Choose the Best Fleece Fabric Amongst These 7 Types
Primarily, the word fleece is a name given to wool collected from sheep — the raw material first collected and then treated to make it fit for creating warm, beautiful garments. In today’s fabric market, fleece-type material is most commonly created using polyester thread, making it one of the most versatile, accessible, and affordable warm fabrics available.
Non-organic fleece is typically prepared from polyester fiber obtained from plastic and converted into thread, then woven and brushed to create its characteristic soft, fluffy texture that mimics the warmth of natural wool. Fleece is excellent for making cold-weather garments, blankets, and accessories — and as an easy-to-sew fabric, it’s a favourite for sewists of all skill levels.
In this guide, we’ve outlined 7 different types of fleece fabric, each unique in its properties and best uses. Read on to find out which type is the perfect choice for your next project.
1. Anti-Pill Fleece
One of the downsides of regular fleece fabric is that it can pill up over time — fibers rub together through washing and wear, causing static electricity and abrasion that results in small fiber balls (pills) forming on the fabric surface.
Anti-pill fleece was developed specifically to address this issue. Treated with a chemical process that prevents fibers from entangling, anti-pill fleece resists pilling far longer than regular fleece — keeping garments looking neat, clean, and aesthetically pleasing through repeated washing and wear. It’s the ideal choice for everyday garments and frequently washed items like sleepwear and pyjamas.
2. Blizzard Fleece
Blizzard fleece is softer and smoother than anti-pill fleece, making it exceptionally comfortable against the skin. Dense and warm, blizzard fleece is ideal for blankets, gloves, hats, and cold-weather accessories where maximum warmth and softness are priorities.
Made from 100% polyester fiber, blizzard fleece is highly durable and long-lasting. Its main drawback is that it is not chemically treated against pilling, so it may pill with heavy use and repeated washing.
3. Cotton Fleece
Unlike most fleece fabrics on this list that are made from synthetic polyester, cotton fleece fabric is made from natural cotton fibers. The production process is similar — fibers are spun into yarn, knit into fleece fabric, and then brushed — but the natural fiber base gives cotton fleece a distinct advantage in breathability.
Cotton fleece circulates air more effectively than synthetic alternatives, providing warmth while remaining comfortable in a broader range of temperatures. The main consideration is that cotton has a tendency to shrink, so pre-washing before sewing is strongly recommended.
4. Bonded Fleece
Bonded fleece is fleece fabric that has been bonded to another material — most commonly a denser, heavier outer fabric — to create outerwear that combines the warmth of fleece lining with the wind and element resistance of a structured outer shell. It’s a popular choice for jackets, coats, and cold-weather outerwear.
Bonded fleece may also refer to two layers of fleece bonded together for a double-sided effect — commonly used for plaid-style shirts and light outer layers for cool days that don’t require the full warmth of a heavy jacket.
5. French Terry
French terry varies significantly from the other fleece types on this list. It’s thinner and does not have the same fluffy texture as brushed fleece, since the looped surface is left unbrushed. This gives French terry a lighter, more breathable quality — making it ideal for sweatshirts, light hoodies, loungewear, and casual garments worn in transitional seasons like fall, early spring, and even cool summer evenings.
French terry is also notably stretchier than most other fleece types, making it excellent for garments that need comfortable ease of movement. Its main trade-off is that it’s less warm than denser fleece types due to its lighter construction.
6. Micro Fleece
Micro fleece is the thinnest and lightest of all fleece types — typically weighing less than 200 grams per square meter. Its lightweight construction makes it extremely comfortable to wear without adding bulk or weight, making it a popular base layer for outdoor and athletic wear.
While micro fleece is not as insulating as heavier fleece types, its lightweight breathability makes it ideal as a moisture-wicking base layer worn under heavier outerwear in cold conditions.
7. Plush Fleece
Plush fleece is the ultra-soft, luxurious premium option of the fleece family — thick, heavy, fur-like in appearance, and beloved for its exceptional softness, warmth, and comfort. It’s most commonly used for heavy throw blankets, cuddle blankets, and home décor items where maximum cosiness is the goal.
Due to its thickness and weight, plush fleece is not typically suitable for garments. It is also one of the more expensive fleece types, and it does shed — so careful finishing of cut edges is important when sewing with plush fleece to minimise shedding.
Which Fleece Fabric Is Right for Your Project?
Choosing the right fleece fabric starts with understanding your project’s end use. Anti-pill fleece is the go-to for everyday garments. Blizzard and plush fleece excel for blankets and accessories. Cotton fleece is the natural-fiber choice for breathable warmth. French terry is ideal for lightweight loungewear and casual garments. Micro fleece works beautifully as a base layer. And bonded fleece is the structural choice for outerwear.
At My Fabric Villa, we carry a wide selection of fleece fabrics — from anti-pill and printed fleece to cuddle and sherpa styles — to help you find the perfect fabric for every warm, cosy project. Browse our fleece collection today or contact us with any questions and our team will be happy to help!
