1- How to properly care for your fleece?
Proper care is essential to maintain your fleece's durability and technical performance. Here are our top tips for washing and looking after your fleece:
Before washing your fleece, carefully check the care label. Follow the recommended washing temperature and specific guidelines. Before placing your fleece in the machine, zip up all fasteners and turn the garment inside out. Use a gentle, non-aggressive detergent free from optical brighteners. Mild detergents preserve both the insulating properties and the softness of the fleece. Wash at 30°C maximum on a delicate cycle.
Next, avoid high spin cycles (maximum 800 rpm). To dry your fleece, hang it on a line or lay it flat. Avoid tumble dryers, as excessive heat can damage the fibres and degrade its insulating performance. Finally, most fleeces do not require ironing. Air drying is best to let creases drop out naturally.
2- What should you wear under a fleece?
Thermal base layers are the essential foundation for all outdoor activities. Choose short sleeves for summer outings or long sleeves for enhanced cold-weather protection. Two main fabric categories dominate the outdoor market.
First, synthetic base layers. Several synthetic materials exist, such as polyester, polyamide, elastane, and polypropylene. Synthetic fibres offer endless possibilities, allowing technical blends that optimise performance. Polyamide and polyester excel at heat retention and durability, while elastane delivers optimal stretch. Another major benefit of synthetic fibres is fast drying times. Alongside synthetics, merino wool has become an outdoor staple. It is naturally itch-free and regulates temperature without causing you to overheat or sweat. This adaptability makes it suitable across a wide range of temperatures. It is naturally odour-resistant and remarkably lightweight.
Today, hybrid base layers combining both materials are widely available. A base layer blending wool and synthetics delivers the best of both worlds.
3- What fabric weight should you choose for a fleece jacket?
Fabric weight, expressed in grams per square metre (g/m²), refers to the density of the fabric. In theory, the thicker the fabric, the higher the fabric weight.
Lightweight fleeces (100–200 g/m²) are primarily used as mid-layers in a 3-layer system. They provide moderate thermal insulation, making them ideal for cool conditions or high-output activities where the body generates significant heat.
Midweight fleeces (200–300 g/m²) deliver superior thermal insulation. Thicker and warmer, they are well suited to winter conditions and colder climates. These fleeces work perfectly as an outer layer in cool weather or as an insulating mid-layer in severe cold.
Heavyweight fleeces (300 g/m² and above) are engineered for maximum thermal insulation. Heavier and loftier, they are purpose-built for extreme winter conditions and high-altitude activities. Heavyweight fleeces are ideal for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or mountaineering.
These guidelines are general and may vary across brands and specific fleece designs. Additionally, pairing with other layers—such as a windproof outer jacket or a thermal base layer—will influence the required fabric weight.
4- Which fleece should you choose for sports?
When choosing a fleece for sports use, key factors must be considered to meet the specific demands of your activity. Opt for a fleece that provides effective thermal insulation to keep you warm during your workouts. Look for fleeces with a fabric weight tailored to the intensity of your outing. During high-exertion activities, sweating is inevitable. Make sure the chosen fleece is breathable and wicks moisture away from your skin efficiently.
Look for a lightweight fleece that will not restrict your movements during sports activities. Stretch fleeces with a fitted cut provide enhanced freedom of movement, while lightweight fabrics keep weight and bulk to a minimum. High-output activities can be tough on gear. Choose a fleece made with durable, abrasion-resistant materials. Fabrics with a reinforced outer layer are a solid choice for active use.
Look for a fleece equipped with functional features tailored to your activity: secure zipped pockets for essentials, a hood for added protection, and flat seams to eliminate chafing. If you head out in harsh mountain weather, choose a fleece with built-in wind and water resistance. Some fleeces feature a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish to shed light rain and moisture.
5- Why are fleeces perfect for spring?
During the spring months, temperatures can vary, with cool mornings and evenings and warmer days. Fleeces provide lightweight insulation that keeps you warm when temperatures drop without overheating once the sun comes up. They deliver the right thermal protection for spring conditions.
Fleeces are typically made from breathable synthetic materials that allow moisture vapour to escape. Even during high-exertion activities or when temperatures climb, fleece wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable. Fleeces are lightweight and easy to layer. In spring, when mountain weather shifts rapidly, having versatile layers you can quickly pull on or pack away is essential.
Fleeces are ideal for this, as they can be worn on their own or paired with extra layers when temperatures drop. Fleeces are renowned for their softness and comfort. They feel great next to the skin and can be worn all day with zero irritation. In short, they are a practical, functional choice to stay warm and comfortable throughout shoulder seasons.
6- Hooded or hoodless fleece?
Choosing between a hooded or hoodless fleece comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. Here are a few key points to help you decide.
If you plan to use your fleece in changeable weather or exposed, windy conditions, a hooded fleece provides essential extra protection for your head against cold, wind, and light precipitation. A hoodless fleece is often more versatile and easier to layer. You can wear it cleanly under a jacket or coat featuring an adjustable or removable hood to adapt to changing mountain conditions.
Conversely, some people prefer a hooded fleece for its practical, comfortable feel. A hood can offer extra warmth and protection, especially when you are not wearing a beanie or want to shield your ears from the cold. If you plan on engaging in high-intensity activities, a hoodless fleece can offer greater freedom of movement by eliminating bulk around the head and neck. Finally, it is worth noting that some fleece models feature a detachable or stowable hood, allowing you to adapt on the go.
7- What is the difference between fleece and microfleece?
Microfleece is not fundamentally different from fleece—it is simply a lighter, thinner variation. Both share a synthetic construction, typically made from polyester. However, standard fleece is thicker than microfleece. It features a loftier structure with thicker fibres, providing a plusher feel and higher thermal insulation. Standard fleece also has a higher fibre density per square metre.
Due to its loftier structure and higher fibre density, standard fleece provides greater thermal insulation than microfleece. It traps body heat more effectively, making it better suited to cold conditions. In contrast, microfleece is thinner, with a tighter weave and finer fibres, making it lighter and more breathable. While it still provides baseline thermal insulation, microfleece is best suited to milder conditions or high-intensity activities where maximum breathability is essential.
Note that definitions of fleece and microfleece can vary between outdoor brands. Always check specific product specifications to understand the exact differences in fabric weight and construction.
8- Wool or fleece: which provides better cold protection?
When it comes to cold-weather protection, wool and fleece have distinct characteristics that affect their thermal performance. Wool is a natural material that retains insulating properties even when damp, effectively trapping body heat. Fleece is engineered from synthetic fibres, typically polyester. While fleece traps heat efficiently, it tends to lose some of its insulating performance when wet.
Natural wool fibres offer natural wind resistance, whereas fleeces can be more air-permeable and let the wind through. On the other hand, fleeces are generally lighter and less bulky than wool garments, making them practical for activities where weight and pack size matter, such as hiking or skiing. Wool garments can be thicker and heavier, which can be an advantage in freezing conditions.
Wool and fleece can be paired within a 3-layer system to maximise cold-weather protection. For example, wearing a wool base layer under a fleece provides an effective combination of thermal insulation, moisture wicking, and wind resistance. Ultimately, choosing between wool and fleece depends on your preferences, planned activity, and weather conditions. Both fabrics have distinct strengths suited to different mountain scenarios.
9- How to wear a fleece?
Fleece is a versatile, comfortable layer that can be worn in multiple ways. It is most commonly used as a mid-layer within a 3-layer system. Layer it under a waterproof jacket or an insulated coat to trap body heat and lock out the cold. Make sure the fleece is fitted without being restrictive, allowing proper airflow and movement.
In milder weather, you can wear a fleece as an outer layer. It provides light wind protection and works well worn alone over a t-shirt. Fleeces are also great for everyday wear and relaxing at home. Soft and cosy, they keep you comfortably warm on chilly days. Fleece is ideal for outdoor sports like hiking, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, and more. It delivers reliable thermal insulation while actively wicking moisture away. Highly versatile, a fleece adapts to any scenario—simply adjust your layering based on the conditions.
10- What is fleece fabric?
Fleece is a synthetic technical fabric widely used in outdoor apparel and equipment. It is prized for its thermal insulation, softness, and lightweight build. Fleece is engineered from synthetic fibres, typically polyester, which are knitted or woven into a soft, brushed fabric. Known for its efficient heat retention, fleece serves as a core mid-layer in 3-layer systems for cold-weather outdoor pursuits.
Fleece also delivers outstanding softness and comfort. The fabric is often brushed to create a softer, more pleasant feel against the skin. In addition, fleece is lightweight and offers great freedom of movement, making it a go-to choice for sportswear and casual outdoor gear. Thanks to these properties, fleece is used across a wide range of products, including jackets, jumpers, blankets, beanies, and gloves.
Fleece can also be made from recycled materials, making it a more eco-friendly option. Several brands offer recycled fleece products, helping reduce plastic waste and minimise environmental impact.
11- How to choose the right fleece jacket?
Choosing a fleece jacket depends on several factors, including intended use, weather conditions, personal preferences, and budget. Select a fleece jacket that delivers the right thermal insulation for your target conditions. Thicker, heavier-weight fleeces provide maximum warmth, while lightweight fleeces are ideal for milder weather or as a mid-layer. Make sure the fleece jacket is breathable enough to wick away sweat and keep you dry during physical activity.
Look for materials that promote optimal airflow. Choose a fleece jacket that offers a comfortable fit and cut. Ensure it delivers full freedom of movement and layers easily with your other clothing. Consider functional details you might need, such as zipped pockets for secure storage, an adjustable or removable hood for extra protection, or adjustable cuffs for a tailored fit.
12- Who invented fleece?
The material we call “fleece” was invented in the 1980s by the company Malden Mills, now known as Polartec. This material was a synthetic alternative to wool. It was an innovative, hard-wearing fabric designed to replicate or even surpass wool's performance. Their goal was to create a soft, warm, lightweight, and durable fabric.
The development of fleece was a breakthrough success, establishing Malden Mills as a leading fleece manufacturer in the outdoor clothing industry. They launched Polartec® fabric, which became the industry benchmark for fleece, delivering exceptional thermal insulation, breathability, and comfort.
Fleece transformed the outdoor apparel industry by providing a lightweight, warm, and rugged alternative to natural fibres like wool. Today, fleece has become a staple for outdoor sports, active pursuits, and lifestyle wear thanks to its technical versatility and exceptional comfort.
13- How is fleece made?
Fleece is a technical fabric made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) fibres combined with other synthetic fibres. Here is an overview of how fleece is made:
First, polyester is produced by heating and melting solid polyester polymers. This extrusion process yields long polyester fibres, similar to yarns. The extruded fibres are then drawn and spun to make them finer and stronger. This spinning process creates continuous yarns used to produce fleece fabric. These polyester yarns are then knitted or woven into fleece. Knitting is the most common method, as it delivers a soft, stretchy fabric.
Once the fleece fabric is produced, it can undergo various finishing treatments to enhance performance. This can include applying coatings or treatments to improve the fabric's water resistance or breathability. The fleece fabric is then cut into panels according to the required patterns and designs.
It is worth noting that fleece can also be made from recycled materials. In this case, recycled plastic bottles can be used as a polyester source to manufacture the fibres and fleece fabric. Manufacturing processes can also vary between brands and producers, with specific techniques used to add technical properties such as wind resistance, abrasion resistance, or other specialised features.
