Fleece is a soft, warm fabric (usually synthetic) that’s designed to feel like fluffy sheep’s wool but without using actual wool.

What is fleece, exactly?

Most modern fleece is made from polyester , often a specific type called PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is the same base material used in many plastic bottles. The fibers are melted, extruded into very fine filaments, then knitted into fabric and brushed to raise a fuzzy, plush surface that traps air and creates insulation.

Key ideas in one line: fleece = brushed knit fabric + tiny synthetic (or blended) fibers + lots of trapped air for warmth.

Main features (the “feel” of fleece)

  • Very soft and fuzzy to the touch, often described as “cozy” or “snuggly.”
  • Lightweight but surprisingly warm because it traps body heat in its fluffy structure.
  • Breathable and quick‑drying, so sweat evaporates faster than with many heavy natural fabrics.
  • Often moisture‑resistant on the outside, especially polyester fleece, which doesn’t absorb much water.
  • Generally durable and resistant to fraying and shrinking, especially all‑polyester versions.

What is fleece made from?

While many people think “fleece = polyester only,” there are actually several families of fleece.

  • Polyester fleece (most common for outdoor jackets, blankets, technical wear)
  • Cotton fleece and cotton‑blend fleece (typical sweatshirt and sweatpants material: smooth outside, plush inside)
  • Mixed fibers for performance or comfort (polyester blended with cotton, bamboo, hemp, or spandex for stretch).

Fleece is considered a vegan alternative to wool when it is made only with synthetic or plant‑based fibers (no animal fiber).

Common uses today

You run into fleece constantly in day‑to‑day life, especially in colder months.

  • Clothing: zip‑up jackets, hoodies, pullovers, base layers, joggers, hats, gloves, scarves.
  • Outdoor and sports gear: hiking mid‑layers, climbing jackets, camping layers, athletic warm‑ups.
  • Home textiles: throw blankets, couch throws, baby blankets, pet beds.
  • Linings and insulation: inside coats, boots, gloves to add extra warmth without much weight.

A quick mental picture: that fluffy inside of a classic hoodie or the soft winter blanket on a sofa—both are typically fleece or a very similar knit, brushed fabric.

Types of fleece (mini overview)

There are many marketing names, but a few big categories show up again and again.

  • Microfleece: very thin and light, breathable, used as a base or light mid‑layer for activewear.
  • Sherpa fleece: extra fluffy, wool‑like texture, often used in cozy jackets and blanket linings for maximum warmth.
  • Standard mid‑weight fleece: classic hoodie or outdoor jacket weight—good balance of warmth and bulk.

Thickness (often described by “weight”) affects how warm and bulky the fleece will feel: higher weight, more warmth, more bulk.

Quick pros and cons

Why people like fleece

  • Warm but not heavy
  • Soft and comfortable on skin
  • Fast‑drying and good for layering
  • Typically cheaper than wool

Downsides to keep in mind

  • Synthetic polyester fleece can shed tiny plastic fibers (microplastics) when washed, which is an environmental concern.
  • It can hold onto odors more than some natural fibers and may feel less breathable in very warm conditions.

TL;DR: Fleece is a fluffy, brushed knit fabric—usually made from polyester or cotton blends—that’s light, warm, and fast‑drying, making it a go‑to choice for hoodies, jackets, blankets, and cold‑weather gear.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.