What Is Fleece Material? A Guide for Wholesalers
Fleece is a highly popular synthetic material, specifically a man made material and a synthetic fabric, known for its warmth, softness, and affordability. For businesses in the textile and apparel industries, understanding the properties and applications of fleece fabric is essential for making informed purchasing decisions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what fleece material is, its various types, and its primary uses.
What Is Fleece Fabric?
Fleece is a soft, napped insulating fabric made from a type of polyester. The most common form is polyester fleece, derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The manufacturing process involves knitting fine polyester yarns into a light fabric, which is then brushed with wire brushes to create a thick, plush surface. During the production process, fibers are melted, extruded, and then knitted or woven to form the fabric, with manufacturers often blending different fibers to enhance durability, texture, and sustainability. Common materials used in fleece production include polyester, cotton fibers, bamboo, hemp, and other natural or recycled fibers.
Unlike wool, which is made from animal fibers, fleece can also be made from cotton fibers, especially in cotton fleece. Cotton fibers are harvested from cotton plants and spun into yarn, which is then knitted and brushed to create a soft fleece texture.
Types of Fleece Material
Fleeces come in a variety of types, each with unique properties. Fleece is available in several variations, each with distinct characteristics suitable for different applications. Sherpa fleece is a fluffy, wool-like fleece made from polyester, known for its warmth and softness, often used in jackets and blankets. Lycra spandex fleece combines cotton with a small percentage of Lycra spandex, providing stretch and making it ideal for fitted garments and activewear. Some fleeces have a textured look created by special knitting techniques, giving the fabric a unique surface appearance. Microfleece and other fleece types are often made from the same material, emphasizing their similar composition and production process.
Microfleece
Microfleece is the thinnest and most lightweight type of fleece. It is highly breathable and flexible, making it an ideal choice for performance activewear, base layers, and light sweaters. Its softness and quick-drying properties are valued in products designed for athletic use.
Polar Fleece
Polar fleece is thicker and warmer than microfleece. It offers substantial insulation, making it a popular choice for outerwear like jackets, vests, and hats. Despite its warmth, polar fleece remains relatively lightweight and breathable, providing comfort in cold conditions without being overly bulky.
French Terry Fleece
French terry fleece features a unique texture with loops on one side and a smooth, soft surface on the other. It is a midweight fabric that combines the comfort of fleece with a more structured feel. This type is commonly used for casual apparel such as sweatshirts, hoodies, and sweatpants.
Fleece Fabric Weights
Fleece fabric weights are measured in grams per square meter (GSM), which directly influences the fabric’s thickness, warmth, and best use cases. Understanding these weight categories helps wholesalers select the right fleece for specific products and climates.
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Lightweight fleece (100-200 GSM): This type of fleece fabric is ideal for high-movement activities, layering, or use in mild weather. Its light weight makes it perfect for gym clothes, children’s clothing, and as a base layer in cold conditions, providing comfort without overheating.
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Midweight fleece (200-300 GSM): Offering a balance between breathability and warmth, midweight fleece is a versatile choice for casual wear, outdoor clothing, and as a mid-layer in cold weather. It’s commonly used in fleece jackets, sweatshirts, and cozy wear for cool weather.
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Heavyweight fleece (300+ GSM): Designed for maximum insulation, heavyweight fleece is best suited for extreme cold weather, winter wear, and thick, plush home textiles. Its dense fibers and plush inner nap provide superior warmth, making it a favorite for fleece sweaters, heavyweight fleece jackets, and lounging garments.
By considering fleece fabric weight in grams per square meter, wholesalers can match the right level of warmth and comfort to their target market’s needs.
Fleece Fabric Properties
Fleece fabric is prized for its unique combination of technical and comfort-driven properties, making it a staple in outdoor clothing, sportswear, and home textiles.
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Moisture-wicking: Most fleece fabrics, especially those made from polyester or other synthetic fibers, excel at drawing moisture away from the skin. This moisture wicking ability helps keep the wearer dry and comfortable during physical activity or in damp conditions.
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Breathability: Fleece fabrics are designed to allow airflow, which helps regulate body temperature and prevents overheating. This makes fleece suitable for both cool weather and as a layering piece in cold conditions.
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Insulation: The plush texture and tiny air pockets within fleece fabric trap warm air, providing excellent insulation. This structure helps retain body heat, making fleece a reliable choice for staying warm in cold weather.
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Softness: Fleece fabrics are renowned for their soft texture and cozy feel against the skin. The plush inner nap and smooth outer surface contribute to a high level of comfort, making fleece a popular option for garments and blankets that require a soft touch.
These properties make fleece fabric a go-to material for products that demand warmth, comfort, and performance across a variety of environments.
Advantages of Fleece Fabric
Fleece offers several key benefits that make it a valuable material for wholesale buyers.
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Warmth: The brushed fibers create small air pockets that trap heat, providing exceptional insulation. Fleece helps add insulation to garments, making them suitable for cold temperatures. This allows the wearer to stay warm even in cold temperatures.
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Comfort: Fleece is an exceptionally soft fabric and lightweight, ensuring comfort for the wearer.
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Durability: As a synthetic material, polyester fleece is resistant to pilling and fraying, holding up well to frequent use and washing.
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Cost-Effective: Compared to natural fibers like wool, fleece is more affordable to produce, offering a cost-effective solution for large-scale manufacturing.
Disadvantages of Fleece Fabric
While fleece has many advantages, there are some considerations to keep in mind.
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Environmental Impact: Standard polyester fleece is derived from non-renewable petroleum resources. However, recycled polyester options are available to mitigate this concern.
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Absorb Water: Although fleece is hydrophobic and repels most moisture, it can still absorb water, which may affect its insulating properties when wet.
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Water Resistant: Some fleece fabrics are treated or made with higher polyester content to be water resistant, improving their performance in damp conditions.
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Static Cling: Fleece can generate static electricity, which may attract lint and dust.
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Pilling: While generally durable, lower-quality fleece may be prone to pilling over time with repeated washing.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
As demand for sustainable textiles grows, the environmental impact of fleece fabric is an important consideration for wholesalers.
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Microfiber release: Washing fleece fabrics made from synthetic fibers can release tiny microfibers into waterways, contributing to microplastic pollution in oceans and other ecosystems.
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Recycled polyester: Many fleece fabrics are now produced from recycled polyester, often sourced from plastic bottles. This reduces plastic waste and lessens the reliance on virgin materials, making recycled polyester fleece a more eco-friendly option.
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Eco-friendly production: Some manufacturers are adopting sustainable practices, such as using organic cotton in cotton blend fleece, minimizing waste, and implementing environmentally responsible production processes. These efforts help reduce the overall environmental footprint of fleece fabric.
By choosing fleece fabrics made from recycled polyester or organic cotton, and by supporting brands with sustainable manufacturing practices, wholesalers can offer products that align with growing consumer demand for eco-conscious textiles.
Common Uses of Fleece
Fleece is a versatile material used across a wide range of products.
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Clothing: It is a staple material for jackets, pullovers, pants, and hats designed for cold weather. Fleece is also commonly used in children's clothing due to its warmth and softness.
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Blankets: The warmth and softness of fleece make it an excellent choice for throws and blankets.
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Insulation: Its insulating properties are utilized in linings for coats, boots, and gloves. Some fleece fabrics also have masking abilities, helping to conceal imperfections and enhance the appearance of apparel and home textiles.
Care and Maintenance for Fleece
Proper care ensures the longevity and performance of fleece products. We recommend washing fleece garments in cold water on a gentle cycle. It is best to air-dry fleece or use a low-heat setting in the dryer to prevent damage to the synthetic fibers. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can diminish the fabric's water-repellent properties.
Fleece Fabric Certification
Certifications provide assurance that fleece fabric meets specific standards for quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Key certifications to look for include:
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Recycled Polyester Certification: This certification confirms that the fleece fabric is made from recycled plastic materials, such as post-consumer plastic bottles, helping to reduce waste and environmental impact.
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OEKO-TEX: Fleece fabrics with OEKO-TEX certification have been tested for harmful substances and are deemed safe for human use, ensuring that the fabric meets strict chemical safety standards.
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Bluesign: The Bluesign certification indicates that the fleece fabric has been produced with a focus on sustainability, including responsible use of resources, reduced emissions, and protection of worker health and safety.
For wholesalers, sourcing fleece fabric with these certifications can provide added value to customers and demonstrate a commitment to quality and sustainability.
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