For many of us, fleece signifies that time of the year when the weather is gradually getting colder, and we need to layer up with more items of clothing.
It’s an incredibly soft, cozy fabric that can help to keep us warm under our coats on frosty walks.
If you’ve been thinking of investing in a fleece jacket, and want to know more about the fabric, keep reading, as we take a look at everything related to fleece below.
What Is Fleece Material?
So, what exactly is fleece material made of? Essentially, fleece is a synthetic material, meaning that it’s not naturally sourced, that is a variety of polyester.
Specifically, it is made of PET, or polyethylene terephthalate. It is sometimes combined with other types of synthetic materials too.
One of the reasons why people opt to wear fleece jackets under other layers of clothing, is because it is cold resistant, preventing you from freezing on cold winter days.
As well as this, the material is also great because it wicks away any sweat, and is essentially antiperspirant.
If you sweat, it will help to dry this out incredibly quickly, and leave you feeling comfortable. Many people opt for fleece jackets when they’re working out for this specific purpose.
What Different Properties Does Fleece Have?
Fleece has a number of different properties that make it a desirable option for many people. Below, we’ve listed some of the main features of fleece material.
Machine Washable – One of the best things about fleece is that you can simply toss it in the washing machine, without any fear of it shrinking or becoming misshapen in any way.
Breathable – If you’re wearing a fleece jacket under your clothing, chances are you won’t feel encumbered by the material, as it’s highly breathable.
Build Up Static – One of the strange things about the material is that it builds up electric easily, giving it a static feel on occasion.
Anti Wrinkle – A godsend for people who hate ironing, fleece doesn’t require any ironing whatsoever as it’s completely wrinkle free.
Water Resistant – As we mentioned briefly above, fleece is completely water resistant, making it a great option for those who are looking for something to work out in.
Warm – Fleece is a great option for when the weather is cold outside, and you need to don a few more layers, as it naturally insulates and keeps you warm.
How Do I Wash Fleece?
As we mentioned above, fleece is an incredibly easy fabric to take care of, and is relatively hassle free. There are, however, some things that you should bear in mind whilst washing fleece.
First of all, as we mentioned briefly above, fleece is a synthetic material, so won’t shrink at all when you wash it.
Many fleece clothing items, however, are blended in with other fabrics which might be prone to shrinking in the wash.
In this case, make sure that you’re always checking the clothing label for instructions on how you can best take care of your clothing items.
To reduce bobbling on your fleece clothing, it’s a good idea to make sure that you turn them inside out before washing.
This will help to protect the outer portion of your clothes which others will see.
If you don’t like the staticy, electrical feel that fleece sometimes has, you can put a little fabric conditioner in with your wash, this may help to reduce this property.
If you can help it, don’t iron your fleece items. Polyester is well known for its propensity for melting under high heat conditions.
Generally fleece does not need to be ironed anyway, because the material is almost wrinkle free.
If however, you feel that you do need to iron your fleece for whatever reason, make sure that the iron is at the lowest setting possible, and you place a cloth over the clothing as a barrier.
Finally, it is always a good idea to leave your fleece to air dry rather than putting it in the dryer. Because it has anti – moisture properties, it won’t take very long to die anyway.
The History Of Fleece
Fleece material was first developed in the 1970s by a designer called Malden Mills. It did not gain traction until the 1980’s, where it became a popular workout clothing option.
People loved the warmth provided by the material, whilst still having a sense of agility.
It’s also popular because of its affordability, which makes it widely available for many people.
The Sustainability Of Fleece
As we are living in an age where people are becoming more aware of the sustainability factor in purchasing clothes, this is an important aspect to consider when looking at the material.
Unfortunately, fleece isn’t all that great for the environment. It’s made from synthetic fibers, which are not renewable after use.
There is also an anti wrinkle chemical that is placed over the material, which also poses a problem for the planet.
There is however, an alternative option that you can look into, although it’s more expensive than regular synthetic fleece. Eco Fleece is a far better alternative, as its material is made entirely of recycled polyester.
As well as this, Eco Fleece also helps to bring down the number of bottles we find in landfills.
Final Thoughts
Although it’s not excellent for the environment, fleece is a great material for keeping warm during colder months.
People love it for a whole host of different reasons, such as its ability to keep moisture at bay, its warmth, its ease of care, and its breathable nature.
Because it’s made from polyester, make sure that if you decide to iron fleece that you do so at the lowest possible setting to avoid damage.
Hi, I’m Jessica Strouss and I was born a fashionista.
When I learned as a child that fashion and beauty go hand in hand with “suffering and pain”, I decided to make a difference.My love for animals is as important to me as my love for fashion. That’s why I’m devoted to promoting cruelty free and vegan options for clothes, shoes, accessories and make-up.
I truly hope that my website inspires you to make wise choices when it comes to buying clothes or beauty products.When we all contribute a little, we can make the world a better place.
