In the garment industry today a lot of fabrics are called fleece, yet they look very different and their performance varies widely.

When you know the difference, you'll be able to make a more intelligent buying decision.

Fleece can be either a natural or synthetic fiber that is flattened or pressed down, then brushed hard on one or both sides. This brushing process raises a napped, fuzzy texture on the brushed surface, which increases its softness and insulating potential by creating a medium for trapping air that is heated by the body. In addition to trapping air, the fleece fibers are very effective at wicking away moisture, so you get multiple benefits from wearing fleece because it's much softer, more comfortable to wear, very warm, breathable and silent.