Eco-Friendly Fleece

Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or just relaxing at home with a book, a cozy fleece is a versatile and comfortable option. This fabric is soft, warm, and fuzzy, but did you know it’s also eco-friendly? Fleece is made with synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and cotton, as well as natural fibers like wool, hemp, bamboo, and TENCEL(tm). Depending on the fabric type and loft (the amount of air space in each strand), the weight and the materials used can determine its insulating capabilities and environmental impact.

The History of Fleece

In the late ’70s, Malden Mills, a synthetic fabric manufacturer, developed Polar fleece, the foundation upon which all future fleece was built. The company took a polyester yarn and wound it into a dense, insulated fabric and then brushed it to greatly increase its volume. This new material solved many of the problems associated with traditional wool—namely, that it was heavy and itchy. The company also made it possible to make clothing without the need for a herd of sheep—thus, reducing the carbon footprint of the garment and the impact on the environment.

Since then, the popularity of fleece has grown exponentially. Its versatility and comfort have made it a staple in outdoor apparel, with fleece jackets and hoodies being a common sight on the shoulders of hikers, mountain climbers, skiers, snowboarders, runners, campers, and anyone else who wants to stay warm outdoors in cold weather.

In addition to being soft, warm, and durable, fleece is a great choice for activewear because it wicks moisture away from the body and allows it to circulate, keeping athletes cool. It’s also highly insulating, and it is often treated with a waterproof coating to protect against rain, snow, and wind.

Although fleece is a good choice for activewear and indoor wear, it doesn’t have the same breathability as other natural fabrics, especially when wet. This can cause overheating during intense physical activity, and it can also make the fabric uncomfortable when wet. Additionally, it tends to pill or lose its insulating properties when wet, so it’s important to care for fleece properly.

Considering all of its advantages, it’s not surprising that fleece is the most popular fabric for outdoor apparel. However, the environmental impact of fleece has become a major concern. Most of the fleece on the market is made from polyester, a synthetic fabric derived from non-renewable fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. The production of polyester also uses a significant amount of energy and harmful chemicals that can wind up in the water, soil, and air.

There are some brands that use recycled PET plastic or other recycled products to create their fleece, which gives it a greener edge. However, this doesn’t solve the fact that fleece—even recycled fleece—sheds millions of microscopic plastic particles each time it’s washed. Each time you wash your fleece, millions of these microplastics swish off of it and down your drain hose.