A fleece fabric guide helps brands choose the right weight and brushing finish for hoodies and winter apparel. Specifically, fleece is a knit fabric brushed to raise a soft, insulating inner pile. Furthermore, this brushing is what separates fleece from unbrushed knits like French terry.
Last updated: July 2026. Based in Sialkot, Pakistan — a leading cotton textile hub — Ready One ships custom clothing to brands in 40+ countries with DDP door-to-door delivery. Founded in 2012, the company has 14+ years of manufacturing experience, a 25,000 sq ft certified factory producing 100,000–150,000 units per month, and MOQ from 50 units. Furthermore, it holds ISO 9001, BSCI, SEDEX, GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and WRAP certification.
What Is Fleece Fabric?
Fleece is a knit fabric that has been mechanically brushed to raise its surface fibres. Specifically, brushing can be applied to one side or both sides of the fabric. Furthermore, this raised pile traps air, giving fleece strong insulation for its weight. Consequently, fleece is one of the most common fabric choices for cold-weather apparel.
How Is Fleece Made?
Fleece starts as a standard knit fabric before going through a brushing process. Specifically, this process uses fine wire brushes to pull fibres to the surface. Furthermore, the fabric may then be sheared to an even pile height. Consequently, the finished fabric has a soft, slightly fuzzy texture on the brushed side.
Single-brushed fleece has one smooth face and one brushed face. Specifically, this is the most common construction for hoodies and sweatshirts. Moreover, double-brushed fleece is brushed on both sides for maximum softness. In addition, double-brushed fleece is heavier and typically used for premium loungewear.
What GSM Weight Range Suits Fleece Garments?
Fleece typically ranges from 280 GSM lightweight to 400 GSM heavyweight for apparel use. Specifically, 280–320 GSM suits mild-climate or transitional-season hoodies. Furthermore, 340–400 GSM suits cold-climate winter hoodies and outerwear. Consequently, brands should confirm GSM against Ready One’s GSM guide before finalising a spec.
How Does Fleece Weight Affect Garment Feel?
Lighter fleece drapes more like a standard sweatshirt with moderate structure. Specifically, heavier fleece holds more shape and provides noticeably more warmth. Furthermore, this trade-off between drape and warmth should guide the weight selection. Consequently, brands targeting a structured, boxy hoodie fit often choose heavier fleece.
How Does Fleece Compare to French Terry and Polyester Fleece?
Fleece is unbrushed on the surface differently to French terry, which stays fully looped. Specifically, fleece’s brushed pile gives more warmth per unit weight than French terry. Furthermore, polyester fleece (sometimes called polar fleece) is a separate synthetic fabric, distinct from cotton-based brushed fleece. Consequently, brands should confirm which fleece type they mean when specifying fabric.
Is Anti-Pill Fleece a Separate Fabric Type?
Anti-pill fleece is a treated version designed to resist surface pilling over time. Specifically, this treatment is applied during fabric finishing, not as a separate fibre type. Furthermore, anti-pill treatment adds cost but extends the garment’s visual lifespan. Consequently, brands targeting a premium hoodie positioning often specify anti-pill fleece.
What Is Polyester Fleece Used For?
Polyester fleece is a synthetic, brushed fabric known for quick-drying, lightweight warmth. Specifically, this differs from cotton or cotton-blend fleece in composition and feel. Furthermore, this fabric overlaps with options covered in Ready One’s activewear manufacturing. Consequently, polyester fleece suits performance and outdoor-oriented garments.
What Garments Work Best in Fleece?
Fleece is commonly used for hoodies, sweatshirts, and mid-layer outerwear. Specifically, its warmth-to-weight ratio suits cold-climate product lines. Furthermore, this fabric fits within Ready One’s custom hoodie manufacturer range. Consequently, brands sourcing a full winter collection can use fleece across multiple styles.
Does Fleece Suit Both Casual and Outerwear Positioning?
Yes, fleece bridges casual streetwear and functional outerwear positioning. Specifically, heavier fleece with a wind-resistant outer shell suits light outerwear pieces. Furthermore, lighter fleece suits everyday hoodies and casual layering pieces. Consequently, one fabric family can serve multiple positioning strategies within a range.
What Trims Pair Well With Fleece Garments?
Ribbed cuffs and waistbands are the standard trim pairing for fleece hoodies and sweatshirts. Specifically, this holds the garment’s shape at the hem and wrists during wear. Furthermore, drawcords and metal eyelets are commonly added to fleece hoodie styles. Consequently, these trims complete the finished look most brands expect from a fleece hoodie.
How Does Ready One Source and Test Fleece Fabric?
Ready One sources fleece fabric as part of its standard fabric inspection process. Specifically, every incoming roll is graded for defects and GSM accuracy before cutting. Furthermore, pilling resistance and colourfastness are tested during garment testing. Consequently, brands receive fleece garments that resist pilling and hold colour after washing.
Is Fleece Available in Recycled or Certified Options?
Yes, recycled polyester fleece is available on request for qualifying orders. Specifically, this fits within Ready One’s broader sustainability practices. Furthermore, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification applies to standard fleece as well. Consequently, brands can choose a certified or recycled option without sourcing separately.
Does Fleece Pill With Repeated Washing?
Lower-quality fleece can pill after repeated washing and friction. Specifically, this is caused by loose surface fibres rubbing and clumping together. Furthermore, Ready One tests pilling resistance as part of the garment testing process. Consequently, fleece garments are selected to minimise pilling over the product’s wear life.
Can Brands Request a Fleece Fabric Swatch Before Ordering?
Yes, fabric swatches are available before committing to a sample or bulk order. Specifically, this lets brands feel the brushed texture and weight in person before deciding. Furthermore, swatches can be requested across multiple GSM weights for comparison. Consequently, brands make a more informed fabric choice before sampling begins.
Independent testing bodies such as SEDEX support supply chain transparency for fabric sourcing decisions. Furthermore, Ready One’s SEDEX membership gives brands visibility into its sourcing practices for fabrics including fleece.
Brands can request pilling-resistance test results alongside standard fabric documentation. Consequently, this gives extra confidence in fleece durability before committing to a bulk order.
Ready to Manufacture With Fleece Fabric?
Fleece fabric from 280 to 400 GSM is available for hoodies, sweatshirts, and outerwear from 50 units per style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fleece fabric?
Fleece is a knit fabric brushed on one or both sides to raise a soft, insulating pile. Furthermore, this brushing process traps air, giving fleece its warmth-to-weight advantage. Consequently, fleece is a common choice for hoodies, jackets, and winter apparel.
What GSM weight is best for fleece hoodies?
Fleece hoodies typically use 280 to 400 GSM fabric. Furthermore, lighter weights suit mild-climate hoodies. Consequently, heavier weights within this range suit cold-climate winter hoodies.
Is fleece breathable enough for activewear?
Standard fleece is less breathable than French terry or performance knits. Furthermore, this makes it better suited to casual and outerwear use than high-intensity activewear. Specifically, performance fleece blends exist for outdoor and technical applications. Consequently, brands should specify the intended use case when selecting fleece weight and finish.
Does Ready One manufacture with fleece fabric?
Yes, Ready One sources fleece fabric for hoodies, sweatshirts, and outerwear. Furthermore, this is available from 50 units per style. Specifically, brands can view the full range on the custom hoodie manufacturer page. Consequently, brands can order fleece garments alongside other fabric options.