A Guide to Fleece Clothing

There's a lot to love about wintertime. Snow, ice skating, sledding, hot chocolate - the list goes on and on!

But there is one big disadvantage to winter, and that is the temperature.

For many places in the world, wintertime is cold. Really cold. And even though there are lots of fun activities to do, it's hard to enjoy yourself when you're chilled to the bone.

Not to worry, though! There is a simple and easy solution - fleece clothing!

Most of the time, we don't think about the material of our clothes. But the truth is, it makes a huge difference in terms of comfort, warmth, breathability, and more. So, if you need a good winter outfit, fleece is the way to go!

But, you may ask, what actually is fleece? What's so great about it, anyway?

Look no further! Here is an extensive guide on fleece clothing.

What Is Fleece?

When people are looking for warm, cozy clothing material, they used to get something made out of wool. And it's true, wool is a great fabric. But in recent years, it's been surpassed by fleece.

Fleece was created as a direct competitor to wool. Its name, "fleece", is taken directly from the name for a sheep's fur coat. Despite this, though, it's entirely human-made.

Despite the warmth of wool, it has a reputation for being incredibly itchy and smelly when wet. So, in the 1970s, a textile mill in Massachusetts started to experiment with polyester to make a synthetic version of wool. After a collaboration with the owner of Patagonia in 1981, fleece clothing was born.

Even though fleece tends to be made from polyester, that's not always the case. Sometimes it can be made from a fabric blend of other natural materials.

Features of Fleece

Fleece clothing tends to be soft and fuzzy to the touch, much like the fleece of a sheep. It is also usually made from knit fabric, not woven. This means it won't fray if you cut it, making it a great fabric for crafty and creative people.

Fleece clothing is also versatile and comes in many different color and style options. You can get fleece jackets, fleece hoodies, and fleece sweaters in any color under the sun.

Something to keep in mind is that fleece can also be prone to shrinkage. This depends on the blend of fabrics in the specific piece of clothing. It's a good idea to pre-wash any fleece clothing you buy so that you don't run into this problem!

Another great feature of fleece is that it's eco-friendly! Since it's 100% synthetic, it can be made out of recycled materials, like plastic water bottles. This means it's great for the environment, as well as being cost-effective!

Benefits of Wearing Fleece

Wearing fleece has tons of benefits - in fact, it has so many that it's hard to narrow it down. Let's go through some of them.

Warm

Fleece clothing is incredibly warm and cozy. In fact, it can even be warmer than wool, and more comfortable as well.

Fleece actually has great insulating properties that make it a perfect piece of winter clothing. It's able to trap in your body heat and keep you warm, even when it's freezing outside.

Breathable

While it's important to stay warm, you also don't want to boil over inside your fleece sweater. But you won't, because fleece is also a very breathable material.

If you're athletic or outdoorsy, breathability in your clothing is very important. That's why wearing fleece clothing is a great idea.

Fleece allows you to breathe in a way that other materials don't, while still keeping you warm. This makes it a great fabric to wear on an outdoor walk during the winter or autumn seasons.

Wind-Resistant

Many fleeces can also give you the best of both worlds by being breathable while still protecting you from cold, harsh winds. Some fleece jackets may have a windproof membrane on the inside to keep the cold out and the warmth in. This means you'll be able to stay warm and cozy on a hike or jog without needing to pile on the layers.

Lightweight

It's a common misconception that heavier materials are warmer. Fleece is one of the warmest materials out there, and it's incredibly lightweight. In fact, it can even be more lightweight than wool.

Having a warm jacket or hoodie that is also light and easy to wear is a massive benefit. With fleece, your movements won't be restricted and you won't be weighed down by anything.

Dries Quickly

Fleece is an ideal clothing material for athletes who play outdoor winter sports. Because of their synthetic properties, fleece jackets can actually be water-resistant to an extent. Any water that your fleece sweater absorbs will evaporate quickly, keeping you warm and dry even in the rain or snow.

Low-Maintenance

Because of their microfibers and lightweight material, fleece clothes are easy to clean and maintain. Unlike other types of clothes that absorb stains and are near impossible to restore, fleece clothing is durable and resistant.

Soft & Comfortable

Last but certainly not least, fleece clothing is incredibly comfortable. In addition to all of the above, it's also amazing to wear!

Unlike wool, its competitor, fleece is not itchy or scratchy in the slightest. Rather, it provides wearers with a soft, luxurious feeling against the skin. No wonder it's in high demand!

Types of Fleece Clothing

Fleece clothing is not one-and-done. There are lots of different types with different advantages, so take a look at them all to determine which type is right for you!

Microfleece

Microfleece jackets are the thinnest ones you can get. Despite this, though, they're still very warm!

A special feature of microfleece is that it is a "wicking" material, which means it's good at pulling water away from surfaces. It "wicks" water away from your skin, whether it be rainwater, sweat, or anything else.

This is very helpful in athletic wear since it keeps you cool and comfortable. Microfleece, then, is a great choice for winter sportswear, so that you can stay warm in the cold air, but not overheat.

If you're a new or expecting parent, microfleece is also good for baby clothes and blankets. It's soft, lightweight, and easy to clean!

Mid-Weight Fleece

This type of fleece is the most common and also the most versatile. Many hikers and outdoor athletes use mid-weight fleeces in their activities, but they're great for casual wear as well.

Mid-weight fleeces are more insulated than microfleeces, but still breathable and light. They work well as either an outer or an inner layer, depending on the situation that you need it for.

Textured Fleece

Textured fleeces are also quite common, and for good reason! They tend to be fluffy and soft to the touch, mimicking the coat of a sheep.

They're heavier than microfleeces or mid-weight fleeces, so they do the trick to keep you warm when you need it. They're great for everyday wear on cold nights when you want to be cozy and comfortable.

Natural Fleece

As we mentioned, fleece is often made from polyester. But not always. Sometimes it can be made from natural materials, such as cotton or bamboo.

The combination of different materials in fleece clothing gives it different properties. When it's made with cotton, fleece can be softer than soft. Plus, they provide great breathability.

Natural fleeces are good for custom printing because of how well they manage dye. You can print just about anything you want on hoodies, t-shirts, sweaters, and more!

Cuddle Fleece

Like the name suggests, cuddle fleeces are extremely soft and luxurious. If you want to just cuddle up on the couch at home in maximum comfort, then a cuddle fleece is the way to go for you.

You can get cuddle fleeces in the form of blankets, bathrobes, sweaters, and more. Whatever you need to maximize your coziness!

When to Wear Fleece Clothing

Fleece clothing is incredibly versatile. There are lots of different times and situations when you can pull on a fleece jacket!

Fleece is excellent for cold weather because of how it's able to trap in heat. If autumn or winter is approaching and you need some warmer clothes, anything made from fleece is a perfect choice.

It's also great for athletes, especially outdoor athletes, because of how quickly it dries and how lightweight it is. You can move easily and comfortably, and you won't overheat!

If you're going to be spending a lot of time outside in chilly weather, it's also a good idea to use a fleece sweater or hoodie as a layer. It'll keep you nice and toasty throughout the whole day.

AllDayShirts Recommended Products

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to fleece clothing. But don't worry; we've made it easy for you. Here are some recommended products that are both cozy and stylish!

This Gildan fleece sweatshirt is pill-resistant and as warm as they come. With double-needle stitching throughout and a double-lined hood, you'll be super comfy!

If you want a t-shirt, you can grab a fleece crewneck shirt! With set-in sleeves and the classic crewneck look, you'll look great rocking this top.

You can also get a relaxed fit with this fleece pullover hoodie. It has a contemporary style and is perfect for casual, everyday wear.

Get Your Own Fleece Clothing

If you're hoping to stay warm as winter gets closer and closer, fleece clothing is an easy solution! It has tons of advantages and protects well against any kind of weather.