What Is Fleece?

The word fleece may be associated with the soft, warm coats of sheep or other animals, but it's also a popular type of fabric. In its most basic form, fleece is a synthetic warming fabric, which is made from acrylic or a specific type of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Some brands of fleece are mixed with other natural and plant-based fibers to add texture or color, while others are entirely PET. Fleece can be used in a variety of clothing and outdoor gear for warmth, and is particularly good at keeping you cool while you work up a sweat.

Sheep have been tended and bred since at least 5000 BCE, and their fur has long been used for warmth. The term fleece was first used to describe the softer, warmer outer layer of a sheep's coat. Sheep are sheared regularly to prevent overgrowth of their coats, which can cause health problems for the animal. The first fleece-like fabrics were woven from wool, but this was itchy and heavy, especially when wet. Scientists and textile engineers searched for a new material that would offer many of the same insulating properties of wool without its downsides. In 1979, Malden Mills (now known as Polartec) introduced the first synthetic fleece to the world.

Unlike traditional wool, fleece is not itchy and can be machine-washed, making it much easier to maintain. It's also not heavy when wet and doesn't require the production of wool to be produced, which is a huge benefit in terms of environmental impact. In addition, the polyester that fleece is made from can be recycled over and over again, which means fewer bottles go to landfills.

Today, fleece is used in all sorts of apparel and gear for outdoor activities, as well as indoor wear like sweaters and hoodies. It's also employed for bedding, blankets, and accessories for pets. Regardless of its applications, fleece remains a popular choice for its ability to keep us warm and comfortable in cold temperatures.

A variety of different types of fleece are available for consumers, including Sherpa fleece and French terry fleece. Sherpa fleece has a very high pile, which is designed to mimic the look of wool fleece. Sherpa fleece is very thick and warm, but it's also quite light. The fabric is brushed on both sides to create that distinctive fuzzy appearance, which makes it very soft. French terry fleece, on the other hand, is less fluffy and has a smoother surface. It's typically used to make sweatshirts and hoodies.

Whether it's recycled or not, however, fleece is still dependent on non-renewable fossil fuels for its production. It can also need extra chemical coatings to protect against wind and water, which further degrades the environment. These chemicals often bind with harmful molecules from the wastewater that they are created in, and they can wind up in our waters or air, as well. It's important to consider these issues when shopping for fleece and choosing an eco-fleece alternative.