Fleece Fabric
The insulation champion of winter sportswear. Millions of micro-air-pockets trapped in a brushed polyester surface deliver warmth that rivals wool at a fraction of the weight. The definitive fabric for premium hoodies, sweatpants, and cold-weather gear shipped to 40+ countries.
What Is Fleece Fabric?
Fleece fabric is a polyester knit that has been through a specialized brushing process, pulling the inner surface fibers loose to create a dense, soft pile. This isn't just a texture change — the brushed surface creates millions of microscopic air pockets that trap body heat like a woven blanket of still air.
Our fleece range covers six distinct constructions: polar fleece, standard brushed fleece, anti-pill fleece, micro-fleece, bonded 2-layer fleece, and slub fleece. Weights span 120–300 GSM. Every batch passes testing for thermal resistance (ASTM D1518), pilling resistance (ISO 12945-2 Grade 4+), shrinkage (<2%), colorfastness (Grade 4+, AATCC 61), and surface brushing consistency.
How Brush Density Controls Warmth
Fleece starts as the same smooth knit as standard polyester — the brushing process is what determines its thermal category.
Unbrushed / Loop Back
No brushing applied. The back shows the knit loops. Provides minimal insulation — this is standard French terry, not fleece. Used when warmth isn't the priority.
Light Brush Fleece
Single-pass brushing lightly raises the surface fibers. Creates a soft hand feel with moderate air trapping. The most versatile fleece — warm enough for layering, not too hot for indoor wear.
Deep Pile Fleece
Multi-pass brushing creates a deep, dense pile with maximum air-trapping capacity. The warmest fleece construction — used for extreme cold, winter jackets, and heavy hoodies.
All Fleece Constructions We Offer
From ultra-light layering pieces to extreme-cold jackets — each fleece type serves a specific thermal and aesthetic purpose.
Where Fleece Sits in the Weight Spectrum
Fleece spans from ultra-light layering to extreme cold-weather weight — the GSM determines the garment's seasonal category.
Micro-Fleece
Light Fleece
Standard Hoodie
Heavy Fleece
Extreme Cold
Why Fleece Dominates Winter Sportswear
Properties that make fleece the default choice for cold-weather garments across every price tier.
Trapped-Air Insulation
Brushed pile creates millions of micro-air-pockets — still air is one of the most effective thermal insulators available in any textile.
Luxurious Softness
The brushed surface feels exceptionally soft against skin — the primary tactile reason consumers reach for fleece garments over smooth knits.
Lightweight Warmth
Delivers 2× the warmth of smooth knit at the exact same GSM — the brushing process adds insulation without adding weight.
Quick-Dry Properties
Polyester fibers wick moisture to the surface where it evaporates — fleece dries significantly faster than cotton equivalents.
Embroidery Excellence
The dense, brushed surface provides exceptional stability for stitching — supports heavy fill patterns, 3D logos, and layered crest designs.
Structured Drape
Heavyweight fleece has enough body to hold its shape — garments hang with intention and look tailored, not floppy.
Minimal Shrinkage
Polyester-based fleece shrinks less than 2% after 50+ washes — far more dimensionally stable than cotton fleece alternatives.
Machine Washable
No special care required — machine washable at 30°C, no ironing needed, wrinkle-resistant. Ideal for team gear washed in bulk.
What It's Used For
Fleece is the backbone of cold-weather sportswear — the fabric consumers instinctively reach for when temperature drops.
Fleece vs. French Terry vs. Interlock
All three are popular for hoodies and sweatpants — but the brushed surface makes fleece categorically different.
| Property | Fleece | French Terry | Interlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Surface | Brushed pile — softest, warmest Warmest & Softest | Loop back (unbrushed) | Smooth both sides |
| Insulation | High — trapped air layer Best | Low-Medium | None None |
| Breathability | Low — pile blocks airflow Least | Moderate — loops allow some air Most Breathable | Low-Moderate |
| Sublimation | Face only (back is brushed) Limited | Face only (back is looped) | Full surface both sides Best |
| Embroidery | Excellent on face side Best | Good on face side | Excellent both sides |
| Drying Time | Slower — pile holds moisture Slowest | Moderate | Fastest Fastest |
| Streetwear Appeal | Highest — cozy factor Best | High — textured back is trendy | Moderate — more athletic look |
| Cost Per Meter | 8–12% above baseline | Baseline | 5–10% above baseline |
Honest Assessment
- 2× the thermal insulation of smooth knit at the exact same weight — the brushing process adds warmth without adding GSM
- Exceptionally soft hand feel — the #1 reason consumers choose fleece over other winter fabrics
- Premium embroidery substrate — dense surface supports maximum stitch density without any show-through
- Excellent drape and body — 240+ GSM fleece hangs with structured intention, not floppiness
- Streetwear-proven — the fabric consumers expect in premium hoodies, sweatpants, and layering pieces
- Low shrinkage (<2%) — polyester fleece is far more dimensionally stable than cotton fleece
- Easy care — no ironing, wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, fast to turn around for team orders
- Cost-effective warmth — delivers more insulation per dollar than any other sportswear fabric
- Prone to pilling without anti-pill treatment — loose surface fibers tangle into small fuzz balls
- Low breathability — the dense pile blocks airflow, wrong for high-intensity training or warm conditions
- Sublimation limited to smooth face only — the brushed back cannot accept dye-sub ink cleanly
- Slower drying time than smooth knits — the pile holds moisture longer before releasing it
- Attracts pet hair and lint — the brushed surface acts like a magnet for fibers and hair
- Can feel too warm indoors — 240+ GSM fleece is uncomfortable in heated environments or during active use
- Static electricity buildup — polyester fleece generates static in dry conditions, attracting dust
Best Methods for Fleece
The brushed surface is a mixed blessing for printing — excellent for some methods, challenging for others.
Embroidery
The undisputed #1 method for fleece — the dense, brushed surface provides a stable, cushioned base that supports any stitch density without distortion or show-through. Large chest logos, back designs, sleeve crests, and 3D raised embroidery all perform flawlessly. This is why premium fleece hoodies almost always feature embroidery rather than print.
Screen Printing
Works well on the smooth outer face of fleece using plastisol ink — the ink sits on top of the tight knit surface and won't sink into the brushed back. Must be printed on the face side only. Light-colored fleece may require a white underbase for opacity. Water-based inks can absorb unevenly into the face knit — we recommend plastisol for all fleece screen printing.
Sublimation (Face Only)
Works on 100% polyester fleece's smooth outer face — produces vibrant all-over prints with zero hand-feel. The brushed back cannot be sublimated (loose fibers scatter dye). Result is a garment with a fully printed outside and a natural fleece inside next to skin. This is actually the preferred setup for many brands — the wearer sees the print, feels the fleece.
Make It Yours
Fleece customization goes beyond color — brush density and surface treatment define the garment's warmth and character.
Brush Density
Light brush, medium brush, or deep pile — directly controls warmth-to-weight ratio and hand feel.
Anti-Pill Level
Standard (Grade 3+), premium (Grade 4+), or extreme (Grade 4–5) — determines long-term surface quality.
Brush Side
Inside brush (standard), outside brush (reverse fleece for textured aesthetics), or double-sided brush.
Anti-Static Treatment
Conductive finish that dissipates static charge — reduces dust attraction and winter static shocks by 80%.
Bonding Options
Laminate fleece to a windproof or waterproof membrane for bonded 2-layer jackets with fleece inner lining.
Weight Tuning
Fine-tune from 120–300 GSM for specific garment categories — micro-fleece to heavy polar in one fabric family.
Ordering Process
From first contact to delivered garments — a streamlined 5-step process.
Inquiry
Day 0Samples
3–5 DaysApproval
1–2 DaysProduction
15–21 DaysDelivery
4–7 DaysMOQ, Capacity & Lead Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More Fabrics
Complete your product range with complementary fabric options from our mill.
Ready to Start Your Fleece Order?
Get a detailed quote with pricing, lead time, and free anti-pill fleece samples — typically within 4 business hours.