Reasons Not to Miss Out on the Different Types of Fleece

There are so many different fleece fabrics out there that it’s difficult to figure out which one is best for your needs. There is cotton, polyester, polar, micro, Sherpa and other varieties. Since there isn’t an all-purpose fleece you can use for all occasions, it helps if you first determine whether you plan to use fleece as workwear, for use around the town, or for your hiking adventures. Let’s check out the different types this material is available in and the benefits they offer.

Polar Fleece

Polar fleece is the most common type of fleece used for workwear. It is a synthetic material made to be used as a wool substitute, offering some benefits that wool doesn’t have. With designs and colours varying across the spectrum, finding the perfect polar fleece workwear has never been easier. So, let’s dive into the properties this timeless piece of work clothing.

There are many reasons why countrymen, farmers and bushmen alike would want to get polar fleece workwear. Polar fleeces are a tapestry of interwoven polyester fibre, making them low in density and weight, yet very pliant and comfortable to wear. Unlike wool, polar fleece allows the skin to breathe easily which is very important to winter clothing  whilst keeping its warmth from radiating out. In other words, you won’t get sweaty, overheat and subsequently freeze after a long day of work wearing this type of fleece.

girl wearing polar brown fleece and leather pants

Source: pinterest.com.au

Moreover, polar fleeces are made of hydrophobic fibres, which means the material is basically water-resistant. It holds less than 1% of its total weight in water while retaining most of its heat isolation properties, making it very easy to dry even whilst it’s still on your body.

Often times, polar fleece is made from recycled plastic bottles or even recycled fleeces, which leaves a severely lower carbon footprint than similar materials. With its price averaging around 8 AUD per meter, the quality to price ratio of this material is truly staggering.

If you are looking to buy polar fleece and you don’t want to wander around from one store to another, especially during a pandemic, online workwear stores may be your best solution. It’s also the fastest way to compare prices, designs and brands and to equip yourself or your employees with high-quality workwear.

Microfleece

Microfleece is a great choice for exercise clothing for the colder months. It’s the thinnest and the most flexible variant of fleece fabrics and is generally softer and lighter than polar fleece. It’s great for layering under other jackets, as its soft and plush texture won’t scratch the skin. It’s also often used for baby items such as blankets, clothes and cloth nappies.

girl on the mountain wearing hiking micro fleece

Source: play.decathlon.co.uk

Microfleece is a moisture-wicking fabric which means that it has the ability to pull moisture away from the skin, draw it to the exterior of the fabric and letting it evaporate, thus keeping you warm and comfortable. Microfleece jackets tend to be very breathable, especially if they are manufactured in a grid layout. This grid fleece features a gridded pattern on the inside of the jacket which allows better air circulation and moisture-wicking properties while reducing the rate of piling and increasing wind resistance.

Cotton and Bamboo Fleece

Cotton fleece is a common type of fleece available on the market. This type of fleece has a smooth exterior and plush interior. Cotton or cotton-blended fleece is soft and comfortable and it is usually used for baby garments, but it can be also used for gym wear like sweatpants.

Bamboo fleece is made from 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. Bamboo fleece and other bamboo fabrics have a high level of absorbency, and that is why they are very popular options for cloth diapers. Bamboo is a breathable and thermal regulating fabric and it dries quickly, so the baby will stay comfortable even when wet.

However, even though bamboo fleece fabric is made from a plant, there is, however, some misunderstanding about its eco-friendly nature. The vast majority of bamboo products are made in a process that relies on chemicals to dissolve wood pulp into a rayon fabric.

girl with pink bamboo fleece

Source: j76cw.com

Sherpa Fleece

Sherpa is made from polyester fabric, although it looks as though it was made from wool. Sherpa fleece has two sides: one that has a smooth knit, and the other that is textured to look like fleece from sheep. This fleece fabric is added as lining in jackets for additional warmth, but it can also act as a casual sweater indoors. It’s super plush and is way less itchy than lambswool. Moreover, it has a cloud-light softness that you’ll sink into when you slip it on.

Sherpa is also known to retain heat and keep you warm during the cold, winter months. Even after you wash it, it will maintain its soft, fluffy texture, but be sure to use a gentle cycle and avoid using the dryer for too long.

Double-Sided Cuddle Fleece

This fabric makes for some really snuggly items such as bathrobes, blankets, onesies as well as jackets and jumpers. It’s super soft and luxurious, with a deep pile you’ll want to dive into. There are bathrobes with cuddle fleece on one side and soft fluffy flannel on the other that pair so well together and make a really warm luxury garment you’ll find difficult to take off through the winter months.