Wool fleece is a fabric fabricated from the hair shorn off sheep. Sometimes, it can also refer to a synthetic fabric crafted from polyester fibers. It is usually used for soft outerwear or as a base layer.
Its Definition
The term fleece is a bit confusing and has many different meanings. The most common is a man-made fabric derived from polyester. It is not a wool product and can be made from other natural or synthetic fibers like cotton, hemp or rayon.
It is a synthetic fabric that is created by the process of weaving fine polyester fibers into a light and thick fabric. Occasionally other fibers are added for an additional texture or vibrancy.
Fleece is a great choice for winter apparel because it provides insulation and warmth. It is also a breathable material that is able to evaporate sweat and moisture.
Aside from this, fleece is a durable and long-lasting fabric that is easy to care for. It is also more resistant to abrasion and tearing than wool.
It can be easily dyed and woven to match any outfit and is very affordable for the average consumer. It can also be found in more and more outdoor clothing products.
The Difference Between Wool and Fleece
In general, wool is a more environmentally friendly fabric than fleece because it comes from a renewable resource. Sheep, for example, are shorn once per year and can reproduce quickly. However, the petroleum based materials used to make fleece are not renewable and therefore should be avoided as much as possible.
The Cost of Wool
Wool is a more expensive fabric than fleece get more info because it takes more time to produce. It is more labor-intensive to grow, shear, sort, clean, spin, weave and wash the wool. It can take up to a year for a sheep to complete all the steps necessary to create a full coat of wool.
Another downside to wool is that it dries slower than fleece. A heavy merino wool sweater that gets wet in a shower can be slow to dry.
The breathability of wool is a major factor in its drying time. It allows air to pass through and evaporate excess moisture if you perspire, or it can keep you cooler in hot weather because of the way it transfers body heat.
It dries faster than other fabrics because it is hydrophobic and repels water. It also has a higher degree of breathability than other materials, so it dries faster because it can release more moisture to the outside.
It is also more affordable than other textiles because it is produced in a factory. In addition, it can be recycled so it is less expensive than other fabrics. The main disadvantage of fleece is that it introduces microplastics into the environment when it is washed. This is especially problematic in places where wastewater is not treated properly. It can be difficult to filter out the tiny particles of thread that are released in the washing process.