While many may associate fleece with a cosy zipper or fleece hoodie that’s not quite a full jacket, this is just one of many fleeced-up garment types that would even bring you comfort in the middle of a big freeze. So, what can fleece look like? Does it change in weight? Does the weight affect its warmth? Why is it so warm?
We have the answers to all of your burning questions below, so come on, and get your fleece on!
What is Fleece Fabric Made Of?
The main benefit of fleece material is its effectiveness at trapping body heat and sustaining the warmth. The synthetic fabric is generally made out of polyester. Polyester is a man-made material composed of two petroleum products that can be manufactured from recycled plastic. Polyester fleece is also extremely durable and moisture-resistant, so it just keeps getting better.
In the past, natural wool garments were the go-to for anyone looking to combat the cold and stay warm outdoors. However, due to its mass availability and affordability, fleece has since become favoured over wool as it’s warmer and generally much more lightweight.
The fleece material is still modelled on natural wool to achieve the ultimate comfort blanket texture that will never let you down in the cold.
Weight
Weight is also a key factor in choosing wool fabrics.Fleece is categorised by weight in gsm-or grams per square metre-which can be quite confusing as you might not see weight measured in that format every day, but we can explain. The first-ever fleece manufacturer split garments into groups defined by how many grams of fleece constituted a square metre.
There are four main measures that will let you know how light or heavy the fleece in question is, so take a look below:
There are many different types of fleece nowadays, with new variations being introduced onto the market each year. Here we take a look at the three major kinds so you can better match your next fleece garment purchase to your needs.
What Is A Micro fleece?
Micro fleece is the thinnest and most lightweight type of fleece. These are the original mid-layers that are worn over base layers and under rain jackets and waterproof jackets. Micro fleece provides the lowest level of insulation yet the highest breathability, so they’re ideal for active pursuits in weather that isn’t too cold.
Generally, any fleece up to 200gsm is considered a micro fleece. They allow for the greatest flexibility when doing physical exercise, as the build isn’t too thick to restrict movement. The very light weight is the highlight feature of this type of fleece, and it’s also frequently chosen as an outer layer when outdoor conditions are mild.
Mid-weight Fleece
Mid-weight fleece covers the middle ground of the spectrum. This fleece can easily be worn as an outer layer on hikes and treks when the weather is chilly. Mid-weight fleece is much warmer than lightweight fleece and has higher insulating properties, as well as being more comfortable and breathable.
This type of fleece will offer less flexibility than micro fleece but is thick enough to be a good everyday outer layer in cool conditions and a mid-layer when the temperature dips and you have to pair it with a base layer and waterproof jacket, as long as you’re not pursuing high-energy activities.
Any fleece between 200gsm and 300gsm is considered to be a mid-weight fleece.
Heavyweight Fleece
Heavyweight fleece is at the top of the range of fleece weights, coming in at 300gsm or more. This type of fleece is best suited for very cold conditions where physical activity is limited as it is best used as a thermal fleece.
Heavyweight fleece is the least flexible of fleeces, but also the warmest and most insulating. This can be stifling if worn when exercising or exerting yourself physically, as you’re bound to overheat quickly. The only exception is when you’re outdoors in very harsh climates close to polar or Arctic conditions, where you’ll be needing as much insulation as you can get.
Heavyweight fleece makes for a great outer layer in cold weather too, and can be staggeringly warm. Heavyweight fleece also makes a great outer layer in cold weather and can be very warm. Fabrics like heavyweight sherpa and faux fur will keep you warm and stylish in the cold winter.
So you can choose which weight of fleece fabric you need more according to different scenes, weather and usage. If you have your own design draft, KINGCASON can also customize the color and pattern according to your needs, and give you the most favorite wool fabric.
