Almost everything that surrounds us contains polyester.
Many needlewomen are concerned about the question - what is the difference between fleece and polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is made up of polyester fibers. It practically does not wrinkle, respectively, does not require ironing. This is a universal material used in many areas of human life.
The main advantages of polyester:
- dries quickly;
- can be washed in warm water;
- high thermal conductivity;
- not afraid of direct sunlight best, retains color;
With their unique properties Polyester is of interest to many fabric manufacturers, and is therefore included in almost every synthetic material. Don't believe? Then just pick up any thing in a modern boutique, and look at its composition - there will definitely be polyester, maybe 100%. This is due to the ease, and other positive characteristics of the universal, and the most affordable fabric.
Fleece products are a warm replacement for fabrics made from natural materials.
But fleece is just one of those materials that is made from polyester. It belongs to warm fabrics, and is used in tailoring autumn and winter clothes. It is soft to the touch, which is why it is often used for sewing linings and sweatshirts.
Fleece is used in tourism, because it dries very quickly, does not rub, and warms very well in bad weather. The only disadvantage of this material is that it coughs up when worn for a long time, but, on the other hand, its cost is completely low, so you can always buy a new thing.
In fact, fleece and polyester are one and the same, but have different structures and are used in different areas of our lives. By the way, fleece is often used when sewing decorative toys, due to its softness and versatility. Fleece is absolutely not afraid of anything, and is the most purchased fabric among the options offered.
Synthetic fabrics have firmly entered the life of modern man. Warmers in winter clothes, sports suits, underwear, chic curtains and soft blankets - all this and much more is now made from artificial materials.
We buy fleece - we get polyester? It often happens that picking up a soft, new thing, we know for sure that it is fleece. But the label says 100% polyester. And this discrepancy causes misunderstanding. It is worth closing the issue with 100% polyester fleece, that is, it will not work to determine the difference, since the raw materials are almost identical. But it is worth saying that it is a secondary raw material after polyester.
Polyester (polyester) - synthetics, reminiscent of appearance wool, and according to tactile sensations - cotton. In addition to fabrics, it is used as a filler in toys, furniture, pillows and blankets. It is produced from petroleum products.
- strong and durable;
- resistant to physical influences;
- not afraid of insects;
- have a low weight;
- easy to care for;
- easy to wash and dry quickly, since polyester threads do not accumulate liquid in themselves;
- do not absorb odors;
- more affordable.
When polyester is mixed with other fabrics, raw materials with new qualities come out:
It, mixed with polyamide, produces a fabric that is similar in characteristics to. The fibers keep their shape perfectly and repel moisture. It is used for sewing women's underwear. A mixture with elastane or spandex gives a durable, highly stretchable material.
Most often, hosiery, gloves, tracksuits are produced from it. For sewing bed linen, a mixture with cotton is used. This compensates for the shortcomings of cotton. The fibers are perfectly dyed, do not fade, practically do not wrinkle. The combination of polyester with viscose is also popular.
Production and types of fleece
polyester knitted fabric passed through a machine equipped with rollers with the smallest hooks. These hooks pick up tiny loops from the fabric, leaving the base of the canvas intact. It turns out bouffant, with a huge number of breathing pores. This is how the material is obtained, which received the name “fleece” for its qualities, which is translated from English as “sheepskin”. It was invented in 1979.
Fleece goes through several mandatory treatments:
- Anti-peeling - to prevent the formation of pellets;
- antistatic;
- Water repellent;
- Flammability reducing treatment.
Goods made from this fabric often consist of more than one layer. In the case of two layers, the upper part serves as a protection against wind and / or snow, and the lower part supports comfortable temperature. The most common name for such material is bipolaraflis. The three-layer version is called "windblock": two layers of medium thickness fleece and a special membrane between them.
The main characteristic of this fabric is large density range, from 100 to 500 g/m2. Sweatshirts, warm shirts and similar relatively light items are made from material with a density of up to 200 g / m 2. From denser raw materials, insulation for outerwear or independent products is produced.
Let's summarize. Fleece is a derivative of polyester. Pure polyester is a material with increased strength, lightness and hydrophobicity. It is great for the production of linen, curtains, bedding.
All the positive properties of polyester are inherited and fleece. In addition, the fabric has an increased ability to retain heat and pass air, which is what the original material is deprived of. These qualities make it an excellent material for production of tourist, sports and winter outerwear.
Polyester- a fabric known throughout the world that has gained its popularity thanks to various types properties. This material is synthetic, therefore relatively cheap and used everywhere. But besides polyester, there are also ego modifications that expand the range of possibilities. For example, fleece is such a material. It is made of polyester, but its properties are similar to wool.
The main differences between polyester and fleece are that fleece is used for warm items, while polyester is a thinner material and is suitable for summer clothes, underwear, or is only the top ball on a product.
So, if we talk about the differences between polyester and fleece, then we can name the following features of fleece:
- recycled material made from polyester;
- breathable and retains heat very well;
- not as strong and durable as polyester;
- has many variations: thickness, size, density;
- even in wet retains heat.
Fleece is lightweight and stretchy, which is not the case with polyester. This material does not cause allergies, so the use does not require additional recommendations.
In addition to the big differences, fleece and polyester have a number of similar properties, which are quite important. These fabrics dry quickly, do not require special care, except that low temperatures when washing and ironing, they also have a tendency to electrify and are highly flammable.
Fleece- it can be of different softness, as well as one-sided and two-sided. Products made from this fabric are light, durable and comfortable. They not only keep warm, but also prevent overheating, while polyester is airtight and is hot in summer and cold in winter.
- History of fleece
- Photo of fleece fabrics
- Fleece care.
- At what temperature should you wash fleece?
- How to wear fleece
- Fleece for newborns, is it possible?
History of fleece fabrics
Before the invention of fleece, people used the wool of sheep and other animals to make warm clothing. Wool also had its downsides, such as weight, loss of thermal properties when wet, and lack of windproof properties.
In 1979, fleece was born, a lightweight, stretchy, quick-drying, breathable fabric.
But new fabric there were weaknesses: electrification, dust collection and the biggest - the fabric was highly flammable (now this problem is gone).
Fleece - what kind of fabric, description and composition
Fleece is a lightweight, warm and soft to the touch fabric. Material of artificial origin, based on polyester. In production, both primary and secondary raw materials can be used, for example, plastic bottles.
Fleece fiber has good thermal insulation, hypoallergenicity, elasticity, hydrophobicity. In addition, fleece is lightweight and breathable material, and is worn for quite a long time.
Fleece has a different thickness, based on this slightly different properties. By thickness, the canvas can be divided into types: micro, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, where 600 is the thickest and less flexible.
These figures represent the density of the material based on weight per square meter (g/m2).
Depending on the composition, fleece fabrics are called:
Cotton or cotton blend
The most commonly used fleece for sports pants and sweatshirts, fleece made from cotton or cotton blends has a smooth outer surface and a soft, plush, inner side.
polyester fleece
Polyester fleece products are becoming more and more popular. Like a cotton or cotton blend, polyester fleece is smooth on the outside and plush on the inside.
Polyester fleece differs from cotton fabrics in that its outer side has a shiny appearance and it does a better job of repelling moisture.
Lycra, spandex
Lycra, spandex blend of cotton and polyurethane elastic yarns to create a stretchy fabric. He is popular for women's clothing as well as for teenagers.
Microfiber.
Microfiber - bilateral, thin and soft. Handles moisture well.
Mahra
Fabric covered with pile, based on loops. Gentle, soft. Density depends on the size of the pile.
Textured fleece
A fabric of two different sizes of yarn twisted together. The result is a fabric with a textured appearance.
Sherpa fleeces
Sherpa - 100% polyester, very fluffy. Outwardly similar to natural wool (larger fibers).
Velours
Does not roll over time, if high-quality. The inside is soft and smooth, fits snugly to the body, pleasant material.
When comparing wool and fleece, do not forget that fleece is the second layer that is worn, for example, on thermal underwear.
Ideal warmth can be achieved by combining a natural first layer and fleece over it.
The technical characteristics of wool and fleece are similar, but only when dry.
As the fabrics get wet, for example from rain or sleet, fleece begins to outperform wool in terms of warming and heat-retaining characteristics.
Fleece fabric photo
If you don't know what a fleece fabric looks like, we have prepared some photos for your reference.
Fleece Care
Caring for fleece items is specific, so we will dwell on this issue in more detail, consider how to wash, iron and wear fleece items.
How and at what temperature to wash fleece?
- As for washing clothes, the permissible conditions will be indicated on the label.
- If there is no label and you are sure that the fabric is completely synthetic, you can take a piece of the material sewn inside, pull out the thread and set it on fire. Natural material burns well, synthetics will melt.
- Wash fleece fabrics preferably separately from natural ones.
- The spin should be set at lower speeds (delicate) in order to avoid the formation of creases.
- It is necessary to wash things from fleece more often than natural ones, since the washing modes are more “gentle”.
- The temperature at which fleece is washed varies between 40-70 degrees.
- At hand wash do not rub the clothes strongly and do not wring them out. After washing, it is best to hang the product on a coat hanger, a hanger, and let the water drain.
- You can wash it with laundry soap and powders for synthetics, wool and silk.
And one more tip: when washing, things made of fleece must be turned inside out.
It all depends on the percentage of synthetics, depending on the type of fleece fabric. If we are talking about ordinary fleece, then no, it does not shrink.
But you should not hang things on hot batteries after washing and use dryers.
Can you iron fleece with an iron?
Very often there is such a need to iron clothes, in connection with this the question arises: “Is it possible to iron fleece items?”
It is better not to iron the fleece, and generally not to expose it to high temperatures, not to dry it on batteries, for example. From this, the fabric may not deteriorate, but it is quite possible that it will partially lose its thermal insulation properties.
How to wear (use) fleece?
Despite all the advantages of fleece, it is better to use it as a second layer of clothing that is worn over thermal underwear, T-shirts or shirts.
If you wear fleece in this way, then its properties will be fully disclosed, namely, the functions of retaining heat and removing excess moisture. In addition, based on tactile sensations, fleece is not always pleasant when worn on a naked body.
What temperature is fleece rated for?
When choosing a fleece, you need to know how you will use it, just wear it in everyday life or use it when playing sports.
The larger the structure of the fleece, the lower the temperature it is suitable for. Large particles of pile warm better in cold weather. Micro-fleece, on the contrary, warms worse, but better removes evaporation from the body.
These are the main specifications fleece, in order to understand in what temperature regime it is more effective, you need to read about a particular product, look at the label or ask the seller.
After all, there is thin fleece thermal underwear, and there are jackets that are used at low temperatures from -30 to -50 degrees.
Fleece for newborns, can I use it?
You can dress children, newborn babies in fleece. You just need to understand why and how to do it right.
Fleece is a hypoallergenic fabric, in itself it does not cause irritation, itching and other things. In this regard, fleece clothing can be a good alternative for children who have certain skin aversions to natural materials.
The second point, fleece is moisture-wicking clothing, due to its properties and porous structure. But it must be used correctly. We discussed how to wear fleece above.
Otherwise, the decision is the prerogative of the parents.
What things can be sewn independently for a child from fleece? Yes, almost everything, the only limitation here can be your imagination and sewing skills.
This is also home clothes, especially in cool weather, when, for example, the heating is not turned on, but you want to ventilate the room.
It can be light autumn-spring hats, trousers, both wide and narrow, sweatshirt, sweater and even slippers.
The main thing is that your child is comfortable and convenient.
What is the difference between fleece and polar fleece?
The main difference, if you do not go into technical aspects, is that polar fleece is designed for more severe temperature conditions.
Most often, polar fleece, if it is of high quality, can cost two or even three times more than regular fleece. But if there is a need for such clothes, then it is worth it, because it is much warmer.
Let's summarize:
Fleece is a modern, technically well-realized material. Being synthetic, it has stronger thermal and moisture-wicking properties.
The fiber is universal, suitable for all ages and activities. Fleece items, with proper care, last a long time and do not cause inconvenience.
And we, in turn, want to offer you high-quality children's clothing made of fleece of our production, with our products, children's clothing "Duck", you can find it on the right side of this article or in the product catalog.
What is fleece? The fabric is warm, waterproof, resistant to prolonged wear. All these qualities describe a material that has recently appeared in everyday life. Fabric was invented in America at the end of the last century. The original goal of the company that pioneered the production of fleece was to create a material that was light, warm and breathable. Today, this fabric has firmly taken its place in the wardrobe of a modern person. What is fleece fabric? What is it made from? What is sewn from this material and what properties does it have? This is detailed in the article.
Fleece fabric. What it is? Composition and production
It is worth emphasizing that this is a lightweight material, it passes air well, even when wet it perfectly retains heat. With prolonged wear, it keeps its shape perfectly, with frequent washing it does not lose color. In English fleece means "wool" or "sheepskin". But it's not about natural composition. Since fleece is made of man-made fibres. The material perfectly holds heat and breathes, like woolen products. At the same time, its cost is much lower. What is fleece and how is it made?
It should be noted that the producers of this material literally make the planet cleaner. Because for the production of synthetic threads, which are added in the manufacture of fleece, plastic bottles and other recycled plastic are used. The basis of the fleece fabric is polyester, chemically obtained from petroleum products.
A dense fabric is created from synthetic threads, at first not much resembling fleece. Then it passes the control, after which it goes to painting and drying.
Next, the transformation of this fabric into the fleece that is familiar to everyone begins. On a special machine, on one side of the material, a pile is created using rollers with small hooks. After the fabric is sent to the machine. He combs it and makes the bouffant more fluffy. Next, the pile is evenly cut. After the fabric is sent for another combing, but from both sides. Thus, the resulting high dense fleece on the fabric on both sides retains heat well.
The fabric is treated with special compounds that give water-repellent and antibacterial properties. Also, the material is thoroughly tested:
to the effect of fire;
to get wet;
for wear resistance.
Fleece fabric. Description of material properties
The fleece fabric does not burn when exposed to fire, but only melts, unlike natural wool fibers. At the very beginning, as soon as the material appeared, it had one significant drawback - strong flammability. However, in a short time it was eliminated by treatment with a special chemical composition.
Like cotton, the fleece fabric, the photo of which is presented in the article, is hypoallergenic. Things from it can be worn by both adults and children. When in contact with the skin, it does not cause any negative reactions, whether it is the usual tingling or allergic manifestations, as when wearing woolen products. But since fleece is 100% synthetic, it is still better not to wear products made from it on a naked body.
Products made from this material are light in weight, compared with the same things made of cotton and wool. This is especially important for those who play sports or enjoy outdoor activities. Wool and cotton get wet quickly and take a long time to dry. At the same time, when wet, they become heavy and do not hold heat. A fleece jacket or sweatshirt stays dry in the rain for a long time, when wet, retains body heat.
The elasticity of the material allows it to keep its shape for a long time without stretching on the elbows and knees. Clothing does not hinder movement.
Fleece still has minor flaws. Since it is a synthetic material, it is electrified. Inexpensive types of fleece can roll up when worn, giving the fabric a worn look. Manufacturers are constantly working to improve quality, using modern methods of fabric processing.
What is sewn from this material
What is fleece fabric and what is sewn from it? The first products from this material were sports jackets, clothes for tourism and mountaineering enthusiasts. At present, the fabric has received more widespread use. The properties of fleece fabric allow it to be widely used in the production of children's, home and casual wear. Children's toys, blankets, blankets, pillow covers are sewn from the material. Fleece is widely used in tailoring sportswear:
sweatshirts;
sports trousers.
A thinner fleece is used for tailoring home clothes. From it sew for children and adults:
home costumes;
nightshirts;
house shoes.
Since the material is hypoallergenic, children's clothes are sewn from it:
mittens, gloves;
overalls.
Thermal underwear, indispensable in cold weather, is made for men and women from thin fleece, smooth on the front side and bouffant on the inside.
Modern democratic fashion makes it possible to use fabric in everyday wardrobe. They sew jackets, shirts, coats, dresses and tunics.
For sewing warm outerwear, double-sided fleece with a higher density is used.
Overalls
Since the material has the ability to accumulate electricity, its use for sewing workwear is limited. However, fleece is widely used to insulate winter overalls made for those who work outdoors. Fleece insulate outerwear for:
winter sports;
hunting and fishing;
for the military.
Washing fleece
We found out what fleece fabric is. And how to properly care for products made from this material? More on this later. Let's talk about laundry first.
Fleece is suitable for delicate washing. At the same time, the temperature regime is not higher than thirty degrees. Things do not stretch or shrink, but it is undesirable to use a strong spin, the fabric may be deformed. Do not use bleaching agents and detergents with aggressive ingredients. Delicate shampoos for washing, gel products are best suited.
Drying and ironing fleece
Synthetic fabric does not wrinkle, does not require ironing. If this procedure is still required, then it is worth ironing at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees. Higher thermal conditions can permanently damage the fabric. When ironing and washing with high temperature fleece loses its "magic" properties.
What to look for when buying a fleece item? Depending on what the product is purchased for, you should pay attention to:
pile length;
weaving density;
If this outerwear, then you should choose a double-sided fleece with a high pile and a dense weave. Such fabric will better provide warmth and protection from moisture.
For household items, a single-sided fleece with a short pile and a loose knit is better. This will provide good breathability.
Clothing and items made of fleece, unlike their natural counterparts, have a relatively low cost. However, you should not be seduced by very cheap products. Such things quickly lose their presentation, becoming covered with rolled fibers. Manufacturers of inexpensive fleece do not pay due attention to the processing of fabric with special compounds that guarantee high-quality and long service life.
For tailoring fleece, manufacturers most often use:
free (straight) cut of jackets and pullovers;
anatomical cut (fitting).
You should choose a comfortable jacket or fleece jacket. The thing should not be tight, and should not hang "bag". The size should be chosen so as to ensure a free fit to the figure. Clothing should not hinder movement.
Models of a free cut have drawstrings that allow you to adjust the volume at the waist and bottom of the product. Such models are convenient in cold weather. Comfort is also ensured by the presence of a hood (for outerwear and sportswear) and pockets, both external and internal.
Leaders in the production of fleece fabrics
To date, the leaders in the production of fleece of the highest quality are the American company Polartec LLC, formerly known as Malden Mills, pioneers in the production of fleece, and the Italian company Pontetorto, which produces technological fabrics. The product of these manufacturers meets high standards, has a low weight, good knitting density. Products of these brands guarantee a long service life, convenience and comfort when worn.
Conclusion
Now you know what fleece is, what is the composition of the fabric. We also looked at material properties. In addition, they indicated what kind of clothes the fabric is used for sewing.
