What is Polyester Fleece?
Polyester fleece is a synthetic fabric made from 100% polyester fiber. This fabric is soft and lightweight but has heat-providing properties. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for cold
weather. Polyester fleece fabric is popular not only in the clothing industry but also in outdoor wear, sportswear, and even home decor. The main reason for its popularity is its durability. Polyester fleece fabric is excellent for use in cold weather and popular for everyday use due to its durability, softness, and easy care properties.
Characteristics of Polyester Fleece Fabric:
Polyester fleece feels comfortable, especially due to its lightweight nature. Whether you’re wearing a hoodie or a tracksuit, this fabric provides warmth and doesn’t feel heavy. A special feature of polyester fleece is that it traps body heat but does not overheat due to its breathability. This is why this fabric is also ideal for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. This fabric dries sweat quickly and helps keep the body cool. Which makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Polyester fleece is more durable than other natural fabrics. This fabric retains its shape and softness even after repeated washing. Making it usable for a long time. This fabric is excellent for people with sensitive skin because it is free of allergy-causing bacteria. This fabric retains its color even after washing. While some other fabrics may fade and lose some color and quality during washing.
Origin and Invention:
• Polyester fleece was invented in 1979 at a company called Malden Mills.
• This fabric was originally developed as a substitute for synthetic wool.
• Polyester fleece is made from petrochemicals, which are derived from oil and natural gas.
• Its purpose was to create a fabric that was warm, soft, and lightweight, and more durable and easy to care for than traditional wool.
Initial Popularity:
• Polyester fleece quickly gained popularity due to its warmth and softness, especially in outerwear and sportswear.
• It became famous for its ability to provide warmth in cold weather.
Development and Evolution:
• Over time, the polyester fleece manufacturing process has improved.
• Now it is available in various weights, textures, and properties.
• The trend of making polyester fleece from recycled plastic bottles is also increasing, which makes it an environmentally friendly option.
Present Day:
• Today, polyester fleece is used in a wide range of clothing, including hoodies, sweatshirts, tracksuits, jackets, shorts, trousers, women’s crop tops, and more.
• It is popular due to its warmth, softness, durability, and ease of care.
• With the advancement of technology, moisture-wicking, wind-protecting, and other properties have been added to polyester fleece.
Advantages of Polyester Fleece Compared to Other Fabrics:
Polyester fleece fabric is cheaper than wool and cotton. Yet, it is in no way inferior in providing warmth and comfort. Wool-like fabrics can be difficult to care for because they are at risk of shrinking or deteriorating. While polyester fleece can be easily washed and requires less maintenance. It dries faster than natural fabrics. Therefore, it is the best fabric for use in rain or humid weather. Woolen clothes are heavy. While polyester fleece is lightweight and feels comfortable even when worn for long periods.
Disadvantages of Polyester Fleece Compared to Other Fabrics:
Although polyester fleece is soft. But it cannot replace the warmth and softness of natural fabrics like wool. Traditional polyester fleece is made using petroleum-based chemicals. Which can negatively affect our surrounding environment. This fabric is more likely to generate static electricity. Which causes the cloth to stick quickly. Using this fabric in hot weather can be uncomfortable due to sweat and excessive heat.
Polyester Fleece Care and Instructions:
1- Washing Rules:
• This fleece should always be washed in cold or lukewarm water.
• Too hot water can damage the fabric’s structure. Avoid detergents with harsh chemicals.
• Mild, fragrant detergents give the best results. It is better to dry the fleece in natural air.
• If using a machine dryer, keep the setting on low heat.
• Use a very light speed when ironing. Because too much heat can melt or damage the fabric.
• After that, store the clothes in a dry and cool place so that the fabric does not get damaged by moisture and retains its shape.
Polyester Fleece and Pilling - A Complete Guide.
What is Pilling?
Pilling is a process in which the fibers of the fabric get tangled and form small pellets or “fuzz balls,” which are commonly seen on the surface of the fabric. It mostly occurs in areas where there is more friction, such as sleeves, collars, edges of pockets, or where the fabric bends more.
Can polyester fleece pill?
Yes, polyester fleece is likely to pill, but it completely depends on the quality of the fabric and its use. High-quality polyester fleece, such as anti-pill fleece, has less or no pilling because it undergoes special processing and finishing. Low-quality polyester fleece or cheaper grades of polyester are more likely to pill, especially if they have a soft texture and are subject to more friction.
Causes of Pilling in Polyester Fleece:
1. Low-Quality Polyester Fibers: If the fleece uses short, weak, and non-durable fibers, they can easily break and cause pilling.
2. High Friction: Where the fabric rubs together more, such as on elbows, knees, or side parts, pilling is more likely. Sleeping in clothes can also cause friction.
3. Machine Washing and Vigorous Washing: Washing polyester fleece too vigorously, washing it in very hot water, or placing it on a high-speed spin cycle can weaken the fibers, which can increase pilling.
4. Washing with Other Clothes: If polyester fleece is washed with cotton or other rough fabrics, their fibers can get attached to the fleece, which increases the chances of pilling.
5. Heat and High Temperature: Excessive use of a heat dryer or iron can weaken the polyester fibers, which leads to more pilling.
6. Low-Quality Final Finishing: Some cheap polyester fleeces do not have anti-pill treatment, which can cause more pilling over time.
Ways to Prevent Pilling on Polyester Fleece:
• Choose Anti-Pill Fleece
Always choose high-quality polyester fleece that has been anti-pilling processed.
• Wash Clothes Properly
Wash in cold water and use a gentle cycle.
Avoid harsh detergents, use only mild or soft detergents.
Inside-out wash is better when machine washing.
• Low Spin and Natural Dry
Avoid high-speed spin and dry naturally in the air.
Do not use a high heat dryer, as it can damage the fibers.
• Use Lint Roller or Anti-Pill Shaver
If pilling occurs, use a lint roller, fabric shaver, or gently razor to reshape the fabric.
• Avoid Washing with Rough Clothes
Do not wash polyester fleece with denim, towels, or other hard fabrics to reduce friction.
Major Countries in the Global Production of Polyester Fleece:
China is the largest producer of 100% polyester fleece fabric in the world. And it is also known for its advanced technology and cheap labor service. The United States is particularly specialized in the production of recycled polyester fleece fabric. And it holds an important position worldwide regarding the use of environmentally friendly materials. Polyester fleece fabric is produced on a large scale in India. Due to which it is an important part of the textile industry. Taiwan is very popular for producing high-quality polyester fleece fabric. It is distinguished in the global market due to its excellent quality.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter): Fabric Thickness and Quality Estimation:
GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is a unit used to measure the density of fabric. It tells us how many grams a one-square-meter piece of fabric weighs. GSM helps in estimating a fabric’s thickness, warmth, and durability.
Importance of GSM:
• Fabric Thickness and Weight: Higher GSM means the fabric is thicker and heavier.
• Warmth: Fabrics with higher GSM are generally warmer due to having more fibers.
• Durability: Higher GSM fabrics are typically more durable and last longer.
• Usage: The GSM of a fabric helps determine its intended use. For example:
Lightweight fleece with low GSM is suitable for mild weather.
Heavyweight fleece with high GSM is ideal for colder climates.
Common GSM Ranges for Polyester Fleece:
• Lightweight (180–240 GSM): Thin and light fleece
• Midweight (240–340 GSM): Warm and durable fleece
• Heavyweight (340+ GSM): Thick and extra warm fleece; suitable for cold weather
garments like hoodies, sweatshirts, tracksuits, jackets, shorts, trousers, and women’s crop tops.
Important Tips for Clothing Brands and Fabric Enthusiasts:
• Choosing the right GSM is crucial. If you want warm and durable clothing, go for high GSM fleece. If you prefer lightweight and breathable garments, choose low GSM fleece.
• GSM is not the only measure of fabric quality. Texture, fiber type, and other factors also affect performance.
• Understanding GSM is essential for brands and fabric lovers to select the right fabric based on their needs and to deliver high-quality products to customers.
Wide Range of Colors and Custom Dyeing Options:
We understand that colors bring life to garments. That’s why we always keep a wide stock of 20 to 25 different shades of polyester fleece in our warehouse — ranging from traditional to modern and fashionable colors. You can choose any color based on your preference and needs. If you don’t find your desired color in our existing range, don’t worry! We also offer custom fabric production and dyeing services. Our expert dyeing team ensures that your chosen color is applied to the fabric with the best quality. We use premium quality dyes that are long-lasting and retain their vibrancy even after washing.
Authentic and Practical Methods for Checking Polyester Fleece Quality:
If you are purchasing garments made from polyester fleece or want to evaluate a specific quality, the following professional testing methods can help. These are used to check fabric quality, identify genuine polyester, recycled content, and overall finishing.
Methods to Check Polyester Fleece Quality
1 Feel & Touch Test
\High-Quality Polyester Fleece:
• Feels soft, smooth, and lightweight
• Returns to its original shape quickly when pressed or stretched
• Has a mild, matte finish instead of a shiny surface
Low-Quality Polyester Fleece:
• Feels rough, stiff, or overly shiny
• Forms wrinkles when pressed and doesn’t recover quickly
• Feels plasticky and cheap
1.2 Light Test (Checking Against Light)
Good Quality Fleece:
• Allows only a little light to pass through when held against a light source
Poor Quality Fleece:
• Is too thin and allows more light to pass through, indicating weak fabric structure
1.3 Burn Test – A Reliable Professional Method
The most effective way to test genuine polyester fleece:
• Burn a small piece of the polyester fleece
• If it smells like burning plastic and melts into a hard bead, it’s pure polyester
• If it turns to ash (like cotton or linen), it contains natural fibers
• If it becomes sticky and smells like burnt cotton, it may be recycled polyester.
1.4 Water Absorption Test
High-Quality Polyester Fleece:
• Retains water droplets on its surface for a longer time and doesn’t absorb quickly.
Low-Quality Polyester Fleece:
• Immediately absorbs water, which indicates poor finishing or that the fabric is not pure polyester.
Our Services at Ascension International:
At Ascension International, we specialize in producing flawless garments using high-quality polyester fleece fabrics, combining cutting-edge technology with creative designs to deliver unbeatable quality. Our product range includes hoodies, sweatshirts, tracksuits, sweatpants, jackets, trousers, and more.
By using recycled polyester fleece, we not only help protect the environment but also ensure our customers receive durable and premium-quality fabrics. Our designs align with modern fashion trends, offering both comfort and style. Our company is committed to producing the best products and meeting customer
expectations. We offer:
• Low minimum order quantities
• Competitive pricing
• Fast production timelines
This ensures that we can meet your brand’s needs efficiently. Our mission is to provide fabric that is not only high quality but also long-lasting. If you are looking to purchase top-quality hoodies, sweatshirts, tracksuits, or other garments made from polyester fleece, experience your next order with Ascension International.
FAQ's
Can Polyester Fleece Shrink After Washing?
In general, polyester fleece does not shrink because it is made from synthetic fibers that are naturally resistant to shrinkage. However, under certain conditions, slight shrinkage may occur—especially if not cared for properly.
Possible Reasons for Shrinkage:
1. Washing at High Temperatures:
Washing in hot water may affect the fibers, causing minor shrinkage.
2. High-Heat Dryer:
Drying at high temperatures in a machine dryer can weaken the fibers, leading
to shrinkage.
3. Low-Quality Fleece:
If the fleece is made from inferior fibers or blended with cotton or other natural fibers, it is more prone to shrinkage.
How to Prevent Shrinkage in Polyester Fleece?
✔ Wash in cold or lukewarm water (30–40°C)
✔ Use a gentle spin cycle
✔ Air-dry instead of using a high-heat dryer
✔ Avoid over-wringing the fabric, as excessive pressure can damage the fibers
Can the Color of Polyester Fleece Fade Over Time?
Generally, polyester fleece retains its color well because synthetic fibers hold dye better. However, under some conditions, the color may fade or dull.
Possible Reasons for Color Fading:
1. Washing at High Temperatures or Harsh Cycles:
Hot water or aggressive washing can reduce color vibrancy.
2. Low-Quality Dye:
If inferior dyes are used, the color may fade after washing.
3. Prolonged Exposure to Sunlight:
Direct exposure to UV rays for long periods can cause fading.
4. Use of Harsh Chemicals or Bleach:
Strong detergents or bleach can also result in color fading.
5. Excessive Abrasion or Harsh Washing:
Using a high spin cycle or rubbing the fabric too much by hand can also damage the color.
6. How to Prevent Color Fading:
✔ Wash in cold or lukewarm water (30–40°C)
✔ Use mild detergent (without bleach)
✔ Turn garments inside out before washing to preserve color
✔ Dry in the shade instead of direct sunlight
✔ Avoid excessive washing to maintain fabric color.