Fleece fabric is a popular choice for several reasons. It is a great fabric because of its durability, the fact that it is easy to maintain (much like cotton), and the fact that it can be worn in several seasons. Woollen fabrics are sometimes confused with woolly fabrics. Both fleece and woollen fabrics are made from animal fibres but there is a difference between the two.
Woollen fabrics have longer fibres than those of a fleece fabric. The fibres on woollen fabrics are also crimped or kinked whereas those of a fleece fabric are not. The crimped fibres on woollen fabrics make these very warm, bulky, and they may even be prickly. On the other hand, the fibres on fleece fabric are straight and smooth making this much more comfortable to wear in warmer weather and not as bulky as woollen ones.
The biggest difference between woollen fabric and fleece material is the fibre they are made of. Woollen fabrics are made from animal wool, while fleece fabrics are made from synthetic fibres. There are also a number of other differences that you will notice when you lay your hands on these fabrics. Here is a brief comparison between woollen fabrics and fleece fabrics.
Woollen fibres are much coarser and rougher than fleece fibres. This gives you the feeling of thicker, sturdier fabric, which can be really appealing in some cases. On the other hand, this roughness also makes woollen fabric less comfortable to wear compared to fleece. If you want tightly knit woollen clothes for warmth, you will have to choose thick and heavy ones that might make you look bulky as well. Fleece, on the other hand, is preferred by people who want clothing that is soft to touch but still offers warmth.
Woollen fabrics are made by carding wool fibres, spinning them into a yarn, then weaving the yarn into a fabric. Woollen fabrics are described as “loosely knitted” and “drapable.” The fibres in a woollen fabric are not twisted to trap air within the fabric, so as the fabric is worn, it will naturally start to breathe and release moisture trapped inside.
Tightly woven wool fabrics have been used for years in suits and other garments worn in formal settings. Wool is a natural insulator that helps regulate the wearer’s temperature. Wool is also very durable and water resistant. Wool keeps you warm even when wet, which is why wool sweaters are ideal for rainy days or swimming in chilly waters.
Fleece fabrics offer many of the same qualities as wool materials. Fleece is considered more of an outerwear material than a garment material because it is usually thicker than other textiles and offers more insulation. Fleece garments are lighter than most woollen clothing and provide comfort during mild weather conditions. Fleece fabric is a synthetic material made from polyester fibre and nylon fibre, which means it will not shrink or require special care like natural fibres do.
