Fabric Guide

Fleece

Fleece is a soft, insulating fabric with a brushed surface. It is widely used for warm, comfortable clothing, blankets, accessories and linings. Weight, thickness, stretch and finish can vary between fleece qualities.

Shop the Collection
Close-up of soft fleece fabric with a brushed surface
SurfaceSoft & brushed
WarmthInsulating
WeightFrom lightweight to heavy
StretchVaries by quality
Suitable forClothing, blankets & accessories
The Fabric

What is Fleece?

Fleece is a soft fabric with a raised or brushed surface that creates an insulating pile. Many fleece qualities are made from polyester, although the exact fibre composition can vary by product.

Not all fleece is the same. Weight, thickness, pile, stretch and finish determine how warm, flexible and bulky a quality feels and which applications it is best suited to.

Where does the name Fleece come from?

The English word fleece originally referred to the woolly coat of a sheep. The modern fabric took its name from its soft, warm and wool-like appearance. Modern fleece fabric, however, is often made from synthetic fibres and does not need to contain any wool.

Variations by Quality

Possible Variations

CompositionOften polyester
ThicknessFrom thin to bulky
SurfaceBrushed & soft
StretchVaries by quality

Always check the individual product specifications for the exact composition, width, weight, thickness, stretch and care instructions.

Uses & Selection

What is Fleece used for?

Jumpers & FleecesFor warm, soft outer layers and comfortable mid-layers.
Jackets & LiningsSuitable as an insulating layer or lining, depending on thickness and quality.
BlanketsWidely used for soft blankets and throws thanks to its warm, comfortable surface.
AccessoriesSuitable for hats, scarves, snoods and other warm accessories.

Choosing the right quality: pay particular attention to weight, thickness and stretch. A lighter fleece works well for softer garments and linings, while a thicker quality provides more bulk and insulation for warm clothing, blankets and accessories.

Care

Care Instructions

Pre-washing
Pre-washing Not always necessary; follow the individual product instructions
Washing
Washing Wash according to the instructions for the chosen quality
Drying
Drying Preferably air dry, or follow the individual product instructions
Do not bleach
Bleaching Only when permitted by the individual product instructions
Good to Know

Sewing & Choosing

Pre-washing Not necessary for every fleece quality; base this on the composition and how the finished item will be cared for.
Cutting Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter; bulky fleece is often easier to cut in single layers.
Sewing Choose the needle and stitch according to thickness and stretch, and test your machine settings on an offcut first.
Finishing Many fleece qualities fray very little, but the best edge finish depends on the product and intended use.
Bulk Thick fleece can create a lot of bulk at seams and hems, so allow for this when sewing.
Choosing a Quality Compare weight, thickness, composition, stretch and surface for each fleece quality.
Alternatives

Similar Fabrics

These fabrics can be alternatives based on softness, warmth or application, but differ in structure, stretch and appearance.

Zachte teddy stof met volumineuze pool

A bulky, warm fabric with a soft curly or woolly pile.

Zachte sweatstof voor comfortabele kleding

A comfortable knitted fabric for sweatshirts, cardigans and casual clothing.

Zachte minky fleece met pluizig oppervlak

An exceptionally soft fleece with a fluffy surface, popular for blankets and baby items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fleece FAQs

Is Fleece always made from polyester?

No. Many fleece qualities are made from polyester, but the composition and fibre blend can vary by product.

Is Fleece stretchy?

It varies by quality. Some fleece fabrics have noticeable stretch, while others are more stable.

Is Fleece suitable for blankets?

Yes. Fleece is widely used for blankets and throws because of its soft surface and insulating properties.

What is the difference between Fleece and Sweatshirt Fabric?

Fleece has a brushed, pile-like surface and is mainly chosen for softness and insulation. Sweatshirt fabric is a knitted clothing fabric with a different construction and appearance.

Collection

Looking to Buy Fleece?

Explore the available fleece qualities, colours, weights and current product specifications.

Shop Fleece