Fleece fabric has become a wardrobe staple and a home comfort essential, prized for its unmatched combination of warmth, softness, and breathability. Whether you’re braving chilly morning jogs, cozying up by a crackling fire, or crafting the next hit in athleisure, fleece delivers reliable insulation without weighing you down.
In this guide, we’ll demystify what makes fleece so special and explore ten distinct types of fleece fabric—each engineered to meet different performance needs and style preferences. By understanding these variations, you can confidently choose the perfect fleece for your next project or outdoor adventure.
What is fleece fabric?
Fleece is a soft, napped insulating fabric originally made from 100% polyester. Developed in the late 1970s as a synthetic alternative to wool, it quickly gained popularity for its warmth, lightweight feel, and moisture-wicking properties. Modern fleece is created through a brushing technique that teases out tiny fibers on the fabric’s surface, trapping air and providing excellent thermal insulation. Its quick-drying nature makes it ideal for outdoor activities, athleisure wear, and cozy loungewear alike.
Unlike traditional wool, fleece is hypoallergenic and can be machine washed without shrinking, making it a convenient choice for busy households. Over the years, innovations have led to specialized variants of fleece, each tailored to unique performance or aesthetic requirements. From ultralight microfleeces for layering under shells to thick, plush sherpas that rival faux fur, the fleece family offers something for every need and style preference.
Fleece Types: From Classic to Cozy
From ultralight layers to plush cuddle-worthy textures, the world of fleece offers a surprising breadth of options. We’ll introduce you to ten popular fleece varieties—from the pared-down efficiency of microfleece to the sumptuous warmth of Sherpa—that illustrate how subtle changes in knit structure, fiber weight, and finish can dramatically alter a fabric’s feel and functionality.
Whether you’re seeking moisture-wicking performance or indulgent softness, you’ll find a fleece type tailored to your exact needs.
1. Microfleece
Microfleece is the lightest member of the fleece family, typically weighing between 100 and 200 grams per square meter. Its superfine fibers create a delicate pile that feels silky against the skin and compresses easily for packing. Despite its slender profile, microfleece offers surprising warmth and excels at moisture-wicking, making it an ideal base layer in cold-weather outfits. Outdoor enthusiasts often choose microfleece for running, cycling, and hiking, since it provides breathable insulation without added bulk.
2. Polar Fleece
Polar fleece revolutionized winter sportswear with its combination of high warmth-to-weight ratio and durability. Weighing around 200 to 300 grams per square meter, it features a slightly thicker pile than microfleece, yielding superior insulation. The dense nap traps heat efficiently, while the polyester construction resists wind and sheds light moisture. Polar fleece jackets, hoodies, and blankets have become staples for camping trips, apres-ski wear, and everyday cold-weather layers.
3. Sherpa Fleece
With a texture that mimics sheep’s wool, Sherpa fleece brings a plush, cloud-like feel to any garment. It’s often used as a lining material in jackets, slippers, and throws, providing an extra layer of cushioned warmth. The long, curly pile of Sherpa fleece not only insulates but also creates a distinctive casual aesthetic. While slightly heavier than polar fleece, Sherpa is celebrated for its cozy, luxurious finish that’s perfect for chilly evenings and relaxed weekends at home.
4. French Terry Fleece
French terry fleece offers a versatile, reversible knit: one side is smooth, and the other features looped “terry” stitches that absorb moisture. Lighter than most fleeces, French terry is popular in sweatshirts, joggers, and spring-weight hoodies. Its breathable structure makes it comfortable for transitional seasons when you need gentle warmth without overheating. Plus, the inner loops trap minimal air, ensuring a sleek profile under jackets or gym gear.
5. Coral Fleece
Named for its ultra-soft, velvety finish, coral fleece is woven with exceptionally fine fibers, resulting in a fabric that feels almost like a cloud against the skin. It’s commonly used in bathrobes, blankets, and children’s sleepwear. Though not as thermally insulating as polar or Sherpa fleece, coral fleece provides gentle warmth and superb comfort for indoor use. Its plush surface also lends itself well to bright colors and playful prints.
6. Anti-Pill Fleece
Over time, traditional fleece can form small fiber balls, or “pills,” on its surface, diminishing its appearance and feel. Anti-pill fleece is engineered with longer staple fibers and specialized finishes to resist pilling, keeping garments looking new longer. This durability makes it a favorite for everyday wear, school uniforms, and activewear that sees frequent laundering. Anti-pill treatments maintain the fabric’s soft hand while ensuring a polished, professional look.
7. Bonded Fleece
Bonded fleece combines two layers of fabric—typically a smooth outer shell and a brushed inner layer—laminated together with a thin adhesive or backing. This construction enhances wind resistance and structural stability, making bonded fleece common in performance outerwear. The outer surface can be water-resistant or treated for stain repellency, while the inner fleece provides cozy insulation. Hoods, gloves, and mid-layers often utilize bonded fleece for balanced protection against the elements.
8. Slub Fleece
Slub fleece is distinguished by its intentional irregularities: slightly thicker yarns interspersed within the base knit, creating a subtle textured stripe effect. This artisanal look feels more organic and laid-back than uniform fleeces. Slub fleece is popular in casual pullovers and sweatshirts, offering both visual interest and the same soft warmth you expect from fleece. The varying yarn thickness also adds breathability to the garment, making it comfortable from autumn through spring.
9. Berber Fleece
Named after the traditional sheep herding culture in North Africa, Berber fleece features a characteristic high-loft, looped surface on one side and a smooth knit on the other. The loops create tiny air pockets that trap body heat, while the backing layer blocks wind. Berber fleece blankets and jackets are prized for their weighty warmth and distinctive chunky texture. This style often comes in heathered or speckled yarns, adding an appealing rustic charm to cozy gear.
10. Grid Fleece
Grid fleece features a waffle-like embossing on the inner side, creating narrow channels that boost breathability and moisture management. The smooth outer face resists snagging, while the grid pocket design enhances thermal regulation by allowing heat to circulate without overheating. Grid fleece is commonly used in athletic mid-layers and base layers for skiing, climbing, and trail running. Its engineered structure makes it an outstanding choice for high-intensity activities in cool climates.
Choosing the Right Fleece for You
With so many fleece varieties available, selecting the perfect one depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Project Purpose: Are you creating a warm winter jacket, a lightweight activewear top, or a cozy throw blanket? Each type of fleece offers varying levels of warmth, weight, and breathability.
- Desired Feel: Do you prioritize ultimate softness and warmth (Sherpa fleece) or a lighter, more breathable option (microfleece)?
- Durability: Consider how much wear and tear the fleece will experience. Polar fleece is known for its durability, while some lighter fleece options may be more prone to pilling or snags.
- Aesthetics: Do you have a particular visual style in mind? Slub fleece offers a unique texture, while classic polar fleece comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- Care Considerations: Some fleece types require special care, such as wool fleece. Think about how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining the fleece.
By understanding the properties and characteristics of each fleece type, you can make an informed decision that ensures your project is not only functional but also comfortable and stylish.
Conclusion
Fleece fabric’s versatility has made it a cornerstone of modern textiles, spanning everything from high-performance outdoor gear to ultra-cozy home textiles. By understanding the unique characteristics of microfleece, polar fleece, Sherpa, and beyond, you can choose the perfect material for any project or activity.
At Fanda Fabrics, we offer a curated selection of premium fleece materials to suit every need—whether you’re designing a lightweight athletic line, a warm winter jacket, or a snug blanket for family movie nights. Explore our fleece collections and discover how the right fabric can elevate both comfort and function in your next creation.
