What Is Fleece Made Out Of? 

Fleece fabric is known for being soft, fluffy, and durable. But while the term fleece originally referred to the wool covering of sheep, most fleece today is made with synthetic fibers. 

This cozy fabric is used in everything from clothing to blankets. It also offers excellent breathability and insulation against the elements when used in outerwear. But what material is fleece actually made of? Let's explore how fleece material is made to create your favorite clothing.

What Materials Is Fleece Made Of?  

Polyester 

Most fleece is made with polyester or "poly", synthetic fibers called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is made from petroleum plastics used to make plastic bottles and food containers. Essentially, plastics are melted down into threads that can be stretched and woven together into fibers. Sometimes, plastic containers and bottles are also recycled into polyester fabrics. This is often a more eco-friendly way to create fleece fabrics.  

As far as fabrics go, polyester is still fairly new to textiles and was initially developed in the 1930s. It gained popularity quickly due to its affordability and comfort. Polyester also offers warmth while still being breathable and lightweight. 

Other Fleece Blends 

Fleece can be made out of a variety of materials. Some other types of fleece include: 

• Cotton and cotton-blend fleece: Fleece is not typically made of 100% cotton, but cotton can be spun into a plush knit that resembles sheep fleece's softness. It is more common to find cotton blended fleece made with 80% cotton and 20% wool. Fleece blends can offer dual fabric benefits by enhancing warmth, wrinkle resistance, and breathability.
• Bamboo fleece: Like cotton, fleece can be made with natural bamboo fibers. This soft fabric offers added moisture-wicking.
• Wool fleece: Fleece was initially made with the wool coats of sheep. Wool is naturally insulating and moisture-wicking. Wool made into fleece is often very soft and has a deeper, raised texture.

What is Sherpa Fleece Made Of?

Contrary to the name, sherpa fleece is not typically made with natural sheep's wool. Sherpa fleece is generally made with polyester woven into a deep, plush texture. This allows polyester to resemble natural wool fleece. Cotton blends may also be used to create sherpa fleece.

Sherpa fleece is different from other fleece types because it has a distinct raised and soft side that looks like fluffy wool. This design gives Sherpa fleece some additional softness and warmth.

Why is Most Fleece Made with Polyester? 

Polyester fleece is relatively easy to make and offers many benefits you want in a blanket or garment. Some of the most significant advantages of polyester fleece are: 

• Warmth and insulation: Fleece helps trap body heat to keep you warm and cozy.  
• Lightweight comfort: Polyester fleece can add warmth without the bulk of wool.  
• Breathability: Lighterweight fleece fabrics allow air to circulate near the body.  
• Durability: Fleece is difficult to rip and maintains its shape over time.  
• Affordability: Synthetic fabric is typically less expensive than natural wool or cotton.
• Easy care requirements: Most polyester fleece is machine washable and dries quickly. 

Fleece Construction 

Fleece construction depends on how the fabric is knit or woven together, which affects the smoothness of the fabric surface. Pile height, or how tightly the fibers are packed together, also impacts fleece material: 

• Low pile height has short, tight fibers to create lightweight fleece that is more breathable.
• Medium pile height increases the fiber length for more warmth and breathability.
• High pile height has thick, fluffy fibers for the most warmth. 

Fleece clothing may also have special finishes like anti-pill and water-resistant. Anti-pill fleece is treated to help reduce the fabric from forming small balls. Fleece jackets may be coated with water-resistant chemicals to protect them from rain or snow. 

That Fleece is Made of What Material? 

You may see additional descriptors like microfleece or polar fleece if you purchase a fleece blanket or jacket. Like sherpa fleece, these are different types of fleece that can be made with polyester. 

• Microfleece: Thin and lightweight fleece with low pile height. This is ideal for more breathability needed in lightweight jackets and activewear.
• Polar fleece: Medium plushness with medium pile height. This gives sweatshirts, jackets, and blankets warmth and insulation while staying lightweight and breathable.  
• Sherpa fleece: Ultimate plush with high pile height. Gives a luxuriously soft and fluffy feel to warm jackets and throws.  

All USA Clothing has offered the highest-quality fleece jackets for over 40 years. Shop our wide selection of made-in-USA men's fleece jackets at All USA Clothing.