Fleece

Fleece (from English fleece — fleece, sheep's wool) is a knitted fabric made from synthetic fibers with napped sides, designed for insulating yet lightweight clothing. The material is soft and very pleasant to the touch.

Composition

Polyester – 100%.

Manufacturing process

A knitted fabric is produced from polyester yarns. After dyeing and washing it undergoes two further finishing stages: napping and anti-pilling treatment.

During napping the reverse side with loops is passed over a roller with brushes rotating at different speeds. This draws fibers out of the fabric's loops without compromising its integrity.

The smoother face of the fabric is treated in a second napping stage, passing over a second brush roller to bring some of the pile from the reverse side to the outer surface.

The material then goes to a machine where spiral blades even out fiber length, removing excess fibers and creating a smooth, pilling-resistant surface.

Properties

  • Retains heat thanks to its nap: densely interlocked fibers trap air, creating a barrier against heat loss.
  • Lightweight.
  • Wear-resistant due to its synthetic base.
  • Highly resistant to liquid soiling.
  • Dries quickly after washing.

Applications

Mid-season functional apparel, thermal underwear, second (insulating) layer in winter multilayer systems.