Understanding the Definition of Fleece
Fleece is a soft, napped fabric built for warmth, most commonly knit from polyester rather than woven.
Key Takeaways
- Fleece is a napped, insulating fabric, usually knit from polyester; it is not a weave and not a single fiber.
- The two definitions, sheep’s wool coat vs. synthetic fabric, must be separated on a purchase order.
- Buyers select fleece by GSM weight, pile type, and finish (anti-pill, single- vs double-sided), not by name alone.
- Polar, micro, coral, and sherpa fleece cover most B2B end uses from linings to outerwear.
What Does Sheep's Fleece Mean? (Definition)
Fleece is chiefly a noun in livestock and textile use; that everyday usage is separate from the animal-coat and fabric definitions buyers deal with. Fleece can mean the wool obtained from a sheep at one shearing, or the coat shorn from a similar animal, and, in textile sourcing, it means a soft, napped fabric built for warmth, usually knit from polyester rather than woven, with a brushed surface that traps air.
For wholesalers, manufacturers, garment importers, home-textile buyers, and anyone sourcing fleece fabric for apparel or home textiles, that distinction affects material choice, finish, cost, and end-use performance. From the definition of fleece to fleece fabric types, knit versus woven construction, GSM weight, key properties, common uses, and sourcing advice from suppliers like MH, this guide is designed to help you match the right fleece to the product and margin you need.
Is Fleece a Knit or a Woven Fabric?
Most commercial fleece is knit, then brushed (napped) on one or both faces to raise the fibers that give it loft and softness, creating a soft, warm fabric used for clothing and other textile products; Polar fleece is a synthetic type. That knit base is why fleece stretches slightly, resists fraying, and stays lightweight for its warmth. The nap, not the weave, is the defining feature.
Some specialty fleeces are made by matting fibers into a non-woven, felt-like structure, but for apparel and home textiles the knit-and-brush construction dominates. When you specify fleece, confirm whether the nap is single-sided (smooth back) or double-sided (brushed both faces).
What Are the Main Types of Wool Shorn and Dutch Vlies Fleece Fabric?
For wholesalers and manufacturers, the practical differences between fleece types come down to pile, weight, and end use, not just the name on the label, and buyers may also see descriptors like soft nap or deep pile on spec sheets. Here are the types most likely to appear on a spec sheet:
| Fleece type | Typical GSM | Character | Best-fit application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfleece | 100–200 gsm | Thin, light nap, breathable | Base layers, lining garments, light pullovers |
| Polar fleece | 200–300 gsm | Midweight, warm, durable | Jackets, blankets, outdoor apparel |
| Heavy / anti-pill polar | 300–400+ gsm | Dense, structured, warmest | Heavy outerwear, workwear |
| Coral fleece | 180–280 gsm | Long soft pile, very plush | Robes, blankets, home textiles |
| Sherpa fleece | 250–400 gsm | Curly, wool-like face | Linings, jacket collars, throws |
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Microfleece is the lightweight workhorse for linings and base layers where breathability matters more than bulk.
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Polar fleece is the default midweight polyester fleece for jackets, blankets, and outdoor gear; it does not absorb moisture, which helps keep the wearer dry.
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Coral fleece carries a longer, plusher deep pile prized for robes and home textiles.
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Sherpa fleece mimics a shearling look and is used mostly in heavier winter products, with its polyester construction contrasting with cotton fabrics.
How Is Fleece Fabric Weight Measured? (GSM Guide)
Fleece is bought and sold by GSM (grams per square meter), which is the single most important number after fiber content. Higher GSM means more warmth, more weight, and more yarn cost per meter, so matching GSM to the end garment protects both performance and margin. A base-layer lining and a heavy work jacket may both say "fleece," but they sit at opposite ends of the weight scale.
| GSM range | Weight class | Typical end use |
|---|---|---|
| 100–180 gsm | Light | Linings, base layers, children’s wear |
| 180–260 gsm | Medium | Pullovers, mid-layers, blankets |
| 260–340 gsm | Heavy | Jackets, outerwear, cold-weather gear |
| 340+ gsm | Extra heavy | Workwear, technical outdoor apparel |
When you request a quote, state the target GSM (or an acceptable range), the fiber content, and the finish. That lets any supplier price like-for-like and hold the weight consistent across reorders.
What Are the Key Properties of the Woolly Coat Fleece?
Fleece's commercial value rests on a few properties buyers can rely on: warmth for very little weight, a soft brushed hand, unlike the heavier durability associated with leather, quick drying, and easy care. The brushed pile traps air, which is what delivers the insulation, and fleece is a pile used for warmth and garment linings; polyester's hydrophobic fiber means it does not soak up moisture and dries fast; and the knit base makes it forgiving to cut and sew. These traits are why fleece spans base layers, mid-layers, blankets, and outerwear from one material family.
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Warmth-to-weight — traps air in the nap for high insulation at low weight.
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Moisture management — polyester fleece does not absorb water and dries quickly.
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Soft hand-feel — the brushed pile gives the plush, cozy surface buyers expect.
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Easy care & durable — machine-washable, fray-resistant, holds up to repeat wear, though finishes and fabric quality also affect pilling resistance and static electricity.
Where Is Fleece Used?
In apparel, fleece is widely used for outdoor garments as well as jackets, mid-layers, hoodies, hats, and linings because it delivers warmth without bulk. In home textiles, the same brushed pile makes blankets, throws, and bedding. For a sourcing buyer, the useful insight is that a single polyester fleece base can serve garment, blanket, and accessory clients at once, which consolidates orders and improves your per-meter pricing.
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Apparel: jackets, pullovers, hoodies, hats, and jacket linings.
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Children's wear: soft, warm, and gentle against skin; for example, children often notice how soft llama fleece feels to the touch.
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Home textiles: blankets, throws, and bedding.
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Outdoor gear: mid-layers and technical insulation.
Sourcing Fleece Fabric from MH (Supplier Overview)
MH (Ningbo MH), established in 1999, is a China-based garment-materials and fabric supplier serving buyers in over 150 countries, and fleece is part of a catalog built for wholesale and manufacturing volume. That footprint is what lets a wholesaler consolidate fleece, thread, zippers, and trims under one supplier instead of managing a dozen.
For garment manufacturers, importers, and home-textile wholesalers, working with a supplier at this scale means:
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Consistent lots — polyester fleece woven and brushed to repeatable GSM, pile, and anti-pill performance across reorders.
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One-stop materials — pair fleece with matching thread, lining, zippers, ribbon, and tape from the same source.
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Global logistics experience — a supplier already shipping to 150+ countries with recognized trade credentials ("Top 500 China Service Industry," "AAA Trustworthy Company").
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Custom specs — fiber, GSM, width, finish, and color specified to your production needs, with MOQ and lead time discussed up front.
If you’re comparing fleece quotes, ask any supplier for the fiber content, GSM (or weight range), pile type, finish (anti-pill, single/double-sided, DWR), width, MOQ, and lead time in writing. MH’s team quotes against those same variables so you can compare like-for-like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fleece a natural or synthetic fabric?
Both meanings exist, but in textile sourcing "fleece" almost always means a synthetic fabric, usually 100% polyester, knit and then brushed for warmth; as a verb, it can also mean swindling someone, as in he fleeced her out of thousands of dollars. The word also refers to the natural wool coat shorn from a sheep.
What is the difference between fleece and wool?
Wool is a natural animal fiber; fleece (as a fabric) is a napped, usually polyester textile engineered to imitate wool's warmth, while sheep's fleece commonly weighs about 5 to 10 pounds. Wool breathes and wicks moisture naturally, while polyester fleece is lighter, cheaper, quick-drying, and easier to care for, which makes it the common choice for B2B apparel and blankets.
What is polar fleece?
Polar fleece is a midweight synthetic fleece knit from polyester, typically 200 to 300 gsm, brushed on both sides for warmth. It is lightweight, durable, and does not absorb moisture, which is why it is the default fabric for jackets, blankets, and outdoor apparel in wholesale orders.
How do I choose the right fleece weight (GSM)?
Match GSM to the end product: 100 to 180 gsm for linings and base layers, 180 to 260 gsm for pullovers and blankets, and 260 gsm and up for jackets and outerwear. Higher GSM means more warmth and more cost per meter, so specify a target range before requesting a quote.
What information do I need to order fleece from a supplier?
Specify fiber content (polyester, rPET, blend), GSM or weight range, pile type (micro, polar, coral, sherpa), finish (anti-pill, single/double-sided, DWR), width, color, MOQ, and lead time. Providing these upfront lets a supplier like MH quote accurately and hold consistent lots across reorders.
