1- How to care for your fleece?
To ensure the durability and performance of your fleece, it is essential to care for it properly. Here are a few tips for maintaining your fleece:
Before washing your fleece, carefully read the washing instructions on the label. Follow the recommendations regarding washing temperature and any other specific instructions. Before placing your fleece in the washing machine, close all zips and turn your fleece inside out. Then use a mild, non-aggressive detergent free from bleaching agents. Mild detergents preserve the insulating properties and softness of the fleece. Wash at no more than 30°C on a delicate cycle.
Also avoid spinning at too high a speed (800 rpm maximum). To dry your fleece, hang it in the open air or lay it flat. Avoid putting it in a tumble dryer, as excessive heat can damage the fibres and alter the insulating properties. Finally, most fleeces do not need to be ironed. It is best to let the fleece air dry to remove any creases.
2- What to wear under your fleece?
Thermal base layers are the ideal solution for all outdoor activities. Whether in short sleeves for the summer season or long sleeves for better protection against the cold. There are two types of fabric that are perfect for outdoor activities.
The first category is synthetic fibre base layers. There are several synthetic materials, including polyester, polyamide, elastane and polypropylene, etc. Synthetic fibres offer a wide range of possibilities. They can be blended to achieve products with better properties. Polyamide and polyester are known for their heat retention and durability, while elastane offers excellent stretch. Another advantage of synthetic fibres is their excellent drying speed. Alongside these, merino wool is a well-established material that is increasingly used in outdoor clothing. It is non-itchy and can retain heat without causing you to sweat. This property makes it a material you can wear regardless of the temperature. It is also odour-resistant and, in terms of weight, it is very lightweight.
It is worth noting that today you can find a base layer made from a combination of both materials — a base layer made with a blend of wool and synthetic fibres to give you the benefits of both.
3- What weight for a fleece jacket?
The gram, expressed as grams per square metre (g/m²), is essentially the weight of the fabric. In theory, the thicker the fabric, the higher its weight.
Lightweight fleeces (100–200 g/m²) are often used as mid-layers in a 3-layer system. They offer moderate thermal insulation and can be worn in cool weather or during intense physical activities where body heat is generated.
Mid-weight fleeces (200–300 g/m²) offer superior thermal insulation. They are thicker and well suited to winter conditions or colder environments. These fleeces are ideal for use as an outer layer or as a mid-layer in colder climates.
Heavyweight fleeces (300 g/m² and above) are designed to provide maximum thermal insulation. They are heavier and thicker, making them suited to extreme winter conditions or high-altitude activities. Heavyweight fleeces are ideal for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding or mountaineering.
It is important to note that these indications are general and may vary depending on the specific brands and models of fleeces. Furthermore, the addition of extra layers, such as a windproof outer jacket or a thermal base layer, can influence whether a higher or lower weight is needed.
4- Which fleece for sports use?
When choosing a fleece for sports use, it is important to take certain factors into account to meet the specific demands of your activity. Go for a fleece that offers good thermal insulation to keep you warm during your sporting activities. Look for fleeces with a weight suited to the intensity of your practice. During sports activities, perspiration is inevitable. Make sure the fleece you choose is breathable and allows good moisture wicking from your skin.
Consider a lightweight fleece that won't restrict your movements during sport. Stretchy fleeces with a fitted cut offer greater freedom of movement, while lightweight fabrics reduce weight and bulk. Sport activities can be demanding on clothing. Choose a fleece made from durable, wear-resistant materials. Fabrics with a reinforced outer layer are a good choice for sports use.
Also consider a fleece with practical features suited to your activity. This may include zip pockets for safely storing small items, a hood for extra protection, flat seams to prevent irritation, and so on. If, for example, you take part in outdoor sports activities in challenging weather conditions, look for a fleece with wind and water resistance. Some fleeces feature a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment to repel water and resist light showers.
5- Why are fleeces perfect for the spring months?
During the spring months, temperatures can be variable, with cool mornings and evenings and warmer days. Fleeces offer light insulation that keeps you warm when temperatures drop without overheating you as the sun rises. They provide adequate thermal protection for spring conditions.
Fleeces are generally made from breathable synthetic materials that allow moisture to escape. This means that even when you perspire a little during physical activity or when temperatures rise, the fleece helps to wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you comfortable and dry. Fleeces are lightweight and easy to layer with other garments. During spring, when weather conditions can change quickly, it is important to have versatile clothing that can be added or removed easily depending on temperature fluctuations.
Fleeces are ideal for this, as they can be worn on their own or combined with additional layers when needed. Fleeces are known for their softness and comfort. They offer a pleasant feel against the skin and can be worn all day without causing discomfort. In summary, they are a practical and functional choice for keeping you warm and comfortable during this transitional season.
6- Fleece with or without a hood?
The choice between a hooded and a non-hooded fleece depends on your preferences and intended use. Here are a few points to consider to help you make a decision.
If you plan to use your fleece in variable weather conditions or windy environments, a hooded fleece can offer extra protection for your head against the cold, wind and even light showers. A fleece without a hood can be more versatile and easier to layer with other garments. You can wear it under a jacket or coat with a removable hood or a separate hood to adapt your protection to changing conditions.
Conversely, some people prefer a hooded fleece for its practical and comfortable appeal. The hood can provide a sense of warmth and security, especially when you don't have a beanie or want to protect your ears from the cold. If you plan on doing intense physical activities, a fleece without a hood can offer greater freedom of movement, avoiding any restriction around the head and neck. Finally, it is worth noting that some fleece models feature a detachable or foldaway hood, allowing you to use it as needed.
7- What is the difference between fleece and microfleece?
Microfleece is not fundamentally different from fleece, as it is simply a type of fleece. They share the same fabric — both synthetic and generally made from polyester. However, fleece is thicker than microfleece. Fleece has a bulkier structure with thicker fibres, giving it a more substantial appearance and higher thermal insulation. Fleece also has a higher fibre density, meaning it contains more fibres per unit area.
Due to its thicker structure and higher fibre density, fleece provides better thermal insulation than microfleece. It retains body heat more effectively and is therefore better suited to colder conditions. Microfleece, on the other hand, is thinner with a tighter structure and finer fibres, making it lighter and more breathable. While it also offers some thermal insulation, it is better suited to milder conditions or intense physical activities where greater breathability is required.
It is worth noting that some brands may have their own specific definitions for fleece and microfleece. It is therefore best to check the specific product details to understand the exact differences between the fleece and microfleece offered by the brand.
8- Which offers better protection against the cold: wool or fleece?
In terms of protection against the cold, wool and fleece have different characteristics that can influence their effectiveness. Wool is a natural material with inherent insulating properties, even when wet. It can retain body heat and keep you warm. Fleece, on the other hand, is made from synthetic fibres, generally polyester. Fleeces can retain heat, but they tend to lose some of their insulating capacity when wet.
Natural wool fibres offer some wind resistance, while fleeces can be more air-permeable and let the wind through. On the other hand, fleeces are generally lighter and less bulky than woollen garments, making them practical for activities where weight and bulk matter, such as hiking or skiing. Woollen garments can be thicker and heavier, which can be an advantage in extremely cold conditions.
It is worth noting that wool and fleece can be used together in a layering system to maximise protection against the cold. For example, wearing a wool base layer under a fleece can provide an effective combination of thermal insulation, moisture management and wind protection. The choice between wool and fleece will therefore depend on your preferences, the planned activity and the weather conditions you will face. Both materials have their advantages and can be suited to different situations.
9- How to wear a fleece?
Fleece is a versatile and comfortable garment that can be worn in a variety of ways. It is often used as a mid-layer in a 3-layer system. Wear it under a waterproof jacket or an insulating coat to protect yourself from the cold and retain body heat. Make sure the fleece fits well but is not too tight, to allow good air circulation.
In milder weather, you can wear a fleece as an outer layer. It offers some protection against light wind and can be worn on its own over a t-shirt. Fleece can also be worn at home or in everyday life. It is soft, comfortable and keeps you warm in cool weather. Fleece is ideal for sporting activities such as hiking, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, and more. It provides good thermal insulation while wicking moisture away from your body. Fleece is versatile and can adapt to a wide range of situations — simply adjust it to suit your needs and the outdoor conditions.
10- What is fleece fabric?
Fleece is a type of synthetic textile used in the manufacture of clothing and other products. It is valued for its insulating properties, softness and lightness. Fleece is made from synthetic fibres, generally polyester, which are knitted or woven to create a soft fabric. Fleece is known for its ability to retain heat and provide effective thermal insulation. It is therefore often used as a mid-layer in 3-layer systems for outdoor activities in cold weather.
Fleece also offers advantages in terms of softness and comfort. The fabric is often brushed to create a softer, more pleasant feel against the skin. In addition, fleece is lightweight and allows great freedom of movement, making it a popular choice for sportswear and leisurewear. Thanks to its properties, fleece is used in a variety of products, including jackets, jumpers, blankets, beanies and gloves.
It is worth noting that fleece can be made from recycled materials, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Some brands offer products in recycled fleece, helping to reduce plastic waste and minimise environmental impact.
11- Which fleece jacket to choose?
Choosing a fleece jacket depends on several factors, including intended use, weather conditions, your preferences and your budget. Choose a fleece jacket with thermal insulation suited to the conditions you will face. Thicker or heavier-weight fleeces will provide better insulation, while lighter fleeces are better suited to milder conditions or use as a mid-layer. Make sure the fleece jacket is sufficiently breathable to wick away moisture and keep you dry during physical activities.
Look for materials that promote good airflow. Choose a fleece jacket with a comfortable cut and fit. Make sure it allows good freedom of movement and is compatible with other clothing layers you plan to wear. Consider the additional features you may need, such as zip pockets for storing items, a removable or adjustable hood for extra protection, or adjustable cuffs for a better 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 textile designed to match or even surpass the performance of wool. Their goal was to create a soft, warm, lightweight and durable fabric.
The development of fleece was a great success, and Malden Mills became one of the leading fleece manufacturers in the outdoor clothing industry. They launched the Polartec® fabric, which became a benchmark in the world of fleece, delivering high performance in terms of thermal insulation, breathability and comfort.
Fleece revolutionised the outdoor clothing industry by offering a lightweight, warm and hard-wearing alternative to natural fibres such as wool. Today, fleece has become a popular choice for outdoor clothing, sporting activities and lifestyle garments thanks to its many qualities and comfort.
13- How is fleece made?
Fleece is a textile technology. It is composed of P.E.T (Polyethylene Terephthalate) fibres and other synthetic fibres. Here are the general steps in the manufacture of fleece:
First, polyester is produced by heating and fusing solid polyester polymers. This extrusion process produces long polyester fibres, similar to threads. The extruded fibres are then stretched and spun to make them finer and stronger. This spinning process produces continuous yarns that will be used to create the fleece fabric. The polyester yarns are then knitted or woven to create the fleece fabric. Knitting is more common for fleece, as it produces a stretchy and soft fabric.
Once the fleece fabric has been created, it can be subjected to various finishing treatments to improve its performance. This may include the application of coatings or treatments to enhance the fabric's water resistance or breathability. The fleece fabric is then cut into different pieces according to the desired styles 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 source of polyester for the production of fibres and fleece fabric. It is also worth mentioning that fleece manufacturing can vary between producers and brands, and certain specific processes may be used to create particular characteristics, such as wind resistance, abrasion resistance or other special properties.
