What Are The Differnt Types of Fleeces

Fleece fabrics can be made from a variety of different materials. Sweatshirts and sweatpants are typically made from cotton/polyester blends, while plush fleece jackets and pants are usually 100 percent polyester.

Cotton or cotton blended fleece is the most commonly used fleece for sweatpants and sweatshirts. Fleece fabric made from cotton or cotton blends have a smooth outer surface and a plush inner nap.

Polyester fleece garments have become increasingly popular. Like cotton or cotton blend fleece, polyester fleece fabric is smooth on the outside and plush on the inside. Polyester fleece differs from cotton fleeces in that its smooth side has a shiny appearance and it does a better job of repelling moisture.

Lycra spandex fleece is mostly cotton with a small percentage of Lycra spandex to create a stretchy fabric. It's popular both for fitted women's or junior's garments and for performance fleece.

Microfleece is a double-sided fleece that is thin and soft. Because this fabric is lightweight and does an excellent job of wicking moisture away from the body, microfleece is a popular choice for performance garments.

Polar fleece is much thicker and warmer than microfleece. It makes a popular fleece fabric option for blankets and jackets for colder climates.

Slub fleece is knit from two different sized yarns twisted together. The result is a fleece fabric with a textured look.

Sherpa fleece is 100 percent polyester and very fluffy. It's meant to mock the look of wool fleece, and it's commonly used to line garments for added warmth.

French terry (fleece) can be un-brushed on both sides or brushed on the looped side. This type of fleece is typically used for sweatshirts and hoodies.