How to Choose the Right Wholesale Fleece Material Supplier for Large-Scale Garment Production?

When you’re sourcing fabric for large-scale garment production, finding a reliable supplier of wholesale fleece material can make or break your manufacturing operations. The difference between a supplier who delivers consistent quality in bulk and one who causes production delays often determines whether your business thrives or struggles with costly setbacks.

Fleece fabric is named after the woolly coat of a sheep, which highlights its warmth and softness. When sourced in bulk, fleece fabric is always sold at wholesale prices.

MH specializes in supplying fleece fabric to garment factories, sportswear brands, workwear manufacturers, home textile producers, and fabric wholesalers across global markets. Fleece is suitable for both men and women’s clothing, including sweaters, hoodies, and other warm winter garments. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about sourcing wholesale fleece fabric—from understanding different fleece types and specifications to navigating MOQs, customization options, and the ordering process.

For more information or to place an order, please visit our website.

Key Takeaways

• MH is a B2B wholesale supplier of fleece material serving garment factories, sportswear brands, workwear manufacturers, home textile producers, and fabric wholesalers—not retail or small DIY buyers.

• Multiple fleece options available including polar fleece, micro fleece, brushed fleece, anti-pilling fleece, and stretch fleece in GSM ranges from 100 to 350, suitable for hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, loungewear, blankets, and winter wear.

• Bulk supply strength with stable quality, competitive factory pricing, practical MOQs for large orders, and strong production capacity exceeding 100,000 meters monthly per type for continuous, long-term supply.

• Full customization services through OEM and ODM support, including custom colors matched to Pantone codes, specific weights, functional finishes (anti-pilling, moisture-wicking, anti-static), and branding requirements for mass manufacturing.

• Extensive export experience to Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe with reliable logistics and consistent delivery schedules for large shipments.

What Is Wholesale Fleece Material?

Wholesale fleece material refers to synthetic knit fabric—primarily polyester fleece—engineered for warmth, softness, and durability in large-scale apparel and textile production. Unlike fleece sold by the yard to individual consumers or hobby sewers, wholesale fleece is supplied in bulk rolls, bolts, and full container loads designed for industrial manufacturing. Buying polar fleece fabric by the bolt offers convenience for bulk sewing projects, making it ideal for producing garments and holiday gifts at scale.

The technical advantages of fleece make it a preferred choice for factories worldwide:

Fleece fabric is easy to sew and is a great choice for DIY projects.

When you buy fleece fabric from MH, you receive material designed for consistent performance across large production runs. This means minimized shade variation, reduced fabric flaws, and fewer quality issues that disrupt mass manufacturing.

Polyester fleece alone dominates 70-80% of insulating textiles globally, making it the industry standard for warm fabric production.

Typical end products for B2B buyers include branded hoodies, teamwear and club sportswear, corporate uniforms, workwear mid-layers, school sweatshirts, promotional jackets, and home textiles like blankets and throws. Fleece fabric is available in a large selection of prints and colors, offering versatility for different product designs.

Before making a bulk purchase, buyers should check fabric care instructions and quality, and request samples to check texture, color, weight, and feel of the fleece.

Types of Fleece Material

MH offers multiple fleece constructions and finishes so buyers can match specific fabric properties to each product line. Fleece is a great material for a wide range of DIY and commercial projects due to its versatility and quality. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right material for your target market and price point. Additionally, fleece is hydrophobic, helping to wick moisture away from the skin.

Polar Fleece

Polar fleece remains the most popular choice for wholesale fleece programs, accounting for approximately 80% of outdoor bulk orders. This medium-to-thick fleece uses a dense pile structure that provides exceptional warmth.

• GSM range: 180–350 GSM

• Applications: Jackets, outdoor hoodies, blankets, winter clothing

• Options: Single-sided or double-sided brushing for extra warmth

• Structure: Plush inner nap with smooth or fluffy outer surface

The material traces back to 1981 when Malden Mills collaborated with Patagonia to create polyester-based fleece from PET fibers, revolutionizing cold-weather apparel by offering lightweight warmth superior to wool without the weight or water retention.

Micro Fleece

Microfleece provides a thinner, more flexible option for layering and performance wear. The finer fibers create a smooth texture that works well against skin.

• GSM range: 140–220 GSM

• Applications: Sports base-layers, training tops, lining for jackets, kids’ wear

• Benefits: High breathability (20-30% more than heavyweight options), packable, soft touch

This lightweight option suits activewear factories producing gear for hiking, running, or cycling where breathability matters as much as warmth.

Brushed Fleece (Sweatshirt Fleece)

Brushed fleece features a one-side brushed, one-side smooth structure that creates the classic sweatshirt feel. The brushing process raises fibers to create a cozy, plush interior while maintaining a clean exterior for printing or branding.

• GSM range: 220–280 GSM

• Applications: Fashion hoodies, joggers, sweaters, casual loungewear

• Structure: Smooth outer face, napped inner surface

This type dominates high-volume casualwear production where comfort and cost efficiency must balance.

Anti-Pilling Fleece

Standard fleece can pill after 20-30 wash cycles, creating quality complaints from end consumers. Anti pill fleece incorporates specialized yarn treatments that resist balling even after repeated industrial washing.

• Performance: Retains 95% surface integrity after 50 washes (vs. 70% for standard polyester)

• Applications: School uniforms, corporate uniforms, long-term contract garments

• Value: Reduces returns and extends garment lifespan

For workwear producers and uniform manufacturers, anti-pilling grades justify the modest premium through reduced warranty claims.

Stretch Fleece

Stretch fleece integrates spandex or elastane (typically 3-5%) for improved comfort and mobility. The recovery properties help garments hold their shape through wear and washing.

• Applications: Performance sportswear, athleisure, fitted apparel for activewear brands

• Benefits: Better fit, enhanced range of motion, shape retention

MH can advise buyers on selecting fleece type based on climate conditions, target market requirements (colder Eastern Europe vs. tropical African highlands), and final product pricing levels.

Specifications and Performance (GSM, Yarn, Finishes)

This technical overview helps sourcing managers and product developers match MH’s fleece specifications to their product requirements. Getting specifications right before bulk production prevents costly mistakes.

GSM Range

GSM (grams per square meter) directly influences warmth, breathability, and suitability for specific applications:

Buyers targeting different price tiers often order multiple GSM weights of the same color to create coordinated ranges—entry-level at 220 GSM and premium at 300 GSM, for example.

Yarn Types

Common yarn options include:

• Polyester filament yarn: Creates shiny, smooth outer surface with superior moisture repellency

• Polyester spun yarn: Softer hand feel, closer to natural fiber appearance

• Cotton-polyester blends: 60/40 or 80/20 ratios for breathable loungewear and men’s casual wear

• Slub yarns: Twisted yarns of varying sizes for textured aesthetics in casual production

Yarn choice affects softness, pilling resistance, and fabric strength during industrial stitching and overlocking operations.

Fabric Structures

Different structures serve different product categories:

• Single jersey brushed: Economy option for hoodies and basic sweatshirts

• Double-sided fleece: Reversible blankets and premium jackets

• Interlock-based structures: Smoother drape for fitted garments

Functional Finishes

MH offers functional finishes to meet specific market demands:

• Anti-pilling: Essential for uniforms and workwear

• Moisture-wicking: Critical for sportswear factories

• Anti-static: Preferred for dry climate regions

• Anti-bacterial: Growing demand for athleisure and activewear

• Water-repellent: Outdoor jackets and wet-weather gear

Color and Dyeing

MH offers piece-dyed solid colors across a large selection of shades. The facility can match Pantone codes or brand color samples and maintain shade consistency across repeat orders—critical for brands with strict color standards.

Color fastness testing ensures fabric meets export standards required in the Middle East, Latin America, and other regions with specific regulatory requirements.

Quality Consistency

For large orders spread over multiple production batches, MH maintains:

• Lot-to-lot GSM control within ±5%

• Shrinkage parameters documented and tested

• Color deviation limits meeting international standards

• Width consistency at 1.5m standard or custom widths

Applications for Bulk Fleece Material

MH’s fleece is optimized for diverse B2B applications across apparel, uniforms, and home textiles, with emphasis on repeat orders and multi-season programs. garment accessories

Fashion and Casualwear

Mass-produced hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, jogger pants, and zip-up jackets consume the majority of wholesale fleece globally. Brands targeting value, mid-range, and promotional markets rely on consistent fleece supply for:

• Seasonal collections with quick turnaround

• Promotional jackets for corporate clients

• Private-label programs for retail chains

• Athleisure lines for everyday comfortable wear

Sportswear and Teamwear

Training tops, warm-up jackets, tracksuits, and club team uniforms require fleece that balances warmth, breathability, and easy care at competitive wholesale prices. MH supplies fleece for:

• School and university team apparel

• Sports club uniforms (football, rugby, athletics)

• Gym and fitness center branded clothing

• Outdoor activity and hiking gear

Workwear and Uniforms

Corporate hoodies, warehouse jackets, delivery uniforms, security garments, and school sweatshirts need durable fabric that withstands daily wear without losing appearance:

• Anti-pilling fleece for five-day-a-week uniform use

• Mid-layer insulation for outdoor workers

• Branded fleece vests for retail staff

• School uniform fleece meeting institutional color requirements

Home Textiles

Fleece blankets, throws, travel rugs, bathrobes, and bed accessories represent a significant bulk market. Home textile companies produce for:

• Supermarkets and hypermarkets in Africa and Southeast Asia

• Regional wholesalers in Eastern Europe

• Hospitality and hotel suppliers

• Promotional gift companies

Coral fleece variants with dense fine fibers work particularly well for plush toys and bathrobes where vibrant prints matter.

Promotional and Corporate Gifts

Fleece scarves, beanies, hats, mittens, light blankets, and branded hoodies serve marketing campaigns and corporate events. These orders require:

• Large quantities with fast turnaround

• Consistent colors across all items

• Easy customization for logos and branding

• Cost-effective pricing for giveaway programs

• Fleece products help recipients stay warm and cozy, making them ideal for winter gifts.

• Fleece fabric is an excellent choice for making kids clothing, especially for babies, due to its softness and warmth.

MH supports clients running multi-style programs, supplying the same base fleece in different GSMs or finishes for coordinated product ranges across lots of SKUs.

Customization, OEM & ODM Services

MH supports OEM and ODM projects, helping brands and factories create unique fleece programs tailored to their target customers and markets.

Color Customization

MH can match Pantone codes or physical swatches from your current supplier. Color services include:

• Exclusive color ranges for specific regions (school colors, corporate palettes)

• Shade consistency across repeat orders over multiple seasons

• Lab dip approval process before bulk production

• Color cards showing available stock shades

GSM and Construction

Buyers can request specific weights, knit structures, and brushing intensity to balance warmth, drape, and cost for different product tiers:

• Entry-level products at 200-220 GSM

• Mid-range at 240-260 GSM

• Premium lines at 280-320 GSM

• Custom brushing intensity for hand feel optimization

Functional Finishes

Custom finishing options impact both performance and price:

• Anti-pilling grades: For high-wash-frequency applications

• Moisture-wicking: For sportswear and activewear

• Soft-touch finishes: For premium loungewear

• Higher abrasion resistance: For workwear and industrial use

• Windproof membranes: For bonded outdoor fleece (other fabrics laminated together)

Pattern and Branding Support

Although MH supplies fabric rather than finished garments, coordination with clients’ design and technical teams ensures fleece properties align with:

• Screen printing requirements

• Embroidery and badge application

• Heat transfer and sublimation processes

• Woven label and tag attachment

Sampling and Development

A typical development process follows these steps:

1. Initial discussion: Define GSM, construction, color, and finish requirements

2. Lab dips: Color matching samples for approval

3. Handloom/knit-down swatches: Physical fabric samples for testing

4. Trial yardage: Small production run for garment sampling

5. Bulk confirmation: Final approval before large-scale production

Confidentiality and Exclusivity

MH supports private-label projects with appropriate confidentiality. Where agreed, exclusive fabric developments remain limited to designated partners or markets—providing security for brands investing in unique material development.

FAQ

What is the typical minimum order quantity (MOQ) for MH’s fleece material, and can different colors be combined in one order to reach the MOQ?

MH’s standard MOQ is approximately 500kg per color for solid dyed fleece. Yes, different colors and fleece types can be combined within a single container shipment to reach practical order minimums. For buyers testing new products or markets, the sales team can discuss flexible arrangements that balance production efficiency with your ordering needs.

Can MH match our existing fleece fabric in terms of GSM, color, and hand feel if we send a physical sample from our current supplier?

Yes, MH can analyze physical samples from your current supplier and develop matching specifications. The process involves measuring GSM, identifying yarn type and construction, matching color through lab dips, and replicating hand feel through appropriate brushing and finishing. A development sample is produced for your approval before bulk production begins.

What standard tests (such as pilling resistance, color fastness, and shrinkage) can MH provide reports for when supplying bulk fleece orders?

MH can provide test reports covering pilling resistance (Martindale or ICI methods), color fastness to washing and rubbing, dimensional stability and shrinkage after washing, GSM verification, and tensile strength. Specific testing requirements can be discussed during the inquiry phase if your customers or target markets require particular certifications or test methods.

How far in advance should we place bulk fleece orders for winter collections in Eastern Europe or the Middle East to ensure on-time delivery?

For winter collections shipping to Eastern Europe or the Middle East, place orders at least 8-12 weeks before your required delivery date. This allows for production time, quality inspection, shipping, and customs clearance. For new colors requiring lab dip approval or custom finishes, add 2-3 weeks for the development and approval process.

Does MH support small trial runs or pilot orders for new fleece-based product lines before we commit to long-term, large-volume contracts?

Yes, MH can arrange trial yardage or reduced-volume pilot orders for buyers developing new product lines. This allows you to test fabric performance on your production lines and evaluate finished garments before committing to full container quantities. Trial order terms and pricing can be discussed with the sales team, with the understanding that regular bulk pricing applies once you move to standard MOQ orders.