What is Micro Fleece fabric? A complete guide to lightweight fleece

Introduction-

What is micro fleece fabric? It is a soft, light and synthetic fleece that is made to be warmed without being bulky.
Micro fleece incorporates small strands of fibers which provide insulation and are easy to breathe in, and comfortable. Due to such balance, it has gained prominence in activewear, layering and home cozy fabrics.

In addition, micro fleece is soft, dry fast and effortless to care about. It is suitable as casual and performance apparel. Consequently, a lot of brands use it in contemporary lifestyle apparel.

What Is Micro Fleece Fabric?

Micro fleece is a synthetic fleece that is manufactured using extremely fine yarns of polyester. This is brushed over at least on one side to produce a fuzzy nap that makes it comfortable to touch. Micro fleece is thin and lightweight as opposed to regular (polar) fleece. An average micro fleece material has a weight of approximately 140 – 200 GSM hence it is thin and very easy to bend. Ordinary fleece on the other hand may be 200-300 GSM and above. Micro fleece has the ability to trap heat because of its fine fibers, but with less bulk. In case of a fleece jacket, say such a jacket as a micro fleece jacket can be of a great weight lower than a normal fleece jacket, yet it keeps you warm. This renders micro fleece an excellent layering fabric: the insulation but not bulk.

What Is Micro Fleece Fabric Made of?

Micro fleece is basically polyester material, but we will separate its raw materials and blends:

Polyester Fibers: nearly all micro fleece is made using polyester (PET) fibers. The polyester polymer is melted by the manufacturers and extruded into fine continuous filaments. These strands get to be woven into soft strands which are later twisted into yarn. Those strands are made into the foundation cloth. Micro fleece is durable and fast-drying due to the polyester.

Polyester Recycling Alternatives: In order to be more environmentally friendly, a lot of micro fleeces are recycled polyester. As an example, the plastic bottles are melted down and re-spun to polyester yarn. Micro fleece is equally soft and warm when recycled and consumes less new plastic. That is, it minimizes wastage and still maintains the same comfortable feel.

Spandex/Elastane Blends: A few micro fleece contain a small amount of stretch fiber (spandex or elastane). Usually only 5–10% is added. This ensures that the cloth becomes stretchier and snaps. Stretchy micro fleece has remained soft, warm, and the movement with your body has become easier. The blends are fashionable in sportswear in which a small amount of stretch enhances comfort.

How Micro Fleece Fabric Is Made

Production of fleece fabric entails a number of processes:

Fiber Creation:

This is done by first polymerizing polyester resin (which may be made of petroleum or recycled plastic). The molten polymer is forced out of small holes (spinnerets) to create long fibers. These artificial fibers dissipate and harden. Here we have raw polyester fibers which are now ready to be converted into yarn. (This step is done with recycled PET to create an eco-friendly micro fleece by some manufacturers.)

Knitting Process:

The polyester fibers are then rotated into a yarn and then knitted into a fabric. Circular knitting machines are normally used to produce micro fleece. These machines knit the yarn into a tubular stretchy knit. The outcome is a lightweight and slightly stretchable slightly flexible fabric. The modern machines are able to knit micro fleece in a very quick way to the required width and intensity. It is a knit structure that provides micro fleece with some natural give (but not as much as jersey knits) and the foundation of its soft feel.

Brushing (Raising) Technique:

The fabric is brushed (also known as napping or raising) after knitting. It passes through rollers that are lined with fine metal wires. These rollers softly pick and tickle the small fibers off the loops of yarn. The fuzzy and plush surface of either or both sides is formed by brushing. This raised nap entraps air pockets, which enhance insulation (warmth). It also provides micro fleece with its trademark ultra-softness.

Finishing and Anti-Pill Treatments:

The last step is the finishing of the fabric. This could involve clipping or shaving the nap to make it straight. Anti-pilling is used to make the fabric appear smooth and prevent fuzzballs. A lot of micro fleeces are also Durable Water- Repellent (DWR) coated to shed off light moisture. After completion, the cloth is dyed its final color and it is cut and sewed into clothes.

Key Characteristics of Micro Fleece Fabric

Micro fleece possesses some distinctive features:

Lightweight Feel

Micro fleece is very light as the name suggests. A micro fleece jacket will add hardly any bulk when put on. Compared to thick fleece or wool, it is a lot lighter due to its thin knit and fine yarns. Due to this fact, micro fleece clothes are compact and perfect to be worn in layers.

Soft Texture

Micro fleece is extremely soft. The fuzzy brushed surface is very comfortable on the skin. This enables it to be comfortable even to those who have sensitive skin. Unlike wool, it won’t itch.

Breathability

Micro fleece is air permeable. It has a high wicking action on the body. On micro fleece, sweat evaporates faster, therefore, you keep drier. This breathability makes you comfortable when you are doing things. A case in point is the micro fleece that hikers are likely to put on in order to keep warm without overheating in the course of the climbs.

Quick-Drying

Polyester is also hydrophobic and thus can absorb very little water. Micro fleece will absorb only a small quantity of water (usually less than 1% of its weight). It therefore dries very rapidly. When your micro fleece gets wet (sweat or small amount of rain) then it will not be wet long. This is superior to travel because wet micro fleece clothes can be dried within a bag or hung.

Good Warmth-to-Weight Ratio

Micro fleece keeps one warm far better than its weight, despite being thin. The fluffy nap captures a blanket of hot air near your body. That is, micro fleece is very warm, but does not weight heavily. The comfort is almost as great as with thicker fleece, and in a far lighter material.

Is Micro Fleece Fabric Warm?

Yes there is good insulation in the weight of micro fleece. It heats up well with its fine fibers and the nap tap body. Although it will not have the same level of warmth as very thick (heavyweight) fleece, micro fleece will still have you warm in the cool weather. Micro fleece can be used by itself or over a shell in normal winter or fall.

Micro fleece is not as insulating as polar fleece is when compared to the thickness. Nevertheless, it balances it out with mass. Micro fleece lets you wear and feel very warm without overheating that could occur with a lot of layers. It is a common type of mid-layers (between a jacket and a base layer) since it keeps one warm and does not trap a lot of heat.

Is Micro Fleece Clothing Breathable?

Yes. Breathability is one of the advantages of micro fleece. It has a knitted structure and fine fibers enabling movement of air in the fabric. Quickly it pulls off sweat on your skin and evaporates. This water moving capacity keeps you drier on the exercise.

Practically, it implies that micro fleece is an activewear item. Micro fleece layers are usually preferred by runners, hikers, and cyclists since it is a way to stay warm and allow heat to escape. The material will not feel as clammy as it would do made of non-breathable material. Concisely, micro fleece vents are good at heating and keeping moisture.

Is Micro Fleece Stretchy?

The knitted micro fleece has a natural stretch, but is not very stretchy. A simple micro fleece (no spandex) is slightly stretchy in width, and tends to recover much. The knit does not bag easily and the shape is maintained even after stretching.

In the event you require additional stretch, seek blends. Most stretch micro fleece fabrics contain a low content of elastane (5-10% spandex). This addition causes the fabric to stretch out in every way. Stretchy micro fleece particularly is popular in sportswear or ski wear whereby flexibility and recovery are required to be comfortable.

Does Micro Fleece Fabric Waterproof or Water-Resist?

Micro fleece alone is not close to being waterproof. The knit structure permits the flow of water after some time. Fibres of polyester are resistant to water to some degree but heavy downpour or constant spray will soak through.

Nonetheless, micro fleece is able to shed light moisture fairly well. A rain-shower, or snow, will fall away or trickle into the surface, which will instantly dry it, and then evaporate. Due to the fast drying nature of micro fleece, it will not be dipped in water long.

Manufacturers usually apply waterproof agents. A good number of micro fleece jackets are lined with either Durable Water Repellant (DWR) or a laminated membrane. Such treatments render the cloth waterproof, that is, it will shed off light drizzles and slight showers. However, keep in mind that this does not mean that it is waterproof; it is water-resistant. Even DWR-coated fleece must be covered by a waterproof shell even in heavy rain.

Polar Fleece vs. Micro Fleece vs. Anti-Pill Fleece

Comparison of Thickness

Micro fleece is lightest. Its weight is typically 140–200 GSM. Fleece Polar fleece (sometimes simply referred to as fleece or Polartec fleece) may be significantly heavier (200 – 300+ GSM). Any fleece which has been made anti-pilled is called anti-pill fleece, therefore it may be micro or polar fleece that has a smooth finish.

Levels of Warmth

Polar fleece (thicker) is typically more insulating. Micro fleece is relatively warm despite its very thinness, yet it will not be as warm as a heavyweight polar fleece in the cold. Anti-pill therapy doesn’t make things warmer it simply preserves the surface (which appears new).

Best Uses

Micro fleece is suitable to lightweight layers – base layers, mid-layers, light jackets, activewear. It can be packed easily and it is easy to move thus it is best in hiking or traveling. Heavy polar fleece is suitable with large winter jackets, thick blankets and extremely cold conditions. Garments which are going to be in high demand are garments that are going to be anti-pill (whatever thickness you want with the finish) and anything you want to remain smooth-looking.

Applications of Micro Fleece Fabric

Jackets and Mid-Layers: Micro fleece is a very popular fabric in the lightweight jackets, lightweight vests and hoodies. It offers the same amount of warmth as a thick coat but does not feel heavy.

Activewear: Micro fleece is a sportswear due to its breathability and stretchiness. It will be present in hiking shirts, running pullovers, ski layers and even light leggings or gloves. The micro fleece sweatshirts keep the athletes warm when taking a cool workout.

Blankets & Throws: Micro fleece can easily be used as a blanket and a throw since it is soft and warm. It competes with wool in comfort, only that it dries quicker and is more effortless to wash. Most traveling blankets and pet beds are manufactured using micro fleece due to the following reasons.

Sleepwear: During cold nights, sleeps such as micro fleece pajamas, robes, and slippers are used. The cloth is comfortable without irritability. It works particularly well with flannel or thermal-type pajamas, which will be warm like flannel with more stretch and less care.

Baby Clothing: Micro fleece is used in baby clothes due to its softness and hypoallergenicity to make it a favorite with baby onesies, sleepers, and is suitable as outerwear. It prevents infants from becoming cold and is soft to the tender skin. It is also used by parents as baby blankets since it is warm and easy to wash and has less chances of developing rashes as compared to wool.

Pet Bedding: Micro fleece is a warm and easy caring material that is also used in pet blankets and pet beds. Animals love the soft feel, and the owners love the fact that it can be washed in the machine.

Advantages and disadvantages of Micro Fleece Fabric

Pros:

• Very slim – can be worn in layers.
• Fabric is soft and easy to touch- plush nap is comfortable.
• Breathable – wicks applications and ventilates.
• Quick-drying- absorbs very little water and has a rapid drying time.
• Sturdy, washable – stands up on washing and maintains shape. (No ironing needed.)
• Hypoallergenic- mild to the skin, can be used by sensitive users.

Cons:

• Not as warm as heavy fleece – it will not substitute a heavy polar fleece when it is very cold.
• Synthetic fiber issues- It is composed of polyester (a petroleum product) therefore it is not biodegradable.
• Can pill (when of poor quality) Micro fleeces can grow a few pills after use and wash.
• Flammable – similar to most of the synthetics, it is easily ignitable. Keep away from open flames.

Is Micro Fleece Fabric Environmentally Friendly?

Micro fleece can also be partly eco-sustainable by using recycled materials. Recycled PET has become one of the materials employed in micro fleece by many brands that transform plastic bottles into clothing. This conserves resources and it minimizes waste at the landfills.

Nevertheless, being a polyester, micro fleece will release microplastics in the process of washing. These microfibers may find their way into water ways. The cloth itself is not biodegradable and thus, at the end-of-life, the cloth adds to the synthetic waste.

Find sustainability certifications to reduce the impact. Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and OEKO-TEX labels reveal recycled materials and less harmful ways of dyeing. Recycled-content micro fleece, bag or filter washing (to trap fibers) can be used to minimize the environmental impact.

How to Care for Micro Fleece Fabric

• Washing: Wash in cold or warm water in a soft cycle. Use no fabric softener – fabric softeners are deposited on the fibers and make them less breathable. Use mild detergent. Wash like-colored items together.
• Drying: Dry in tumble dryer on low or dry by hanging. Polyester fibers can be melted or distorted when there is high heat. In case of falling, apply low or no heat. Suspending or lying flat is one way of maintaining the nap.
• Pilling Prevention: Before washing clothes, turn them inside-out. Wash on gentle cycles. Do not use rough things (such as towels or jeans) that scratch. In case pills occur, take them out with a cloth comb. It is also necessary to select the use of anti-pill finishes to make the surface smooth.
• Storage: Use micro fleece folded and then stored in a cool, dry place. Always dry up items to avoid mildew. Incidentally, it is better to retain it in its compressed state (never suspended for an extended period) as this maintains loft.

How to Identify High-Quality Micro Fleece

• GSM (Fabric Weight)
• 100–200 GSM works best
• Sensible coziness and ventilation.
• Pilling Resistance
• Look for anti-pill finishes
• Rub test the surface
• Density and Softness
• Dense knit feels smoother
• Loose fabric pills faster
• Label Reading Tips
• Check fiber content
• Search quality certifications.

Is Micro Fleece Fabric Good for Summer or Winter?

Seasonal Appropriateness: Micro fleece usually cannot be used during summer season especially in hot weather. It glows in the cooler seasons: fall and spring, or as an undergarment in winter. Micro fleece can be good on a cold morning or even in summer in the evening, but not in the heat of the day.

Lightness: Micro fleece is a great mid-layer due to its light nature. Put it over a base garment (such as a t-shirt) and a shell in the winter. A micro fleece jacket may be used to protect yourself in warm conditions.

Climate Concerns: It is ideal in dry and cool areas. Very wet or tropical climates would require it to be covered with waterproof outerwear. Micro fleece alone in the heavy rain will eventually be saturated. Micro fleece alone works miraculously in a dry cold climate.

Read About >> Blizzard Fleece.

Conclusion-

In case of lightweight warmth and comfort, micro fleece is well justified. It performs well in jackets, mid-layers and cozy loungewear where bulkless insulation is required. Fleece is a favorite among outdoor lovers and tourists; they use micro fleece as their mid-layer. It is very practical because of its breathability, softness and ability to dry fast.

Nonetheless, to be very warm or completely waterproof, then you should combine micro fleece with heavier clothing or shells. In daily activities, such as on hiking excursions and even when relaxing at home, micro fleece provides a nice performance balance. To conclude, micro fleece material is an intelligent option that can be used by anyone who requires to have lightweight warmth with ease of care and comfort.

Read More>> What is Poly Fleece fabric?

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