Introduction-
Blizzard fleece is a unique type of a heavyweight high-pile polyester which is well known due to its high level of warmth, softness, and durability. As opposed to lighter versions of fleece, it is weightless in order to allow maximum insulation. It is in fact frequently graded as a premium type of polar fleece and is often sold under names which emphasis its thick plush and wool-like surface. That is where it has its main selling point in the sense that Blizzard fleece is warmer than regular fleece, but far lighter and easier to take care of than wool. This qualifies it as one of the most dependable fabrics in extreme cold weather clothing and blankets, and comfy homeware.
Blizzard fleece at its core is designed to perform. The heavy, brushed fibers forms a thermo-trap locking body heat, and the material is breathable enough to avoid excessive heating. This fabric is comfortable to wear in all situations whether you are hiking in the snow, lounging around a campfire or just sitting at home. It is one of the most common products of outdoor giants and is gaining its popularity, as it is probably the coziest one.
Key Characteristics and Properties of Blizzard Fleece
Weight and Density
Blizzard fleece is generally categorized as 300-weight or heavier thus considered a heavyweight fleece. To imagine this more clearly, fleece is commonly classified in weight categories: 100-weight for the lighter insulation, use, or liner warmth; 200-weight as the middle-sized warmth; and 300-weight or greater as the maximum thickness of warmth. It offers much more heat retention than a lighter fleece, and this characteristic makes it perfect to use in outerwear, blankets, or any scenario where keeping warm is a must.
Pile Height
The other characteristic is its high pile, that is the longer plush fibers on the surface. The elevated fibers ensure that they trap more air, which has insulation qualities. The bigger the heap the warmer it. This is the reason why Blizzard froe feels unusually soft, fluffy and cozy upon touching. It perfectly resembles that worn-in feel of natural wool yet without the irritation and provides the benefits of highly effective insulation without being harsh on your skin.
Material
It is constructed of 100 percent polyester, which is hydrophobic in its nature. That is, it is non-absorbent of water, dry quicker compared to natural fabric and keeps one warm even when wet. Polyester offers durability in that it enables Blizzard fleece to go through repeated washing without losing its softness. It is similar to cotton, except that cotton is moisture absorbent and polyester repels moisture; this makes Blizzard fleece an ideal winterwear material and outdoor gear.
Brushing/Brushed Back
In the manufacturing of the fabrics, the set is passed through brushing machines that stretch and fluff the fibers on the surface. This gives the plush feel that is synonymous with Blizzard fleece, as well as added insulation. The brushed back adds more warmth and coziness to the fabric, and it is simultaneously more breathable. This fleece is also comfortable next to the skin because of this process which makes it usable in both garments and bed coverings.
Blizzard Fleece vs. Other Fabrics
Blizzard Fleece vs. Sherpa Fleece
Most wonder whether Blizzard fleece and Sherpa fleece are alike items. Where it is similar, there is the difference in terminology. Blizzard fleece: heavyweight grade of polar fleece; Sherpa fleece: fluffy, sheep-like style of fleece that resembles shearling wool. Marketed often as Sherpa fleece due to its fluffy pile fleece, Blizzard is warm fleece. Both are warmer, though blizzard fleece tends to be or feel a bit more insulating.
Blizzard Fleece vs. Microfleece
There is an enormous difference between Blizzard fleece and microfleece. Microfleece is a lightweight, 100-weight material to be used as a layering or active-wear garment. It is breathable and not so bulky, although offers not great warmth in itself. Blizzard fleece however is far thicker and more heavyweight, being aimed at maximum insulation in the extreme cold. Microfleece works well as base layer under a coat, with Blizzard fleece more suited to alone warmth.
Blizzard Fleece vs. Wool
Among the differences that can be observed when comparing fleece and wool, there are the following. Wool is bulkier, and is usually unbearable on skin. It also takes a long time to dry. Compared to this, Blizzard fleece: is lighter in weight, softer to touch, and more resistant to water but offers almost equal warming. The merits of wool are that it is natural and biodegradable whereas, Blizzard fleece is synthetic. But, convenience, softness and low prices work in fleece favor.
Blizzard Fleece vs. French Terry / Cotton
Casual wear is best done in French terry and cotton materials, which are comfortable to wear, however, they fall short when compared to the insulation capability that Blizzard fleece has. Cotton will get wet, lose heat when wet, and dry slowly. Blizzard fleece is faster drying, moisture wicking, and insulating than fleece, which makes it the preferred choice in cold weather. Although cotton is good as loungewear in the indoors, fleece is superior in the outdoors where wearing warm and functional clothing is important.
Pros and Cons of Blizzard Fleece
Pros
High Insulation: It has high-pile, extra-thick insulation which provides great insulation against cold.
Lightweight Warmth: It provides a thinner warmth chamber of wool at a quarter of its weight.
Soft Comfort: The two-ply brushed fleece is a velvety fabric near the skin.
Quick Dry/Breathable: The polyester fibers wick moisture and shed water, making it warm even in the case that you sweat or become waterlogged.
Hardy Loft: High-quality Blizzard fleece is wear-resist; it does not lose its fluff and warmth after numerous washes.
Carefree Care: Machine washable and quick drying. (Tip: wash in cold water with mild detergent and steer clear of fabric softeners in order to save the fiber.)
Cons
Bulky: Due to its thick pile, bulky jackets pack down into the garment and are not easily transported.
No Wind Block: Blizzard fleece in and of itself cannot stop wind and has to be combined with a shell or jacket to windproof.
Pilling: Cheap version: can pill over time. Fleece does not produce any pill-free version, although the high-end iterations usually include anti-pill processes.
Non-Eco Friendly: It is made out of 100 percent synthetic polyester, which is reliant on petroleum. That indicates that it cannot be renewed (though recycled-polyester alternatives are getting better).
Common Uses and Applications of Blizzard Fleece
The blizzard fleece has outstanding comfort and wear resistant qualities that make them applicable in a number of applications. Crafters and manufacturers will employ it in all those areas where maximum coziness is considered. Typical applications are:
- Attire: It is used on manufacturing heavy jackets, vests, hoodies, pants and gloves. The popularity of the material with outdoor and winter clothing brands is understandable when it comes to the warmest pieces in their line.
- Home furnishings: It is commonly applied to super-soft throw blanket fabrics, heated bedding and sofa or chair snugs. This is what makes it perfect to use in making blankets and duvet covers which warm you up in bed more than usual since it is soft and warm.
- Accessories: It makes a great pet product and gear because it is durable and comfortable. Blizzard fleece can be found in dog beds, pet jackets, boot liners, warm scarf/earwarmer linings.
- Brands: Many established outdoor companies have heavyweight polar fleece (resembling Blizzard fleece) in their products. As an example, The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, and L.L.Bean frequently manufacture garments with thick fleece as a focus. It can have a pile in it with a description of fineness e.g. 300-weight fleece or high-pile fleece. (Check product descriptions to see whether terms like 300-weight fleece or high-pile fleece have been used.)
How to Wash and Care for Blizzard Fleece?
How to care for your Blizzard fleece products, is the best way to keep it looking good and feels nice too. Get the following:
Machine Wash Cold: Do not bleach, Wash in Mild Cycle with Gentle Detergent only. Do not use bleach or fabric softener because softeners plug up the fibers and inhibit breathability.
Low tumble dry or air dry: High heat can melt or shrink polyester, so tame it down with low heat or dry it off in the air.
No need for iron: No ironing is required for fleece. A lot of heat to damaged or flattened the pile of evergreen grass.
Eliminate pills: If tiny fabric pills form take out a fabric shaver and get rid of them.
Wash inside out: Washing clothes inside-out helps prevent pilling by keeping the fluffy surface of the fabric from rubbing against other clothes, washing machine or other surfaces.
Who It’s For
Blizzard fleece is made for folks looking for comfortable warmth with no loss of function. If you are an outdoor enthusiast like hikers, campers, or hunter, then it will offer good insulation benefits. It also makes for nice casual winter wear so that you can be warm for the day. Also, people who experience wool as itchy or heavy prefer this one on account of the gentle, non-irritating feel. Families and pet owners, along with homebodies, can use it too as blankets and loungewear.
Conclusion-
Blizzard fleece is an elite insulator, and the warm fleece material is combined with the soft, comfortable side. Its high weight density and brushed fibers leave it one of the warmest fleece options, partly because it is also lighter in weight and easier to clean than wool. In any cold and dry climate, this one is well-worth the money. Match it with a windproof outerpiece when windy and you also have the ideal balance between warm and secure. In short, any time you want to be cozy, Blizzard fleece will keep you that way.
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FAQs
Blizzard fleece is heavyweight fleece, which is usually 300-weight or higher, high-pile fleece. This causes it to be warmer, denser and soft as compared to normal fleece fabrics. It is plush and thus offers ample insulation thus ideal even in extreme cold.
Absolutely, it is durable in wet weather as polyester has natural hydrophobicity. It repels water and dries quicker than cotton or wool to keep you comfortable even longer. But it does not completely resist water, meaning that a shell is advisable in pouring rain.
As with most fleece, it can pill with time through friction during wear, or launderings. Nevertheless, fleece that is of high quality such as Blizzard fleece is less likely to pill than cheaper types. The pilling can be reduced by careful treatment such as washing carefully and even avoiding fabric softeners.
Because of being composed of polyester, it is not biodegradable. Things have changed today though, with a lot of brands coming up with eco-friendly versions that use recycled polyester and thus help to cut down on waste. This is a greener choice and will not compromise comfort with the use of these sustainable options chosen.
Absolutely! It is quite common in sewing projects due to its simplicity to cut, durability and it needs no edge finishing. It is common among people who use it to make blankets, jackets, scarves, pet beds and winter accessories. The softness and warmness makes it good in any creative projects in the homes.