproof and lightweight and fleece adds the snuggle; ideal in cold days.
Uses of Fleece
Fleece isn’t just for winter—it’s everywhere. Loungewear, hiking gear, home goods and workwear, this soft, warm and lightweight fabric can do it all. Whether you are on the trail or sitting on the couch, fleece will make you comfortable, warm, and prepared for anything.
Everyday Clothing
Fleece is snug and breezy--not heavy, and ideal on a cool day or when loitering at home. What began as equipment now is streetwear and even high-end fashion, what suits your mood, wherever you are. For day long comfort prefer giving try to:
Fleece Jackets and Hoodies
Next to nothing is as comforting as a fleece jacket or hoodie. These wardrobe essentials are popular because of their interiors, breathable warmth, and unparalleled coziness. They fit well under other garments, and thus they are perfect in the fall and spring as they offer good transitional value in colder seasons. Fleece hoodies have become a trend, popular among not only athletes and creatives but CEOs on casual Fridays. Fleece outerwear is the best compromise between comfort and style with zip-up or pullover garments, kangaroo pockets and lined hoods.
Fleece Pants and Leggings
Fleece-lined pants and leggings have now become the underdogs to keeping warm without losing out on performance or style. Be it joggers to relax in, fleece leggings to exercise in during the winter season, or lined pants to travel in during the cold, all these items provide an opportunity to be both functional and snug and fit. The inner fleece layer assists in keeping your body warm and so they are ideal to use under jeans or even alone on a cold day. They are particularly popular with athletes, yoga lovers and outdoor runners who need that added thermal power without the extra bulk.
Outdoor and Sportswear
Fleece is an essential item in the outdoor lover and sportsmen because of its breathability, moisture-wicking qualities, along with insulation, which remains lightweight. It is used in mid-layers, vests, and pullovers in outdoor brands designed to be performance based and portable. To summits to trails, fleece is on your side.
Fleece for Hiking and Camping
For hikers and campers, fleece isn’t just fabric—it’s survival gear. It comes in lightweight warmth, dries fast, and packs small, which makes it ideal to layer as the temperatures drop. At sunset or in the rain, fleece will keep you warm but not heavy. Shop in bulk:
- Men's Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie
- Women's Full-Zip Lightweight Microfleece Vest
- JustBlanks Women's Full-Zip Midweight Value Fleece Vest
Fleece for Winter Sports
Fleece is a winter sports MVP whether it is skiing or skating. Since it is a base or mid-layer, it captures heat, and wicks moisture, keeping the athletes warm and dry. Gloves, Jackets & Vests and more Fleece industry clothing is created to be performance, flexible, and breathable, and used by both professionals and leisure users.
Home and Lifestyle
Fleece is not worn--it is lived in. At home, it transforms small things into soft pleasures, be it reading, binge-watching or bed-layering. Fleece is soft and cozy, a blanket, throw and robe staple that brings comfort and warmth to any corner of your space. Free shipping on orders over $149!
Fleece Accessories
Fleece coziness extends beyond the clothes, accessories such as scarves, beanies, mittens, and socks make you warm and cool. There are also lined shoes, ear warmers, sleep masks and even pet products available by brands. Ideal as a gift or even self-treat, these warm-up basics will take the frosty days a lot higher. You only need to wear fleece-lined gloves once and you won’t regret it.
Industrial and Specialized Uses
Fleece is not only fashion--it is a workhorse in rugged industries. Its heat and toughness ensure comfort of workers in difficult environments. Fireproof, anti-static, and waterproof fleece are used in construction, logistics, and agriculture, with a mix of performance and safety when it is most needed at the workplace.
Fleece in Workwear
Wearable in the cold outdoors or in chilly warehouses, the fleece-lined workwear is a blend of warmth and freedom to move around. Jackets, coveralls and vests are insulated and during extended shifts, the heat gets trapped and reinforced seams and waterproof shells are used to extend the life of the garments. Previously geared towards comfort, fleece has become an effective workhorse in harsh workplaces all over the world.
Is Fleece Sustainable?
It is a big deal in the fashion industry and fleece is about to take on sustainability. Modern fleece is now being overhauled with a green makeover once it was struck as being synthetic. It has become a comfortable option, and it is less harmful to the earth with recycled materials and smarter production. Warm for you, cool for Earth.
Environmental Impact of Fleece
Despite being versatile and popular, traditional fleece has a price to the environment. It is manufactured primarily of petroleum-based polyester, which is fossil-based and produces greenhouse gases. Fleece is not biodegradable as natural fibers are and may take centuries to break down in a landfill. As the demand grows, we obviously need smarter solutions that are greener.
The Role of Synthetic Materials
PET of soda bottles is mostly turned into fleece, and cannot naturally decompose, but it can be easily recycled. This resistance to moisture and durability is wonderful, but waste management is important. It’s not abandoning synthetics, it’s reusing them, and the fleece is already on the frontline.
Microplastics and Their Effect on Oceans
The greatest environmental concern of fleece is the pollution of microplastic. When we wash fleece we are sending minute plastic pieces through filters into waterways, an action that kills marine animals and puts them into our food chain. It is an under-the-surface yet real issue. Fortunately, new technologies such as microfiber-harvesting laundry bags and low-shed fleece technology are easing the burden on this effect.
The Rise of Recycled Fleece
It is all the turning of trash into treasure and that is the future of fleece. Fleece (rPET) is an alternative to using plastic bottles and waste to create soft, warm clothes. Other brands are also hopping on the wagon and are providing eco-friendly fleece in all items of outdoor apparel as well as comfortable loungewear. Same cozy feel, way smaller footprint.
How Recycled Fleece is Made
Fleece recycling begins with plastic bottle collection, which undergoes cleaning, shredding, melting and spinning of the finished product in additional fibers. Then it is woven like ordinary fleece--knitted, brushed and finished. The result? A warm and smooth material that looks and feels like standard fleece but has a significantly less negative impact on the environment. It is the circle of life in fashion where waste becomes wearable warmth.
Benefits of Using Recycled Fleece
Recycled fleece wins the game by dumping plastic waste on landfills and oceans and consuming less energy and water than new polyester-reducing its carbon footprint. It has the same soft, durable, warm feel you want, too. To brands and shoppers it is comfort, quality and conscience in a warm upside down.
Tips for Reducing Fleece’s Environmental Footprint
Sustainability is not only what you purchase, it is also the manner in which you put your clothes to use and treat them. Mindful actions also help you reduce the negative effects of your fleece on the environment by prolonging its life. It begins with awareness and concludes with purposefulness.
Choosing Sustainable Brands
Be sustainable in support by opting to use brands that are using recycled materials, practicing ethical business, and maintaining a transparent supply chain. Look for certifications like GRS or OEKO-TEX for peace of mind. The current environmentally friendly fleece demonstrates that you can sacrifice neither fashion nor quality to the environment. Each and every purchase is a vote to a greener future.
Proper Care to Extend Fleece Lifespan
Proper care of your fleece can make it last longer- and reduce microplastic pollution. Clean it less frequently, cold water and adherence to soft cycles. Invert, use liquid detergent and place them in a microfiber-catching laundry bag. When you can, bypass the dryer, air drying will preserve the fibers. Big impact, small steps- to your fleece and the planet.
Final Thoughts!
In conclusion, Fleece is more than a fabric, and it is a prospective multifunctional fabric that is style-function-sustainable. Whether it is cold morning drives or innovative branding, it brings the coziness with a purpose and shows that comfort can be comfortable without losing productivity.
We believe in fleece and at JustBlanks, it feels good as it works. Our luxury blanks are made to be customized, designed to be robust, and driven by the vision of a more eco-friendly tomorrow- because an easy life should always have less impact.
