What is fleece made of? Material, warmth and care
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Dunken guide
What is it made from, why does it feel warm, and what should you check before choosing a fleece jacket? Here are the straight answers.
What is fleece made of?
Fleece is a knitted fabric with a raised surface, most often made from polyester. The polyester can be virgin or recycled, while some fleece uses blends or other fibres. Always read the garment label rather than assuming every fleece has the same composition.
The raised surface creates small air pockets that slow heat loss, making fleece soft and insulating for its weight. To move from material facts to choosing a garment, compare our men's fleece jackets early in the guide.
Is fleece always polyester?
No, although polyester is by far the most common fibre. You may find recycled-polyester fleece, polyester blends or less common versions using other fibres. “Fleece” mainly describes the fabric construction and raised surface, not a guaranteed raw material.
Check the label: “Recycled polyester” explains part of the fibre's origin, but does not automatically establish warmth, durability, wind resistance or microfibre shedding.
What is the difference between fleece, teddy and fleece lining?
| Type | Key feature | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Classic fleece | Shorter raised surface and low weight. | Thickness, fit and room under a shell. |
| Teddy fleece | Fluffier, curlier texture and more volume. | Lining, bulk and use as a mid or outer layer. |
| Fleece lining | Fleece inside a different outer fabric. | The outer fabric's wind and rain protection. |
For the visibly fluffy texture, compare our teddy jackets.
Is fleece warm and windproof?
Fleece insulates by holding air, but it is not automatically windproof or waterproof. An airy fleece can feel warm under a shell while letting cold wind through when worn alone.
How do you choose fleece for layering?
Choose a thinner, less bulky fleece under an outer jacket. Choose a roomier or heavier design when the fleece will be worn more independently. Try it with the layer you actually plan to wear and check movement across the shoulders, back and upper arms.
For an outer fabric that blocks more wind, also compare men's wind jackets and read each product's stated properties.
How should you wash fleece?
Always follow the care label. Wash only when needed, fasten zips, choose a gentle cycle and avoid high heat unless the label explicitly allows it. Air drying is often gentler than tumble drying.
- Shake or brush off loose dirt first.
- Wash with similar colours and a reasonably full load.
- Use a low spin when the care instructions allow it.
- Use a microfibre-catching bag or filter if available.
What are the drawbacks of fleece?
Polyester fleece uses fossil-based fibre unless the feedstock is recycled, and synthetic clothing can release microfibres during wear and washing. Recycled content reduces demand for virgin feedstock but does not solve every environmental issue. Long use, fewer unnecessary washes and proper care are more practical than vague green claims.
Which fleece should you choose?
Choose for the job: a flexible mid-layer for low bulk, a heavier fleece for more insulation, or a fleece-lined jacket when the outer fabric also needs to handle the weather. Compare composition, thickness, seams, reinforcements and garment measurements.
Ready for a layer that works?
Compare materials, fit and construction, then choose fleece for the way you will actually wear it.