The original fleece was created by Malden Mills, now known as Polartec. The CEO of the company at the time declined to patent fleece which allowed other companies to copy the technique. Because fleece was such an attractive alternative to wool, it exploded in popularity and companies were quick to take advantage of the demand. These factors combined to bring us the wide variety, and high availability we have today.



Another essential element of understanding fleece is understanding how it is created. To start, plastic is spun into yarn. This yarn is then knit into fabric with tons of tiny loops. The loops are brushed, which breaks them down, while also causing the fabric to puff up and become thicker. Finally, the fibers are shaved down to an even length.

Fleece Weights: 100-300, Grid Fleeces

Fleece “weight” refers to the loft and thickness of the material used in a blanket’s construction, and two common scales exist for describing fleece weights. Most companies use the Polartec scale of

100, 200, 300—the higher the number, the higher the loft of the fleece, and the warmer (and heavier) the fabric will be. Fleece fabric with 100-weight ratings are lightweight and highly breathable. Fleece fabric with 200-weight ratings represent the middle ground in fleece, and this tends to be the most popular weight due to its versatility and ease of layering. A 300-weight fleece is significantly loftier and heavier, more difficult to layer, and generally designed with cold or extreme weather conditions in mind.

FLEECE TYPES - used at Dogs People

Luxe Fleece

These fabrics are high luxury fabrics with a specific element that makes them stand out as a feature. Opulent, with rich weaves, colors, and style. Luxe is brushed for softness, is designed to reduce pilling, and has a micro-finish for extra softness and luxury. It is also the heaviest weight fleece.

Sew Lush Fleece

You'll love the warmth and coziness the Sew Lush Fleece Fabric offers. This double-sided short pile fabric is full of fluffy, cushiony, softness.

Minky (also known as Cuddle)

Named Minky (also known as cuddle) for its simulated feel of mink, this fabric is truly heavenly. 

Minky is a special type of plush fabric that is 100% polyester has a smooth, ultra-soft surface that’s not only beautiful, but is super durable and versatile, too! Minky fabric is like fleece – but softer and thicker. The high quality of minky fabric prevents its colors from fading and its warmth from decreasing over time.

Plush

Plush fleece is probably one of the thicker fleece fabric options out there. It can be known as coral fleece and it is well known for its 3mm thick plush design on both sides of the fabric.

The term 'plush' refers to a rich fabric and a long, soft nap. It is a high quality fleece base fabric because the added thickness creates a heartier, stronger core fabric for the brushing machine to pull up the base fabric, creating a thick pile fabric.

Plush was designed with tactile comfort and beauty as the goal and is generally chosen for its lux appeal.
 

Anti-Pill

Anti-pill finished fleece. Known simply as anti-pill fleece, it has gone through the secondary process of shearing to reduce the chance it will pill. Which is not to say anti-pill fleece will never pill, it is just less likely to.

This fleece will have a rougher finish on one side. This can appear as a bumpy or furry texture. Generally, antipill fleece is single sided, meaning the anti-pill process has only been applied to one side of the fabric. The other is the same as brushed fleece and will pill. 

Blizzard

This style of fleece is often made from recyclable material and is made to be incredibly soft and easy to clean. It comes in pill and no pill options. Blizzard Fleece is smoother than Anti-Pill. It's also a bit denser than anti-pill, which makes it warmer for blankets. 

ALPINE

Alpine fleece stands out thanks to its two sides, which is why it’s also called double faced fleece. This warm fabric is normally made from polyester and cotton and features a fluffy and soft pile. 

on a final note:

Fleeces are easy to care for and quality fleece washes well.