Material Guide for Fleece Bedding
Fleece is a man-made material. It very much looks like Sheep fur but is derived from plastic instead of sheep coat. It is a soft worm readable and long-wearing fabric that is used for various purposes such as making jackets and hats for winter or fleece bedding for the cold sleepers. In this article, we will provide your basic guide on the construction, characteristics, and purpose of fleece bedding to let you know how they are used for us.
How is Fleece Fabric Made?
Although it looks like sheep fur it is obtained from polyester. Polyester fibers are woven to make the fabric which is then brushed on both sides to give it a soft feeling and increase its loft. Sometimes natural fibers fat as wool, rayon, or hemp is also incorporated with polyester to give the fabric a natural vibrance and texture.
The plastic bottle is also used as a raw material for making cheap and inexpensive fleece fabric. First of all the raw material is made through a chemical reaction at a high temperature to make a syrup-like fluid.
The moisture is then allowed to evaporate while blocking the humidity from outside. The hard material is later spun to make threads that are used to weave the fabric. This fabric is used for various purposes from which fleece bedding & blankets are most prominent when it comes to home accessories.
Characteristics of Fleece Bedding
The first and most significant feature is its thermal insulation no Matter how cold it is outside. It has a soft file on both sides which results from the fine cutting of fabric while manufacturing. In the piled surface, the air pocket sits efficiently adding more to the thermal insulation of the fabric.
It is durable and moisture resistant as well which makes it super beneficial for extremely cold weather conditions. Initially, it was used for making dresses that were supposed to be worn while hiking in the snowy place because of its extremely lightweight, moisture-resistant, and warming features.
It is softer and very comfortable to rest on. Moreover, it is very easy to maintain & care for. Fleece fabrics are machine washable and require no ironing. They are wrinkle-resistant and hydrophobic which means they will dry very quickly ready to put on soon after being washed. Not to mention that please is a non-biodegradable material and contains many chemicals that are not so great for the environment.
It attracts length and harmful chemicals or pollutants from the surrounding which make it smelly too soon. This is why fleece material is not suitable for those suffering from skin or respiratory problems & allergies. They are a great option for outdoor use but not for camping. What’s more, is its shorter lifespan as it can be washed and dried until it is in the right condition which means it needs to be replaced frequently.
Type of Fleece Fabric
- As stated above synthetic fleece is obtained from a polymer material that results in soft lightweight and incredibly warm bedding. It is readily available & less expensive when compared with other types. The downsides of synthetic fleece are: prone to pilling and shedding, it also generates a lot of static which attracts dust, pets hair, and many other pollutants from the surrounding.
- Cotton fleece is environment-friendly, soft, anti-pilling, and lightweight. It is awesome thermal insulating and a great alternative to polar fleece blankets. The downside is, it is prone to shrinking and being expensive. Therefore when buying look for one size larger than what you need to leave room for shrinking.
- Microfleece is lightweight, soft, and thin. It has fur on both sides which adds more to its thermal insulation. Additionally, it is moisture-wicking and keeps the moisture away from your body. This type is easily available in the market and has a fine texture look.
- Sherpa fleece has fur on one of its sides while another side is usually plain and slippery. It is extremely warm and meant for cold weather only. This type provides a guard against cold weather and keeps the user warm in extreme weather conditions. It resembles wool in appearance.
