What is Fleece?
Fleece is a lightweight, synthetic insulating fabric commonly made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of polyester. Despite its wool-like appearance, fleece is a fully synthetic material, originally designed as a vegan alternative to wool. Thanks to its moisture-wicking, breathable, and fast-drying properties, fleece is widely used in sportswear, outerwear, and casual clothing.
While traditional fleece is made from virgin polyester, eco-conscious brands now produce recycled fleece using repurposed plastic bottles, reducing the need for virgin petroleum-based resources.
A Brief History of Fleece
Fleece was developed in the late 1970s by Malden Mills, now known as Polartec. In 1981, the company collaborated with Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, to introduce the first-generation fleece, called Synchilla.
The introduction of fleece revolutionized outdoor apparel, offering a lightweight yet warm alternative to wool. Over the decades, fleece has evolved, with technological advancements allowing the production of cashmere-soft fleece and eco-fleece made from recycled materials.
What is Fleece Made Of?
Fleece is primarily made from polyester fibers, which are derived from petrochemicals. The material is created through a polymerization process, where ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid react to form PET pellets. These pellets are then melted, extruded into fibers, and brushed to create a soft texture.
Types of Fleece Fabric
Classic Polyester Fleece – Made from virgin polyester, offering insulation and durability.
Recycled Fleece – Made from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing plastic waste and energy consumption.
Cotton-Blend Fleece – A mix of cotton and polyester, often used in hoodies and sweatshirts.
Microfleece – A thinner, softer fleece commonly used for lightweight layers and base layers.
Properties of Fleece
Fleece is a highly functional fabric that is valued for its warmth, breathability, and ease of care. Here’s why fleece is a popular choice for clothing and accessories:
Advantages of Fleece
Warm and Insulating – The brushed fibers create air pockets that trap body heat, providing excellent warmth.
Lightweight – Unlike wool, fleece is incredibly light, making it ideal for layering.
Moisture-Wicking – It repels moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Fast-Drying – Dries quickly compared to natural fibers like cotton and wool.
Machine Washable – Can be easily washed without special care requirements.
Vegan-Friendly – Unlike wool, fleece does not come from animal sources.
Disadvantages of Fleece
Non-Biodegradable – Traditional polyester fleece is made from petrochemicals, contributing to plastic pollution.
Microfiber Shedding – Washing fleece releases microplastics into water systems, harming marine ecosystems.
Less Breathable than Wool – Can trap heat, making it uncomfortable in warmer conditions.
Prone to Pilling – Frequent washing and abrasion can cause pilling, reducing fabric lifespan.
Environmental Impact of Fleece
While fleece offers performance benefits, its environmental footprint raises concerns.
1. Fossil Fuel Dependency
Fleece is a synthetic textile derived from petroleum-based plastics, making it a non-renewable resource. The production process is energy-intensive and contributes to carbon emissions.
2. Microfiber Pollution
One of the biggest sustainability challenges of fleece is microplastic shedding. A 2016 study found that washing a single fleece jacket releases 250,000 synthetic microfibers into wastewater, which often ends up in the ocean and enters the food chain.
3. Recycled Fleece: A More Sustainable Alternative?
"Eco-fleece" or recycled polyester fleece is made using recycled PET plastic bottles, reducing the need for virgin polyester and diverting plastic from landfills. However, recycled fleece still sheds microfibers, so it’s essential to wash it responsibly.
Tip: Use a Guppyfriend washing bag or microfiber-catching filters to reduce microplastic release when washing fleece.
How to Care for Fleece Sustainably
To extend fleece lifespan and minimize its environmental impact, follow these care tips:
Wash Less Frequently – Washing fleece less often reduces fiber shedding.
Use Cold Water & Gentle Detergent – Hot water damages fibers and increases microfiber release.
Air Dry Whenever Possible – Tumble drying can damage synthetic fibers over time.
Avoid Fabric Softeners – Softeners can coat the fleece fibers, reducing their moisture-wicking properties.
Use a Guppyfriend Bag – Helps capture microfibers and prevents them from entering water systems.
Sustainable Alternatives to Fleece
For those looking to reduce reliance on synthetic materials, here are some eco-friendly alternatives:
Recycled Wool – Offers natural insulation and is biodegradable.
Organic Cotton Fleece – A softer, breathable alternative that doesn’t shed microplastics.
TENCEL™ Lyocell – A biodegradable fiber derived from wood pulp, offering moisture-wicking and durability.
Hemp Fabric – A highly sustainable, long-lasting textile with natural breathability.
Is Fleece Sustainable?
Fleece remains a popular material due to its warmth, affordability, and performance benefits. However, its environmental drawbacks, particularly microfiber pollution and fossil fuel reliance, make it less than ideal for sustainability.
For conscious consumers, recycled fleece is a better option than virgin polyester, but natural fiber alternatives like recycled wool, organic cotton fleece, and TENCEL™ are even more sustainable choices.
By making informed choices and adopting responsible washing practices, we can reduce fleece’s environmental impact while staying warm and comfortable.
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