Knitted synthetic wool has little to do with its natural counterpart made from wool. This polar fleece, also known as polyester polar fleece, is a fabric made from polyester, an extruded polymer fiber.
This fleece fabric was developed for the first time and surpassed the quality of wool. This new fabric was not patented and quickly and widely used in a variety of designs around the world. Initially, this polyester fleece fabric was adopted by outdoor enthusiasts who saw it as a lightweight, comfortable and flexible alternative to fleece layers, especially at its affordable price. It quickly gained widespread appeal, transforming from being seen as a technical fabric to a household staple, as designers and apparel makers discovered new mainstream ways to capitalize on its properties.
This fabric is soft fleece and is known for its soft, felt or shaggy texture. While much lighter than wool, polyester fleece's fleece retains heat effectively and provides wool-like warmth and softness. Wool tends to be pill-resistant, which means the fabric is less likely to pilling or bumping with wear over time.
The addition of cotton or other fibers and differences in manufacturing techniques can produce a wide variety of fleece fabrics, making it easy for designers to source the ideal fleece for a product. The quality of this fabric, along with its durable and water-resistant properties, makes it a versatile choice for the production of a wide range of apparel and household items.
The main characteristics of fleece fabrics_ _
Brushed Sides: This feature contributes to the thermal properties of the fabric. Brushed fleece on both sides provides space for air pockets between threads.
No Abrasion: This makes wool an ideal fabric for blankets, scarves, and other seamless products.
VARIOUS THICKNESS AVAILABLE: This fleece can be rated from micro fleece to 100-500gsm (the thickest fleece).
Water/Water Resistance: The polyester fibers that make up synthetic wool are inherently waterproof. The moisture content of these wool fabrics is usually less than one percent by weight. We can also use durable waterproof functional finishes for outdoor products.
Breathable: While warm, moisture and air are able to pass through this fabric, especially the thinner, more flexible wool variant.
Lightweight: Polyester wool garments are much lighter than equivalent garments made from natural wool fibers.
Machine Washable: Polyester fleece fibers are easy to care for as this fabric washes well without significant shrinkage, warping or pilling. They don't hold a lot of moisture and these fabrics dry quickly.
Holds its shape well: This feature greatly increases the durability of garments made from polyester fleece.
The era of polar fleece
Clothing fashion designers or craft lovers are probably best able to describe the full range of products that can be made with polyester fleece fabrics. Because of its low maintenance cost and ease of use, wool fabrics are popular and widely used in home sewing projects.
This knitted fabric has a wide variety of uses, including apparel such as jackets, sweaters, mittens, scarves and baby clothing. It can also be used to make cheap blankets and shirts. It is also considered a good choice for all kinds of pet bedding. It is a substitute for wool.
Fleece fabric production steps
Polyester material: The manufacture of wool fabric begins with the manufacture of its constituent fiber, polyester. The polymer, originally known by the proper name PET, is made by reacting an acid with ethylene glycol to produce a polymer that is extruded at high temperatures through special discs called spinnerets out. The produced fibers are then made into filaments.
Polyester can also be made from recycled plastic PET bottles, which are shredded and melted to form fibers called recycled polyester filaments. The material needs to be certified by GRS.
Knitting: Using material to weave grey fabrics, machines include warp or weft circular machines, both of which will produce a variety of different types of fabric structures.
Dyeing: Dye any colorful color with eco-friendly dyes.
Brushing/Brushing: Pass the knitted fabric through a brushing machine. This dedicated machine uses multiple raising rollers to raise the fibers in the fabric. In addition, the fabric can be additionally brushed for added insulation or rich fleece.
Shearing: Another dedicated machine cuts the pile fibers, creating the fluffy pile that wool is familiar with.
Heat Finishing: After high temperature, the fabric structure and weight are fixed. Raised fabrics can be specially finished; coating (WR, shading, flame retardant), bonding, printing, etc.
Inspection and Packing: A professional knitted fabric manufacturer will complete this most important step before shipping.
Other types of knitted fleece fabrics
In addition to the original polyester polar fleece fabric, there is a range of specific polar fleece fabrics, each with their own characteristics and uses.
Cotton or blended wool
Use cotton instead of polyester, or blend with polyester to make a wool blend. It can be made from 2 to 3 yarns and bristled for a characteristic deep pile. This fabric is easily dyed, is particularly comfortable and luxurious, and is often referred to as sweatshirt or hooded fleece after its primary use.
Lycra Spandex Fleece
This fleece features thermal performance and 4-way stretch to create an incredibly versatile fabric that provides superior comfort and movement. Great for sportswear, this stretch fleece is usually made from polyester with a percentage of spandex. Many styles have a knitted jersey side with a brushed fleece underside.
Micro fleece fabric
This polyester-based fleece is a lightweight fabric with excellent thermal properties and a very soft hand. Because of its light weight and good breathability, it is often used as a thermal lining with other fabrics. It is the thinnest fleece available and is therefore highly flexible in terms of weight.
Blizzard Velvet
This is a particularly thick fleece that is highly sought after in winter gear and blankets. Its thick fleece retains heat, and it's so dense that its ends may not need grooming after cutting.
french ter r y fleece
It is a knitted fabric with a smooth and soft knitted outer layer and a lightweight fleece underside. It is similar to the jersey fabric described above, but with a thinner thickness. It can also be made from 3 different yarns to create the unique textured look of wool. It is available in a variety of weights and colors.
lamb fleece
This wool is usually made from polyester or acrylic or a blend of the two fibers. It's made to mimic sheep's wool, with plenty of naps and a deep undercoat. Sherpa wool fabric is thick and very warm. The outer layer is a unique Sherpa fleece, while the underside is a uniform smooth knit. Weights up to 500gsm.
Embrace/Minky/Flannel Fleece
Niche wool fabric for plush toys and similar projects. Also known as mink, it is especially soft. The fabric is brushed with single or double fleece layers for a luxurious, comfortable finish.
Innovation in wool fabrics
The trend of using recycled plastic to make wool clothing is on the rise. It is also possible to integrate biodegradable fibers into wool blends. Bamboo and cotton-blend wool is particularly sought after, and cotton and wool blends are being developed to create a natural alternative to classic polar fleece.
Contact us to source wool fabric for your project
The fabric you choose is critical to the success of your design. When it comes to working with wool, you have multiple options, which means finding the right solution for your project has never been easier.
If you are looking for a fleece fabric manufacturer with expertise and high quality products, we are always at your disposal to provide you with fully customized fabrics that can be integrated into your designs. We produce wool fabrics in a variety of weights and designs.
We can provide you with minimum and maximum quantities of wool of your choice. Our prompt delivery times mean that you can work with us to develop an ideal production schedule. Prices are competitive without sacrificing quality, repeat orders are welcome.
Let us know everything you need to know about the fleece you need, including print designs, fabric care and the correct thread and home or commercial sewing techniques to achieve the best performance in the fleece of your choice.
Our company operates globally, providing a robust and reliable service to leading sportswear brands and designers. Fabric samples are available for display to ensure you get the right material and successfully source your ideal fabric. Contact our personable team and let us know your exacting requirements, which we should make sure not only meet but exceed.