Fleece
Soft synthetic fabric, typically made from polyester. Lightweight, warm, and quick-drying. A staple for casual outerwear.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from fleece. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same fleece feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Excellent comfort (75) and easy care (82) for daily wear
Good warmth (78) for cold weather
Good durability (60) and comfort (75) for office wear
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Very warm for its weight
- ✓ Soft and comfortable
- ✓ Quick-drying
- ✓ Machine washable
Cons
- ✗ Pills over time
- ✗ Sheds microplastics
- ✗ Not wind-resistant
- ✗ Static-prone
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+21 vs Fleece · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+20 vs Fleece · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+19 vs Fleece · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Wash inside out to reduce pilling
• Never use fabric softener
• Air dry or tumble on lowest heat
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) inside out on gentle cycle — use a microfiber-catching bag
- • Tumble dry on low heat or air-only setting — high heat can melt and pill fleece
- • Never iron fleece — the polyester will melt or develop a shiny, glazed surface
- • Avoid fabric softener — it coats fleece fibers, reducing warmth and softness
- • Use a fabric shaver periodically to remove pills and restore the plush surface
- • Store folded; fleece does not wrinkle and is easy to maintain
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact