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Fleece Fabric
by the yard

Fleece fabric by the yard is a plush, insulating textile that keeps you warm while remaining lightweight and comfortable. Usually weighing between 100gsm and 350gsm, fleece can be 100% polyester, cotton–poly blends, or cotton fleece, offering a soft inner layer, smooth outer face, and gentle stretch for ease of movement. The brushed finish raises fibers on one or both sides to enhance insulation while keeping breathability, making fleece a practical choice for seasonal apparel and cozy home items.

  • Fabric Content/Material: 100% Polyester; Cotton–Poly blends; Cotton Fleece
  • Fabric Application: Hoodies, Sweatshirts, Joggers, Fleece Jackets, Blankets, Loungewear, Robes, Baby Blankets, Throws, Pet Beds, Insulated Linings
  • Color: Charcoal Gray, Navy, Oatmeal, Olive, Wine Red, Blush Pink, Heather Gray, Midnight

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Everything You Need to Know About Fleece

Warmth Without Weight: Why Fleece Wins

Fleece fabric delivers exceptional insulation while remaining remarkably light, making it a go-to choice for outerwear, loungewear, and cold-weather accessories. Unlike heavier alternatives such as Boiled Wool Fabric, fleece resists moisture, dries quickly, and holds its shape wash after wash. Whether you're producing hoodies in bulk or crafting cozy home goods, fleece offers a reliable warmth-to-weight ratio that few materials can match.

GSM Guide: Choosing the Right Fleece Weight

Fleece is available across a wide weight spectrum — from 100gsm lightweight options ideal for linings and layering pieces to 350gsm heavyweight fleece suited for blankets, outerwear, and pet beds. Mid-weight fleece in the 200–250gsm range is the most versatile, performing well in jackets, pullovers, and blanket fabric projects. Understanding GSM before you order ensures your finished product has exactly the right hand feel and thermal performance for its intended use.

Fleece Fabric Types: Polyester, Blends, and Eco Options

Our fleece range includes 100% polyester fabric constructions prized for durability and moisture resistance, cotton-poly blends that offer a softer, more breathable hand, and recycled eco-friendly fleece made from post-consumer materials. Cotton-blend fleece works particularly well for children's garments and next-to-skin applications where softness is a priority. Eco fleece options allow brands to meet sustainability goals without compromising on quality or warmth.

A charcoal grey fleece roll rests on a wooden table near a jacket draped over a tailor's mannequin.

Wholesale Fleece Fabric Built for Every Application

At Global Fabric Wholesale, our fleece fabric by the yard is stocked in an extensive range of weights, fiber compositions, and finishes to serve manufacturers, retailers, and independent makers alike. From ultra-soft 100% polyester micro-fleece to cotton-poly blends with a natural hand feel, every roll is quality-checked for consistent weight, pile density, and colorfastness. Fleece pairs beautifully with a wide variety of companion materials — for structured outerwear projects, many of our customers layer it alongside Brushed Fabric for a premium interior finish. Whether your production run calls for a single colorway or a full seasonal palette, our wholesale minimums and competitive per-yard pricing make it easy to scale.

Sunlit sewing studio featuring buffalo check and camo fleece bolts with a charcoal blanket on a wooden table.

From Blankets to Costumes: Fleece Does It All

Fleece fabric is one of the most versatile materials in any maker's toolkit, crossing seamlessly between apparel, home textiles, and craft applications. It is a top choice for blanket fabric projects, pet beds, draft stoppers, and cushion linings thanks to its softness and thermal retention. On the apparel side, fleece powers everything from everyday hoodies and zip-ups to theatrical costume fabric needs where warmth and ease of construction are both essential.

For buyers looking to add personality to their fleece projects, our inventory includes printed options in popular motifs — from classic Buffalo Check Fabric patterns to bold Camo Print Fabric designs that work especially well for outerwear and outdoor accessories. Ordering by the yard gives you the flexibility to test new colorways before committing to full bolt quantities, and our team is available to help you match the right fleece weight and construction to your specific end use. Browse the full collection above and request samples to feel the quality difference firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between polar fleece and sherpa fleece?
Polar fleece has a smooth or lightly brushed surface on both sides and is the most common type used for jackets, hoodies, and blankets. Sherpa fleece features a textured, curly pile on one side that mimics the look and feel of natural sheepskin, making it popular for lining coats, boots, and cushion covers. Both are typically made from polyester, but sherpa tends to be heavier and plusher. Your choice depends on whether you need a clean, versatile face or a premium plush finish.
Does fleece fabric stretch, and is it easy to sew?
Most fleece fabrics have a moderate degree of crosswise stretch, which makes them forgiving to work with and comfortable to wear. Because fleece does not fray when cut, you can skip serging or finishing raw edges — a major advantage for high-volume production and craft projects alike. A ballpoint or stretch needle is recommended to avoid skipped stitches, and a walking foot can help feed heavier weights evenly. Overall, fleece is considered one of the more beginner-friendly fabrics to sew.
What GSM fleece should I use for hoodies versus blankets?
For hoodies, sweatshirts, and lightweight jackets, a fleece in the 200–280gsm range strikes the right balance between warmth and drape. Blankets, throws, and heavy outerwear benefit from 300–350gsm fleece, which provides a denser, more substantial feel. Lightweight 100–180gsm fleece is best reserved for linings, scarves, and layering pieces where bulk needs to be minimized. Always request a sample if you're unsure — weight can feel quite different depending on the fiber blend.
Will fleece fabric pill over time, and how can I prevent it?
Pilling is a common concern with fleece, particularly lower-quality polyester constructions, and occurs when short fibers on the surface tangle together with repeated friction and washing. Choosing an anti-pilling fabric construction or a higher-density fleece significantly reduces this issue. Washing garments inside out on a gentle cycle and avoiding fabric softeners also helps preserve the surface. For commercial applications where longevity matters, we recommend specifying anti-pill fleece when placing your order.
Can fleece fabric be used for outdoor or performance applications?
Yes — polyester fleece is a staple of outdoor and activewear due to its moisture-wicking properties, quick-dry performance, and ability to retain warmth even when damp. It is widely used in base layers, mid-layers, hiking jackets, and athletic wear designed for cold conditions. For applications requiring wind resistance, fleece is often bonded to a shell fabric or combined with a bonded fabric construction. If breathability in high-output activities is a priority, look for open-knit or micro-fleece constructions with a lower GSM.