Definition
Fleece is a soft, brushed fabric, usually knit from polyester, that traps warm air against the body while staying light. It gives the warmth of wool without the weight or the itch, which is why it shows up on so many branded jackets and pullovers.
Definition
Fleece starts as a knit polyester fabric that gets brushed, or napped, on one or both sides. That brushing raises tiny fibers that create air pockets, and those pockets are what hold heat. The result is warm, breathable, fast-drying, and far cheaper to produce than wool.
How fleece works
The insulation comes from structure, not bulk. When polyester yarn is knit and then napped, the raised fibers stand up and trap a layer of still air. Still air is a poor conductor of heat, so your body warmth stays close to your skin instead of escaping. Heavier fleece has a deeper nap and more loft, so it holds more air and feels warmer.
Weight is described in gsm (grams per square meter). Microfleece sits around 100 to 200 gsm and works as a base or mid layer. Classic polar fleece runs 200 to 300 gsm for everyday warmth. Heavyweight and sherpa styles push past 300 gsm for cold conditions. The trade-offs are real: fleece blocks little wind on its own, it can pill over time, and untreated polyester fleece is not very sustainable unless it uses recycled fiber.
Most quality fleece today is anti-pill treated and often made from recycled PET bottles. That keeps the surface clean after repeated washing and lowers the footprint, both of which matter when a garment carries your logo for years.
Fleece in branded merch
- Quarter-zip pullovers. The workhorse of corporate gifting. A mid-weight fleece quarter-zip embroiders cleanly on the chest and reads as premium without a premium price.
- Full-zip jackets and vests. Ideal for layering and for teams that work indoors and out. A bonded or sherpa-lined fleece vest feels like a genuine wardrobe staple rather than a throwaway giveaway.
- Blankets and accessories. Fleece blankets, beanies, and scarves make strong cold-weather welcome gifts or event handouts because they are useful, soft, and inexpensive to brand at volume.
Fleece is a napped synthetic fabric, typically polyester, engineered to insulate at very low weight.
a 200 gsm microfleece quarter-zip worn under a shell on a cold morning. It adds a real layer of warmth, but it packs down small and dries within an hour if it gets damp.
5 tips to elevate your Fleece strategy
| Tip | Steps |
|---|---|
| Match weight to use | Choose microfleece for layering, 200 to 300 gsm for standalone warmth. |
| Specify anti-pill | Ask for anti-pill finish so the garment still looks new after many washes. |
| Pick embroidery over print | Stitched logos sit better on napped fleece than heat transfers, which can crush the nap. |
| Go recycled where you can | Recycled polyester fleece performs the same and improves your sustainability story. |
| Mind the wind | Pair fleece with a shell or bonded membrane if recipients will wear it outdoors. |
Key Terminologies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fleece warm enough for winter?
Yes, as a layer. A 300 gsm or sherpa fleece is warm on its own in mild cold, and any fleece becomes a strong winter layer when worn under a windproof shell.
Does fleece shrink in the wash?
Polyester fleece barely shrinks because the fiber is synthetic and stable. Wash cool and avoid high heat in the dryer to protect the nap and any branding.
Is fleece a sustainable choice?
It can be. Fleece made from recycled PET bottles cuts the footprint significantly, though all synthetic fleece can shed microfibers, so a wash bag helps.
What weight of fleece is best for branded merch?
Around 200 to 300 gsm is the sweet spot. It feels substantial, embroiders well, and suits most climates and most recipients.
Can you embroider on fleece?
Yes, and it is the preferred method. Embroidery holds firmly in the knit and looks premium, while heat transfers can flatten the soft nap.