What Makes Fleece Fabric So Popular?

Since fleece fabric’s introduction by Malden Mills in the 1970s, fleece gained popularity quickly. However, around 2001, fleece fabric was considered old-fashioned. But in recent years, it has made a major “comeback”. From winter wear staple to casual streetwear, it has become a new favorite in fashion circles.

But what exactly made fleece fabric gain its popularity back? Before we can answer this question, we need to know what fleece fabric is and what its features are. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about fleece fabric.

What Is Fleece Fabric?

Fleece is a soft, warm, and lightweight fabric, often used as a synthetic alternative to wool. It’s crafted through a special knitting and brushing process that raises the surface fibers, creating a plush texture that traps heat while remaining breathable and quick drying.

What Is Fleece Fabric Made Of?

Fleece can be made from various fiber blends depending on the desired use and quality:

Polyester

The most common material for fleece fabric is polyester, which is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum-based products like PET (polyethylene terephthalate). 100% polyester fleece fabric is lightweight, quick-drying, and durable.

Recycled Polyester

Now many modern fleeces are made from recycled plastic bottles, making them more sustainable. Even competing with natural wool in sustainability.

Cotton

Cotton rich fleece fabric is breathable and easy to clean. It is also the most expensive fleece fabric available on the market & often used for baby garments on top of the usual winterwear like coat jumpers and jackets.

Wool

Despite being a synthetic fabric, fleece fabric can be sometimes mixed with natural animal fur or wool for added warmth. Although it’s rare in commercial use, organic fleece fabric has it’s place.

Blended materials

Some fleece fabrics incorporate cotton for added softness, or viscose for drape. Even rayon and spandex are also becoming increasingly common, contributing to a more versatile fleece production. Depending on the blend these are the fleece fabrics:

Types of Fleece Fabric

Originally developed as a synthetic alternative to wool, fleece has evolved into various types, each with unique properties suitable for diverse applications. Understanding the different types of fleece fabric can help us understand its popularity.

Polar Fleece Fabric

Polar fleece fabric is one of the most common types of fleece fabric. It is thick, insulating, and double-sided. Polar fleece is typically made of 100% polyester. It’s a fleece knit fabric that’s moisture-resistant, making it popular for winter wear & outdoor gear like jackets, hoodies, and blankets.

Microfleece Fabric

Microfleece fabric is a thinner, lighter version of polar fleece. It provides warmth without bulk, making it perfect for layering. It is soft against the skin, highly breathable and has a ultra-soft napping surface, which makes it ideal for babywear, sleep wear, activewear, sports and fitness apparel.

French Terry Fleece Fabric

French terry fleece fabric is characterized by a smooth side and a looped side. It offers excellent breathability, moisture absorption and stretching. It's widely used in activewear and loungewear and light jackets.

Sherpa Fleece Fabric

It’s made from 100% polyester or, acrylic or a blend of both fibers. Sherpa fleece fabric looks very puffy and usually used in blankets, hoodies and as lining in leather jackets to add additional warmth.

Blizzard Fleece Fabric

Blizzard fleece fabric is a soft, medium-weight fleece that is less prone to pilling and has a smooth finish. It's often used for DIY crafts, no-sew blankets, and scarves. Its durability and vibrant color retention make it a popular choice for casual projects.

Slub Fleece Fabric

Slub fleece fabric features a unique texture resulting in a visual appeal. The slightly uneven surface is often used in fashion-forward casual wear.

Coral Fleece Fabric

Coral Fleece fabric is thicker and has a longer “pile” than polar fleece. It tends to be used for blankets and baby clothing due to its anti-pill and furry texture.

Teddy Fleece Fabric

Teddy fleece fabric is very similar to coral fleece; Easily stretchable, lightweight, and easy to wash. It is very plush and fluffy with a high-pile texture mimicking sheepskin. Most used in outerwear linings, cozy jackets, and home textiles.

Sweatshirt Fleece Fabric

Sweatshirt fleece fabric is typically thicker and warmer than French Terry. It has a smooth outer side and a fleecy inner side. With minimal stretch, sweatshirt fleece is best for loose fitting garments. 

CVC (Chief Value Cotton) Fleece Fabric

CVC fleece is a blend with a higher percentage of cotton, usually around 60% cotton and 40% polyester. It offers greater softness and breathability, making it comfortable for premium sweatshirts and hoodies.

Polyester Cotton Fleece Fabric / Tetron Cotton Fleece Fabric

TC or PC fleece typically contains higher polyester content, often 65% polyester and 35% cotton. This blend enhances durability, wrinkle resistance, and color retention, ideal for sportswear and uniforms.

[Note: For hoodies, the most common choices are sweatshirt fleece fabric for it’s durability, cotton fleece fabric for breathability and polar fleece fabric for extra warmth]

Why Is Fleece Fabric So Popular?

Now that we know all about fleece fabric. Let’s discuss why it’s so popular.

Good warmth to weight ratio

Fleece fabric is incredibly warm yet lightweight, making it ideal for layering without feeling bulky.

Quick-drying & moisture-wicking properties

Fleece fabric dries faster than cotton and wicks moisture away from the body, perfect for outdoor and active wear.

Softness and comfort

Fleece fabric is super soft to the touch, giving a cozy feel that people love for jackets, blankets, and loungewear.

Durability

Fleece is resistant to pilling and retains shape well, lasting through many washes.

Breathability

Despite being warm, fleece allows moisture to escape, so it keeps you warm without overheating.

Affordable & Easy to Care For

Compared to wool, fleece fabric is more affordable, machine-washable, and easy to maintain. You won’t need to worry about ironing fleece, as it does not wrinkle

Fashion Appeal

Fleece has evolved beyond outdoor wear — it’s trendy in casual fashion, streetwear, and even high-end collections now. Brands like Patagonia and The North Face helped put fleece on the map, especially as sustainable options using recycled polyester fleece fabric became more widespread.

Final Thoughts

Fleece fabric continues to be a go-to material in fashion and active wear due to its versatility, warmth, comfort, water resistance and ease of care.  Fleece will always have an advantage due to being softer and lighter than wool while offering the same benefits when it comes to comfort and warmth.