January 2008

By Tonia Cook Kimbrough

Finesse With Fleece

Fleece flooded the promotional market a decade ago and continues to be a strong seller, particularly during the fall and winter months. With oodles of options available, it pays to educate yourself on the types and differences in fleece before choosing a garment to show your client.
Fleece is a knitted fabric of twisted yarns with a brushed or raised nap on one or both sides. Fleeces come in a variety of finishes, from velour to plush to nubby. There’s a misconception floating around that the material comes from manmade fiber – despite the original meaning for fleece being the shorn wool of a sheep. This confusion probably stems from the popularity of Polarfleece and Polartec, both of which are trademarked fabrics produced of synthetic fibers by Malden Mills (see “Know Your Fleece” definitions).

Origins of Fleece
Just exactly what fabric can cozy up to you by a fire and was considered by Time magazine to be one of the 100 great things invented in the 20th century? Fleece. The invention of Polarfleece fabric in 1981 by Malden Mills and then, later that decade, its addition of Polartec really changed the way people dressed for cold weather. But it all goes back to the concept of the most natural of woolens – the coat of a sheep – the original fleece that, like its modern-day counterpart, offers warmth and water repellency.

While it’s true that many fleece fabrics are synthetic, that’s not always the case. Fleece can be woven completely from 100% combed cotton; from a blend of polyester/cotton; or from fibers created out of recycled plastic bottles or bamboo. Yes, there are eco-friendly options available on the market.

Take, for example, EcoSpun fleece, produced by Foss Manufacturing Co. This specialty fiber is made from 100% certified recycled plastic PET bottles. (It typically takes 10 bottles to produce one pound of fiber.) The resulting fabric is smooth, supple and low pill.

 

Fleece offers many benefits. It doesn’t shrink or ravel and provides water and wind resistance. Moisture-wicking properties make it comfortable even when the person wearing it sweats. And, of course, wearers appreciate its warmth without the weightiness of heavy material. Clients will also like the fact that it’s durable and color fast – therefore keeping logos on the streets longer.

Ask buyers about the climate in which the recipients will wear the garment. There are numerous fleece weights available. A general rule of thumb is that an 8.5 oz. or lighter microfleece is excellent for a temperate climate. Mid-weight fleeces, up to 10 oz. per yard, are the most popular option. Finally, heavyweight fleece is available in typically 11 ounces to 17 ounces per yard.

Know Your Fleece
Berber fleece has a nubby appearance. Typically made from a synthetic material such as polyester, this fleece is strong and color fast with soft, deep looping in the weave. It offers superb insulation.

Sherpa fleece provides that bulky, sheep-like woolly look. It’s often used as a lining in jackets for maximum plush feel and warmth.

Microfleece is lightweight, generally less than 9 oz. per yard.

Polartec and Polarfleece are both trademarked names for synthetic fleece products from Malden Mills, which produces dozens of varieties in different weights, naps and with special performance features, such as flame-resistant options.

Fleece garments can be cut for just about any style – and any time of year. Apparel suppliers offer everything from 100% combed-cotton fleece shorts or skirts – which work well for springtime promotions targeting youthful or athletic audiences – to sweatpants, hoodies and jackets of heavy Polarfleece for the chilliest of occasions. Accessories abound from caps and scarves to mittens and socks.

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BETSY CUMMINGS is a senior writer for Wearables.