Polar fleece is everywhere — blankets, jackets, scarves, hats, and even pet beds. But what exactly is this fabric, and why is it so popular? Whether you're sewing a cozy throw blanket or shopping for winter layers, here's everything you need to know about polar fleece fabric.
What Is Polar Fleece?
Polar fleece is a soft, lightweight, synthetic fabric made from 100% polyester. It was invented in 1979 by Malden Mills (now Polartec) as a synthetic alternative to wool. Unlike natural fleece (which comes from sheep), polar fleece is manufactured by knitting polyester fibers into a fabric and then brushing both sides to create a thick, fuzzy nap that traps air for warmth.
The result is a fabric that's warm like wool but lighter, cheaper, and easier to care for. It dries quickly, doesn't absorb water, and stays warm even when damp — making it a favorite for outdoor clothing and cold-weather accessories.
Polar Fleece Characteristics
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 100% polyester |
| Weight | Light (100 GSM) to heavy (300+ GSM) |
| Texture | Soft, brushed nap on both sides |
| Warmth | Excellent — traps air between fibers |
| Moisture | Hydrophobic — wicks moisture, dries fast |
| Stretch | Moderate 2-way stretch (knit construction) |
| Breathability | Good for a warm fabric |
| Shrinkage | Minimal (polyester is dimensionally stable) |
| Pilling | Anti-pill varieties available |
| Fraying | Does NOT fray when cut |
Types of Polar Fleece
Polar fleece comes in different weights, each suited to different uses:
| Type | Weight | Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfleece | 100–150 GSM | Thin, lightweight | Base layers, linings, lightweight scarves |
| Mid-weight fleece | 200–250 GSM | Standard thickness | Jackets, blankets, hats, mittens |
| Heavyweight fleece | 300+ GSM | Thick, very warm | Winter jackets, outdoor gear, heavy blankets |
| Anti-pill fleece | Varies | Varies | Any project — resists pilling with wear and washing |
EOVEA's polar fleece is a mid-weight, anti-pill fleece — the most versatile option for sewing projects from blankets to jackets.
What Is Polar Fleece Used For?
Clothing
- Jackets and pullovers — the original polar fleece use
- Vests — core warmth without bulk
- Hats, scarves, and mittens — warm, soft, easy to sew
- Pajamas and loungewear — cozy nighttime comfort
- Baby clothing — soft against skin, machine washable
Home
- Throw blankets and afghans — including no-sew tie blankets
- Pillow covers — soft, washable covers
- Pet beds and liners — warm, durable, easy to clean
- Stuffed animals and toys — soft texture, doesn't fray
Outdoor & Functional
- Camping blankets — lightweight, dries fast
- Stadium blankets — warm for outdoor events
- Jacket linings — adds warmth without weight
Polar Fleece vs. Other Fabrics
| Feature | Polar Fleece | Wool | Flannel | Sherpa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | Polyester | Animal fiber | Cotton or wool | Polyester |
| Warmth | High | Very high | Moderate | Very high |
| Weight | Light | Medium-heavy | Light-medium | Medium-heavy |
| Moisture | Wicks & dries fast | Absorbs, slow dry | Absorbs | Wicks & dries fast |
| Softness | Very soft | Can be scratchy | Soft (brushed) | Very soft (one side) |
| Fraying | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | Budget-friendly | Expensive | Moderate | Moderate |
| Care | Machine wash | Hand wash / dry clean | Machine wash | Machine wash |
| Shrinkage | Minimal | High risk | Moderate | Minimal |
Key takeaway: Polar fleece gives you the warmth of wool at a fraction of the cost and weight, with much easier care. For a more detailed comparison with sherpa, see our Faux Fur vs Sherpa guide.
How to Sew with Polar Fleece
Polar fleece is one of the most beginner-friendly fabrics to sew:
- Needle: Universal or ballpoint needle, size 80/12 or 90/14
- Thread: All-purpose polyester thread
- Stitch length: 3.0–3.5mm (slightly longer than standard)
- Stitch type: Straight stitch or narrow zigzag (allows stretch)
- Seam finish: No finishing needed — fleece doesn't fray
- Cutting: Rotary cutter gives cleanest edges; sharp scissors work too
Tips:
- No pre-washing needed — polar fleece doesn't shrink and won't change texture after washing.
- Use a walking foot if your machine has one — prevents the top layer from shifting on thick fleece.
- Reduce presser foot pressure for heavyweight fleece to prevent stretching.
- Don't iron directly — polyester melts. Use a pressing cloth on low heat if absolutely necessary.
- Cut in a single layer for accuracy — fleece layers can shift when stacked.
How to Care for Polar Fleece
| Care Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Washing | Machine wash cold or warm, gentle cycle |
| Detergent | Mild liquid detergent (no fabric softener) |
| Drying | Tumble dry low or air dry (no high heat) |
| Ironing | Do NOT iron — polyester melts at high heat |
| Pilling | Turn inside out before washing; use a fabric shaver if pilling occurs |
| Static | Use a dryer sheet or anti-static spray |
Important: Never use fabric softener on polar fleece. It coats the fibers and reduces the fabric's moisture-wicking ability. Dryer sheets are fine for static control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is polar fleece made of?
Polar fleece is made from 100% polyester. The polyester is knitted into a fabric and then brushed on both sides to raise the fibers, creating a soft, fuzzy texture that traps air for warmth.
Is polar fleece the same as regular fleece?
Polar fleece is a type of fleece. "Fleece" is a broad category that includes polar fleece, microfleece, sherpa fleece, and coral fleece. Polar fleece specifically refers to the double-sided brushed polyester fabric originally developed by Malden Mills.
Does polar fleece shrink?
No. Polar fleece is made from polyester, which is dimensionally stable. It won't shrink in the wash. However, high dryer heat can damage the fibers and cause them to mat or melt, so always use low heat.
Is polar fleece waterproof?
No, polar fleece is not waterproof. However, it is water-resistant — it doesn't absorb water and dries very quickly. For waterproof protection, fleece is typically layered under a shell jacket.
Does polar fleece pill?
Lower-quality fleece can pill with wear and washing. Anti-pill fleece (like EOVEA's polar fleece) is specially treated to resist pilling. Washing inside out and avoiding fabric softener also helps prevent pilling.
Can you use polar fleece for baby blankets?
Yes. Polar fleece is a popular choice for baby blankets because it's soft, warm, machine washable, and doesn't fray. For babies, choose a lightweight or mid-weight anti-pill fleece and avoid loose ties or fringe that could be a safety hazard.
Related Fabric Guides
- Fleece vs Minky: Which Is Softer and Warmer?
- Felt vs Fleece
- How to Wash Fleece Fabric
- Best Fabric for Tie Blankets
- Polar Fleece Buyer Guide
Shop all fabrics at EOVEA Fabric — premium craft fabric by the yard with fast USA shipping.
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