How Sustainable Is Fleece? Uncover the Truth Behind This Winter Favorite

Is fleece a hero for cozy winter nights or an environmental villain? This question has become a hot potato in the fashion and sustainability world for quite some time now. Be it for those chilly nights spent curled up in a fleece hoodie or the more daring ones when one dresses in a fleece-lined jacket, it’s a material that cannot be overlooked. But as more of us strive to make eco-friendly choices, it’s essential to understand the sustainability of the materials we use. So, how does fleece stack up? 
Without further ado, let us take you through what is fleece, history of fleece, how fleece is made, advantages and disadvantages, environmental effect and types of fleece.

What is Fleece?

Fleece uses mostly synthetic fibers from polyester and plastic to create its lightweight and warm fabric. Originally designed as an alternative to wool, fleece is known for its insulating properties, moisture resistance, and breathability. People use fleece for both their winter wear and home essentials because it feels good. Modern fleece manufacturers use recycled materials for their production which creates a more environmentally-friendly garment when sourced sustainably.

A Brief History of Fleece

Traditional fleece, however, did not exist until the late 1970s when the outdoor equipment manufacturer Patagonia came together with the Malden Mills company to create a cloth that was lightweight, warm, and fast-drying. They were able to do this by creating a synthetic fabric from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic found in soft drink bottles. This revolutionary fabric quickly rose to prominence because people loved using it for the various activities they engaged in outside. Currently, fleece is commonly used in winter wear such as jackets, hoodies and blankets.

How Is Fleece Made?

Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is obtained mainly from plastic material. Here’s a simple breakdown of the production process:

1. Raw Material Sourcing: To make fleece, PET is used which is the same as used in the manufacture of plastic bottles. Some manufacturers also incorporate the use of recycled plastic material so as to minimize wastage.
2. Melting and Extrusion: It is then heated and extruded into tiny and thin strands, which are collectively referred to as microfiber.
3. Knitting: These fibers are then woven into a fabric.
4. Brushing: To enhance insulation, the fabric is brushed to produce a furry characteristic that tends to be good at holding heat.

While this process sounds efficient, it’s important to understand its environmental impact, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

Types of Fleece

Do not think that all fleece products are the same because it is not true at all. Here are the most common types:

• Microfleece: Fits well under the jacket or for relatively chilly climate zones.
• Midweight Fleece: Offers more warmth and it can be used during any of the outdoor activities.
• Heavyweight Fleece: Very thick and warm, suitable for very low temperatures outside. Look for Port & Company PC78.
• Textured Fleece: Includes types like sherpa or teddy fleece, which gives a fashionable and warm look.
• Recycled Fleece: This is actually made partly or completely from recycled products, hence the option is more environmentally friendly.

Knowledge of these types can enable you to select an appropriate fleece to use depending on the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Fleece

1. Microplastic Pollution

There is one major issue with fleece – microplastic pollution. The problem of microplastic pollution occurs every time fleece garments are washed; small plastic fibers flow through the water systems. They put the sustainability of marine life at risk as well as being consumed by human beings.

2. Dependence on Fossil Fuels

Since fleece is created from a variety of synthetic yarn such as PET, the manufacturing process of fleece involves the utilization of fossil fuels. This falls under greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

3. Recycling and Waste

Although some of the fleece products are manufactured from recycled plastic, the recycling itself has limitations. Fleece garments are not always recyclable at the end of their life cycle because of mixed materials, microplastic contamination, dye and additive residues, and contamination, leading to landfill waste.

The Many Uses of Fleece: From Cozy Nights to Active Days

Fleece is an incredibly versatile material with applications that go beyond just clothing. Here’s what fleece is commonly used for:

• Winter Clothing: Fleece is used to produce jackets and hoodies, scarves, and gloves, which make a favorite material for warmth. Get yours District DT6100 today!
• Outdoor Gear: Very suitable for hiking, camping or skiing due to the light weight and the insulation properties.
• Home Essentials: Blankets, throws, and even the pillow cases are made from fleece to enhance comfort.
• Sportswear: Fleece makes apparels warm but it has very little weight thus it is utilized by athletes in their apparel. You can wear Port & Company PC78FZ on your sportswear too. 
• Pet Products: Soft fleece rugs and outfits for the pets also provide warmth for them as well.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fleece

Pros:

• Warmth: Fleece is excellent at trapping heat, making it ideal for winter wear.
• Lightweight: Unlike wool, fleece is lightweight and doesn’t feel bulky.
• Quick-Drying: Its synthetic nature allows it to dry faster than natural fabrics.
• Affordable: Fleece is generally more affordable than other insulating materials.

Cons:

• Environmental Impact: The production and washing of fleece contribute to pollution.
• Durability: Fleece can pill over time, affecting its appearance and texture.
• Non-Biodegradable: As a synthetic material, fleece does not decompose naturally.

How Sustainable Is Fleece, Really?

Fleece is made from non-renewable resources and needs an extra chemical coating to make it windproof or water resistant, which is not great for the environment. What’s more, fleece can only stand so many trips through washing machines and dryers before showing signs of wear meaning it has to be replaced relatively often.

The sustainability of fleece largely depends on how it’s made and used. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Recycled Fleece: Fleece made from recycled PET bottles is a more sustainable option. It reduces waste and minimizes the demand for virgin plastics.
2. Longevity: High-quality fleece garments that last longer are more eco-friendly than disposable, low-quality alternatives.
3. Washing Practices: Washing fleece less frequently and using tools like Guppy Bags can reduce the shedding of microplastics.
4. End-of-Life Recycling: Brands offering recycling programs for worn-out fleece contribute to sustainability.

While fleece has its environmental drawbacks, making mindful choices can significantly reduce its impact. Shop the best sustainable Gildan G180!

Styling Fleece: From Practical to Trendy

Fleece isn’t just functional; it can be fashionable too. Here are some styling tips:

1. Casual Comfort: Pair a fleece hoodie with joggers for a relaxed, cozy look.
2. Layering: Use a microfleece jacket as a base layer under a heavier coat for extra warmth without bulk.
3. Outdoor Adventures: Combine a midweight fleece jacket with hiking pants for the perfect outdoor ensemble.
4. Street Style: Opt for a sherpa fleece jacket with jeans and boots for a trendy, urban vibe.
5. Athleisure: Match a fleece pullover with leggings for a sporty yet chic outfit.

Explore Our Winter Gear Collection

Fleece is a go-to fabric for winter essentials. Whether you’re searching for a warm fleece jacket or a cozy fleece hoodie, our collection offers something for everyone. Explore our range of winter gear designed for comfort and style while keeping sustainability in mind.

The Bottom Line

Fleece is undoubtedly a versatile and cozy fabric, but its environmental impact cannot be ignored. By understanding how fleece is made and its effects on the planet, you can make informed choices. Opting for recycled options, minimizing washing, and supporting responsible brands can go a long way in reducing its footprint.

So, the next time you reach for a fleece garment, remember: that small changes can make a big difference. Let’s strive for a balance between comfort and sustainability. Don't forget to shop from Apparelbus as we are giving free shipping on orders above $250!