What Is Polar Fleece? Properties, Uses & Sewing Guide (2026)

Q: 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.

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.

What Are Polar Fleece's Properties?

Polar fleece is 100% polyester, knitted and then brushed on one or both sides. The brushed surface traps air, which is what makes it warm without being heavy. It comes in light, medium and heavy weights.

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

What Types of Polar Fleece Are There?

Polar fleece is sorted by weight. Light fleece suits linings and light layers, medium is the general-purpose choice for blankets and pullovers, and heavy fleece suits outerwear and cold-weather projects.

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?

Polar fleece is used for jackets, pullovers, vests, hats and scarves, and for blankets and throws. It also works as a lining, and as the backing layer in no-sew tie blankets because it does not fray.

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

How Does Polar Fleece Compare to Wool and Flannel?

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 Do You Sew With Polar Fleece?

Use a universal or ballpoint needle with a slightly longer stitch. The cut edges do not fray, so hemming is optional. Fleece also stays put under the presser foot, which makes it forgiving for beginners.

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 Do You Wash 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.

Does Polar Fleece Shrink?

No. Polar fleece is polyester, which is dimensionally stable, so it does not shrink in the wash. High dryer heat is the real risk: it mats or melts the fibres. Wash cold and dry on low.

That is why fleece rarely needs pre-washing before cutting. The exception is a project that combines fleece with a cotton layer, because the cotton will shrink and the fleece will not.

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.