Fleece fabric
Usually polyester, sometimes recycled. A knit brushed to raise a soft, air-trapping nap.
How it feels
Fluffy, warm and light.
Season: Autumn and winter – it keeps you warm.
What it's used for
Pullovers, jackets, blankets.
Outdoor and sports gear and gorpcore pullovers; in town, with simple jeans.
Pros
- Warm and quick-drying
Cons
- Pills and sheds lots of microplastic
Care: a typical label
Always follow your own garment's label – blends and finishes change the care.
How it's constructed
Brushed knit. A knit brushed to raise a fluffy, air-trapping nap – warm and light.
A little history
Fleece was created in 1979 by Malden Mills (Polartec) with Patagonia as a light alternative to wool for outdoor wear.
How to recognise it
Read the surface: diagonal lines mean twill, shiny and slippery means satin, a raised nap means pile, sideways stretch means a knit.
Sustainability
A weave's footprint depends on the fibre it's made from – check the composition on the label.
When buying
The same weave behaves differently in different fibres: silk and polyester satin look alike, but only silk breathes. Always read the composition.
Frequently asked
01What is fleece?
Usually polyester, sometimes recycled. A knit brushed to raise a soft, air-trapping nap.
02Is fleece a natural fabric?
It's a weave or knit – whether it's natural depends on the fibre it's made from.
03Does fleece shrink?
No – fleece hardly shrinks, unless washed or ironed very hot.
04Is fleece breathable?
Moderately: it depends on the weave – open fleece breathes far better than dense.