If you operate an online clothing store, fleece is likely one of your foundational offerings. But what exactly is fleece? Did you know it comes in many different types and styles? This article will teach you all you need to know about fleece and look at the top fashions sold in the past year.
Fleece 101 – What It Is
Fleece fabrics are knit. Then one or both sides are brushed to loosen fibers and create a slightly raised surface. This brushing effect is responsible for the soft, plush, comfortable feeling that fleece offers against the skin. As a result, fleece is so prevalent in specific garments such as sweatpants and sweatshirts.
Often worn alone, the brushed side of the material goes on inside the garment. Therefore, it is the soft part of the equation, but the brushed fibers also provide warmth, which adds to the comfort of wearing fleece. Words like “cozy” and “comfy” are associated with wearing something with fleece.
Fleece is more of a process than an actual fabric. However, brushing different kinds of material can be used to become fleece. For example, sweatshirts and sweatpants are typically composed of a cotton and polyester blend. On the other hand, plush fleece jackets and pants are often 100 percent polyester. There are also fleeces made from recycled materials making them more eco-friendly.
The Different Types of Fleece
As we explained, fleece is a process where brushing fabric loosens fibers. Fleece can come from various materials, and this is why fleece comes in different levels of plushness and thickness. It all depends on the materials required. Here is a look at some of the more popular types of fleece and what materials are needed to create them.
Cotton/Cotton Blended Fleece
Cotton/cotton blended fleece is the most common type of fleece material. Once brushed, they have a smooth outside surface and a plush, soft inside surface. This type of fleece usually appears in activewear.
French Terry Fleece
This type of fleece did not undergo brushing on either side. Therefore, it is thinner and sits flatter than any other fleece material. It also does not have the soft, plush, fluffy feel of brushed fleece.
Lycra Spandex Fleece
Lycra spandex fleece is a type of fleece made from a blend of cotton and lycra spandex. Lycra spandex is a stretchy fabric and appears in women’s and junior’s wear and performance clothing.
Microfleece
Microfleece is a double-sided fleece. It is both thin and soft and very lightweight. In addition, microfleece is effective in wicking away moisture, making it the perfect material for performance garments.
Polar Fleece
The brushing process in polar fleece results in a much thicker and warmer material. As a result, it is the perfect choice for jackets, outerwear, and blankets for use in cold climates.
Polyester Fleece
Polyester fleece is a variety of fleece similar to cotton but different. Polyester fleece is smooth on the outside and plush on the inside, has a shiny appearance, and repels moisture.
Sherpa Fleece
The composition of this fleece is 100 percent polyester. Once brushed, it becomes pretty fluffy and soft. It looks like wool fleece but is not and is usually used to line garments for warmth.
Slub Fleece
Slub fleece is an exciting type of fleece. It is knit from two different sizes of yarn woven together. It creates an unusual fabric that has a textured visual and feels soft and supple.
Considerations For Choosing Fleece
Customer needs will dictate which type of fleece you will use to fill orders. However, it is crucial to remember that fleece reacts to heat. If you plan to customize fleece sweatshirts or sweatpants with a heat pressure press, expect some challenges. Too much heat can cause shrinking. Therefore, setting the temperature to the correct recommended temperature and applying pressure according to the suggested time is vital.
Top Selling Fleece Styles
Vests
Cooler weather means looking closer at the closet for extra layers to wear. Sometimes that means a full jacket is too warm, but a fleece vest with a full front zipper is the correct item to keep the chill off. The best thing about fleece vests is that they are lightweight and provide freedom of movement.
Sweatpants
A standard in almost everybody’s dresser bottom drawer is sweatpants. For example, in many different settings, from lounging around the house to working out, jogging, or going to the office. Some styles even have pockets on the front and back so you can comfortably carry your keys, phone, and wallet.
Quarter Zip Pullovers
One of the best ways to pair fleece sweatpants is with a pullover sweatshirt with a quarter zip. The zipper allows for temperature control and aids with the fit. It is also a popular item at Bella + Canvas for online clothing store owners to have in their inventory. The quarter zip is also stylish and makes the garment wearable in various settings.
Sweatshirts
Another hot item on the list of popular fleece styles for 2022 is the trusty, reliable sweatshirt. These have been around for decades and are famous for various reasons. Not only are they easy to customize, but they also come in many different colors and are comfortable, warm, soft, and inviting. Of course, nothing beats curling up in front of the TV wearing an oversized sweatshirt.
Jackets
A fleece jacket is better when a heavy winter jacket is too much. They are lightweight but warm. You can’t go wrong with one of these out horseback riding or fishing. Having one in the car for that chilly late-night ride home is always a good idea. Fleece jackets are excellent alternatives to extra layers.
Final Thoughts
Fleece is a prevalent treatment for fabric. It makes different materials soft and warm, which adds to their appeal. In addition, fleece is affordable, lightweight, durable, and comfortable. No wonder so many different types of fleece and styles make it a perfect choice for your wardrobe, regardless of the season.
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