Introduction-
While shopping for winter clothes or winter blankets, many people ask, what is poly fleece fabric? Poly fleece is lightweight, warm, and soft fabric. It is cozy, fluffy, and performs well in cold weather.
Poly fleece is short for polyester fleece. Polyester, or “poly,“ is a synthetic and man made fiber. Instead of using natural wool fibers during manufacture, poly fleece is made using polyester yarns. Because of this reason, it lowers in price, increases in durability, and becomes easy to care for. It is comfortable and has good performance, poly fleece is used for jackets, hoodies, and even blankets and sportswear. Because of this reason, poly fleece is becoming more and more popular in the fashion and home textiles industry.
What Is Polyester Fleece Fabric?
Poly fleece (short for polyester fleece) is soft and fluffy synthetic fabric made from fleece polyester. It was developed to copy sheep wool. However, fleece is a lot lighter than wool and dries a lot faster. Natural fleece from sheep is a hybrid protein fiber. Poly fleece is artificial all the way. Because of that, fleece is usually smoother and lighter than sheep wool. It has a fuzzy lining that traps in a lot of body heat. Poly fleece feels cozy to the touch and some varieties are even softer, like sherpa fleece. One or both sides of the fabric are fuzzy which gives it extra warmth.
What Is Poly Fleece Fabric Made Of?
100% Polyester Fibers
Manufacturers of poly fleece use polyester fibers that are 100% poly fleece. In general, polyester is a chain of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Manufacturers take PET in its form of small chips (known as PET chips), and then melt it. After doing so, they push it through small holes (called spinnerets), which results in the fibers. These polyester fibers are then spun into yarn and knitted into the fleece fabric.
Recycled Polyester (PET Bottles)
In addition, many poly fleece garments are made from recycled fleece. During this process, used PET bottles and other plastics are cleaned, shredded, and then melted into new fibers. These new fibers, which are the result of recycled PET (and are also called recycled PET), have the same softness and warmth as virgin polyester. However, they also aid in reducing the amount of plastic in the environment and conserving other resources.
Common Blends (Poly-Spandex)
Also, various other small fibers are added to poly fleece to improve functionality. One of the most used and popular of these blends is polyester fleece with a small amount of spandex or lycra. This creates a stretchy fleece that is suitable for activewear. In addition to this, polyester fleece may also have a small blend of cotton or wool added for texture. The poly-spandex blend is important, as it adds elasticity to the polyester fleece and keeps the fleece warm while making it lightweight.
How Poly Fleece Fabric Is Made
Polyester Fiber Production
The first stage of fleece production is polyester fiber production. Producers start with PET pellets (polyester chips) and melt them down into a thick liquid. They then push this liquid through a device called a spinneret. As the polyester strands come out of the spinneret, they harden into long fibers that can be used for processing.
Knitting Process
Next, polyester fibers are turned into yarn and then fabric. Usually with knit fabric, one side is smooth and the other side is brushed. The knit serves as the structural base of the fleece.
Brushing/Raising to Create Fleece
The knit fabric is then sent through a machine with a soft, fuzzy surface to raise the pile. The fluff is mainly created by the polyester fibers being pulled from the knit with wire brushes. The soft, fluffy texture makes fleece warm and is why fleece is used for so many warm and soft products.
Anti-Pill and Finishing Treatments
Fleece often undergoes various special treatments. Quality fleece uses heat or chemicals to tweak the fabric so that it shrinks and pills less. Yarn that is less prone to fuzz, called anti-pill yarn, is also used along with anti-pill backing to help reduce fuzz balls. The polyester fleece is also sometimes treated with a water repellant coating that polyester fleece can pill.
Key Characteristics of Poly Fleece Fabric
Softness
First of all, poly fleece is one of the coziest materials ever. It’s soft to the touch and the brushed fibers make it feel a bit velvety. Even the microfleece variant is gentle and will feel comfortable against your skin.
Warmth
Poly fleece provides a good amount of warmth. The dense, fuzzy materials pile traps body heat effectively. The standard fleece, which is between 200 -300 grams, is really warm and often goes in cold weather gear. One important thing to note is that polyester fleece will soak up water and isn’t waterproof. You will lose insulation once it gets to wet.
Lightweight Nature
The most poly fleece is warm and quite lightweight. The amount of warmth you get for the fleece compared to lightweight is high. This is the fleece’s ideal for layering and travel.
Quick-Drying
Poly fleece dries quicker than most materials. This is a large advantage over cotton and wool. If you sweat or get damp the fleece will shed the moisture and feel dry again.
Wrinkle Resistance
Poly fleece has some of the best wrinkle resistance compared to other natural types of fabrics. The polyester fibers tend to snap, which allows the fleece to stay smooth after it has been packed or sat in to. Some fleece clothes don’t even need to stay ironed to keep the good look.
Durability
Poly fleece won’t let you down. The napped, heat-set fibers keep their structure, so you won’t have to worry about nicks, scratches, or pulling. These garments will last a long time!
Is Poly Fleece Fabric Warm?
For sure, poly fleece is warm. This is because of its pile structure and fuzzy fibers. Those fibers trap air and body heat. Plain polar fleece, which is 200-300 grams per square meter, can keep you really warm. Still, fleece is not waterproof, and when it rains it can get soaked (although it never soaks more than 1% of its weight). When poly fleece does get soaked, it then loses most of its insulating ability, which is really bad because wool would perform better and insulate you even when it is wet. Poly fleece works great in all cold climates (especially dry ones) or when you layer it under something more protective.
Is Poly Fleece Fabric Breathable?
Of course, poly fleece is warm, and fairly breathable. This is quite a rare combo, but it is still hard to overheat in poly fleece because of the knit structure. It allows moisture to pass and evaporate so that you do not overheat. Fleeces can move a lot of sweat which is great for so many people because this is a really popular feature. This is also why a lot of people like wearing fleece because it keeps them cool. They can even wear it when they are doing a lot of exercise or other activities.
Can Poly Fleece Fabric Keep Water Out?
As a material, Poly fleece cannot keep water out, however, under heavy rain, it can absorb water. it is hydrophobic, meaning under extreme moisture it can absorb water. As fleece gets water, polyester is able to dry it off. Most fleece clothing do have a a finishing technique called durable water repellent or they have high polyester to fight moisture. Because of this, fleece jackets can protect you from a little rain or snow, water will take away the insulation of the fleece. Because of that if you wear fleece jackets you should wear a waterproof layer over it.
Can Poly Fleece Fabric Stretch?
Poly fleece can stretch but only a little. Poly fleece clothes have a knit construction which allows the material to have a little stretch. Blended fleece that uses spandex or lycra can stretch more. In general, high-quality fleece will keep its stretch better.
Poly Fleece vs Cotton Fleece vs Wool Fleece
| Feature | Poly Fleece | Cotton Fleece | Wool Fleece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Very good insulation; warmer than cotton | Moderate; cotton absorbs moisture and chills | Excellent; retains heat even when wet |
| Breathability | Good; synthetic fibers wick moisture | Moderate; natural cotton breathes well | High; natural fiber is breathable |
| Durability | Very durable; resists wear and tear | Fair; may shrink or wear over time | Durable; but can pill or felt without care |
| Price | Affordable; inexpensive to produce | Moderate; mid-range cost | Expensive; wool is a premium material |
| Care | Easy care; machine wash, quick-dry | Easy; machine wash, but can shrink | Requires gentle wash or dry-clean |
Types of Poly Fleece Fabric
Polar fleece
It is one of the most common fleece materials and has the classic fleece look with a double sided pile fleece. Polar fleece is usually between 100 and 300+ grams per square meter (GSM). It is very warm and heavy. Polar fleece comes quite commonly in jackets and sweaters and warm blankets.
Microfleece
Microfleece is a lighter and soft fleece that weighs usually under 200 grams per square meter. Micro fleece has fantastic breathability and moisture wicking with soft fleece insulation. It is commonly utilized in base layers. Moving a little towards athletic shirts there is a need for warmth and fleece insulation without the bulk.
Anti-Pill
Anti-pill fleece is simply treated for the little fuzz balls that often appear after wear. The fleece may utilize a tighter knit or finishing process to keep the surface of the fleece consistent. The tighter the knit the longer high quality anti pill fleece looks newer. Non treated fleece often pill with wear and therefore anti pill fleece is in high demand.
Sherpa
Sherpa fleece is warm and fuzzy like a sheep and is used. This fleece has string shaggy piles in it and is made from 100% polyester and with to plush sides. Sherpa fleece is like sheepskin wool. Sherpa fleece is often utilized as a lining or outer layer for winter wear.
Coral Fleece
Coral fleece is soft and thick and is made out of polyester, which is used to make comfort fabrics. Its pile is thick which is great for blocking moisture and wind. Since it doesn’t easily lint or fade, it is great for loungewear, blankets, and clothing for kids.
Common Uses of Poly Fleece Fabric
Lots of manufacturers use it to make clothing. For example:
Jackets and Hoodies: Polar fleece is perfect to make jackets. It is used to make vests, hoodies and other outerwear because it is warm and not very heavy.
Blankets: Fleece is used to make soft blankets that are lightweight and easy to care for. Cozy blankets are made from thick polyester fleece that insulates well.
Sportswear &Activewear: You’ll find microfleece used to make activewear. It is perfect for workouts because it evil wicks and traps sweat.
Baby Products: Fleece is popular for lots of baby clothing and sleep sacks. Plush fleece is often chosen to make pjs and swaddles.
Home Textiles: Fleece is used lots of household items like pet bedding, throws and lounge pants. It is warm soft and super easy to wash.
Pros and Cons of Poly Fleece Fabric
Pros
- Low-Cost: Usually much cheaper than down or wool as polyester is cheaper to manufacture
- Warm: Great Insulation for its weight because of thick piled fiber
- Lightweight: Provides warmth without bulk, easy to wear and pack
- Easy to Care for: Fleece doesn’t shrink like wool, machine washable, and quick-drying
- Durable: Better quality fleece can last for many seasons, Fibers keep their shape
Cons
- Synthetic: Fleece is made from petroleum and is not biodegradable
- Microplastic Shedding: Polyester fibers can shed while washing and contribute to microplastic pollution
- Pilling: Bad quality fleece can develop fuzzy pills with wear but can be lessened with treatments like anti-pill.
Is Poly Fleece Fabric Eco-Friendly?
Recycled Polyester Fleece
Using recycled polyester to create fleece jackets has become commonplace. Recycled PET bottles can be transformed into fleece yarn. This process decreases the production of new plastics, as well as diverting material from the landfill.
Environmental Impact
On the other hand, there are also negative effects of polyester fleece. Fleece is a product of the non-renewable resource of petroleum, is not biodegradable, and shedding fleece releases microplastic fibers into the water. The good news is that the combination of using recycled polyester and modern laundry filters helps reduce this pollution.
Certifications to Look For
When purchasing fleece that is meant to be better for the environment, look out for certifications. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) certifications show there is recycled content. The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification shows that no harmful chemicals were used. Other eco-labels, such as Bluesign®, are evidence of less harmful and more sustainable production.
How to Care for Poly Fleece Fabric
- Washing: Use a gentle cycle for machine washing fleece, in cold or warm water. Bleach and fabric softeners should be avoided, and mild detergent should be used.
- Drying: Air drying or tumble drying on low heat is recommended. High heat is bad as it can shrink or melt polyester. To reduce wrinkles, remove right after drying.
- Preventing Pilling: Use a gentle wash cycle and wash the fabric inside-out. Washing with like fabrics or in a laundry bag can help. To remove pills, use a fabric shaver or comb.
- Storage: To avoid stretching, fold fleece jackets and sweaters instead of hanging. To prevent dust build up, store in a cool and dry place with no direct sunlight.
How to Identify High-Quality Poly Fleece
- Fabric Weight (GSM): More fleece (higher gsm) means thicker and warmer fabric. Check label (200+ gsm is mid weight 300+ is heavy).
- Pilling Resistance: Quality fleece is often labeled “anti-pill” or “no-pill.” Good fleece pill less, and not so good fabrics pill more.
- Fiber Density: Quality fleece has a tight, dense fabric. Soft, dense fleece is better at holding warmth and feels more substantial.
- Softness Retention: Quality fleece stays soft over time. Cheaper fleece feels rougher after washing.
Conclusion-
Poly fleece is a great insulator that is pretty warm, and light. It is great in cool and dry weather, and you will be even more comfortable using it while active. For everyday clothing that is soft and inexpensive, poly fleece is a good insulator to go for. Other people might need to look for wool or other fabrics, especially if they need to have natural fibers, or need to perform in wet and cold climates. All in all, poly fleece is a useful material for winter clothing, and any casual clothing that you will wear in the cold.
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FAQs
Yep, “Poly fleece” is short for polyester fleece, which is also fleece made from polyester fibers.
Not usually. If you wash polyester fleece in a gentle cycle, vertical polyester fleece should not shrink. Just avoid washing in very hot water or using a dryer.
It usually is, and is usually a fine fabric for those with wool allergies or especially sensitive skin, because it has no wool or lanolin. Just make sure to wash new fleece before wearing because some have finishing chemicals on them.
For winter wear, thicker fleece layers (such as polar fleece) are pretty warm. Use them as a mid-layer under a coat in extreme cold or windy weather.
I appreciate how clearly you broke down the differences between how poly fleece is produced and why that affects its warmth and breathability. One thing that stood out to me is how the brushing process really impacts the final texture—people often assume all fleece feels the same, but the finishing steps make a huge difference. It might also be interesting for readers to know how the weight (gsm) of fleece can change its performance in different climates.