Fleece as a fabric can be made up from different yarns, whether that is a natural yarn like natural wool, cotton or a man-made fibre like a polyester or a cotton and poly blend. The natural fibres are woven together to create a soft and warm textured material. The polyester yarns are created by a polymer being hardened and then spun to create some fibres.
Types of fleece available in the market
The different types of fleece you can find on the market are the following.
Printed fleece
This fabric can be made by weaving natural fibres but usually it is made from polyester fibres creating a more durable material that is easy to dye and transfer print on to. The type of fleece used to print on usually will come under polar fleece as it is a common fleece on the market and the most economical fleece.
Sherpa fleece
Usually produced with synthetic fibres like polyester and poly blends, it is usually knitted to create a very soft and thick piled fleece. The knit can resemble sheepskin with a fluffy and deep pile, which has a warm and comforting texture. Sherpa fleece can be used to line outdoor jackets and coats to keep them insulated and soft to the touch. Other ways to use this fabric would be on the exterior of an outdoor jacket that creates that comfy, oversized jacket. Sherpa is a creation to imitate sheepskin as it is made up with synthetic yarns therefore making it an economical option that is widely available.
Polar fleece
This is another material made up from synthetic fibres and sometimes recycled plastic, this means it is a durable material that doesn’t absorb moisture and it can be used as an outdoor piece of clothing. So, you can find your jacket, hat or a scarf all made up from polar fleece. It is a very lightweight fleece compared to the other options on the market so it is attractive to use as an outdoor garment as it can be folded and stored in a backpack or used as an outdoor jacket for children and others who require a lighter jacket.
Fleece fabrics usage and application in garments
Fashion Fleece is used to create outdoor jackets and garments like woolly hats and scarves for the warmth and durable aspect, it is an economical option compared to sheepskin and other materials that has a cosy texture.Fashion- Fleece is used to create outdoor jackets and garments like woolly hats and scarves for the warmth and durable aspect, it is an economical option compared to sheepskin and other materials that has a cosy texture.
High performance outdoor clothing would mean the garment would have to be made up by a material that is lightweight, durable as the polyester yarn is stronger than natural yarns, and most importantly not being able to absorb moisture as this would make the garments uncomfortable to wear. Polar fleece would be the best material to use for outdoor high performance garments as it is also breathable.
Soft furnishings a large cosy blanket with a soft texture and easy to maintain is usually made up from a soft fleece as it will keep you warm and you can still wash the blanket in a standard wash as the polyester yarns used can be washed as normal without any delicate instructions or settings. Drying may be an issue so it would always be best to dry fleece on a low heat setting to be cautious.
Fleece in Conclusion
Fleece is available widely on the market in many different colours and textures, not to mention the different ways they have been woven and the yarns used to create each different type of fleece. Economically it is a great option for different applications and the aftercare is easy to maintain, there are no special instructions as mainly the polyester fibres used are durable and great to look after.
Visit a list of our fleece fabrics for different projects.
