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Fleece jackets are made from synthetic fibres which are then woven into a fabric. The fleece fabric materials are made from PET or polymer, and were discovered in the 1900s. Fleece materials became popular in the 1990s as they found to be more lightweight than wool whilst still being just as warm, therefore, ideal for backpackers and hikers. Fleece material has also been used to make underwear for astronauts.
What else can fleece be used for?
The synthetic fabric which is used to make fleece jackets can also be manufactured
to create blankets, gloves, hats and sweatshirts. The most common
use for fleece is for jackets and sweatshirts.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Brands
There are many different brands and types of fleece jackets that are available
on the market for consumer purchase and it is essential that the correct
jacket is selected in terms of their purpose, gender and budget.
Fleece jackets are produced by a variety of leading fashion brands, and for a range of budgets. It is also possible to select a fleece jacket in terms of its type, which will be determined by where it will be worn and the climate of that area.
Lightweight
Fleece jackets have been designed to be lighter than wool, therefore they
are already considered to be lightweight especially as they do not absorb
as much moisture as natural fibres. Nevertheless, fleece jacket
producers will have a selection of fleece jackets that are considered to
be more lightweight than other jackets. These jackets are more suitable
for warmer climate areas or lighter hiking activities. It is also
possible to purchase fleece based sweatshirts or vests as an alternative
to a fleece jacket.
Water resistant
To improve the function of fleece materials companies have devised and developed
the use of gore technology. Gore technology is a thin layer of material
that is dense enough to prevent rain from penetrating the skin but also
continuing to allow perspiration droplets to evaporate. A gore membrane
is contained within two layers of fleece material to protect the skin but
also to allow the jacket to remain breathable.
Wind resistant
Fleece material is much denser than natural fibres and is able to expel perspiration
whilst resisting harsh winds. New advances in fleece jacket materials
have created a tightly knit fabric that can block about 95% of the wind;
the new fabric is known as micro fleece. Recycled fleece or eco
fleece is made from recycled plastic bottles and this can also resist more
wind than normal fleece fabric.
Fire resistant
Although fleece jackets are not specifically designed to be fire resistant,
there have been innovations to produce a jacket that can withstand small
flames. Dragon fur fleeces can be exposed to small fires without
melting or burning, whilst still remaining lightweight and breathable.
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