---
type: "fabric"
name: "Polar Fleece"
slug: "polar-fleece"
fabric_family: "pile_napped"
construction: "pile(cut)"
subtype: "pile(cut)"
typical_fibers:
  - "Polyester"
weight_gsm: "150–300 g/m²"
price_tier: 2
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/polar-fleece"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:21:33.917735+00:00"
---

# Polar Fleece

Polar fleece is a soft, warm, and lightweight synthetic fabric made from polyester, ideal for cold-weather garments and accessories.

- **Fabric Family**: Pile Napped
- **Construction**: Pile Cut
- **Subtype**: pile(cut)
- **Typical Fibers**: Polyester
- **Weight**: 150–300 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$ (2 of 5)

## About Polar Fleece

Polar fleece is a type of pile fabric characterized by its soft, napped surface, which is created by cutting the loops of the fabric during manufacturing. This fabric is typically made from 100% polyester fibers, providing excellent insulation and moisture-wicking properties. It is lightweight yet warm, making it suitable for a variety of applications including jackets, blankets, and hats. The fabric is also known for its durability, ease of care, and resistance to pilling.

## Knit Properties

- **Wales per Inch**: 5
- **Courses per Inch**: 8
- **Knit Gauge**: 10G

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 10%
- **Weft Stretch**: 15%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 1000 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 80
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.2
- **UPF Rating**: 30

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: soft, brushed
- **Hand & Drape**: Fluid

## Performance Features

- Lightweight
- Warmth Without Weight
- Quick Drying
- Breathable

## Common Finishes

- Anti Pill Treatment
- Moisture Wicking Finish
- DWR Durable Water Repellent

## Common Applications

- Jackets
- Sweaters
- Blankets
- Hats
- Activewear
- Sleepwear

## Common Uses in Detail

### Outdoor Jackets & Tops

Its lightweight warmth and moisture-wicking properties make polar fleece a go-to choice for jackets, pullovers, and midlayer tops. The fabric traps body heat efficiently while remaining breathable, keeping wearers comfortable during hiking, camping, and other cold-weather activities.

### Blankets & Throws

Soft, pill-resistant, and easy to launder, this fabric is widely used in blankets and throws for home and travel. It provides cozy insulation without the weight of traditional [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool), making it popular for children's bedding, stadium blankets, and everyday lounging.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash in cold water with similar colors. Tumble dry on low heat. Do not bleach or iron.

- Machine wash, tumble dry, do not bleach, do not iron

## Additional Information

Polar fleece is widely used in outdoor apparel and is favored for its warmth-to-weight ratio. It is also recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice in sustainable fashion.

- **Regional Names**: fleece, polar fleece
- **Sourcing Regions**: China, India, Vietnam, Turkey
- **Testing Standards**: Martindale/Rub count, Pilling, Colorfastness to wash/light, Seam slippage, Tear strength

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Polyester](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Cuddle Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cuddle-fleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Flannelette](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flannelette.md) — Pile Napped
- [Microfleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/microfleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Baize](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/baize.md) — Pile Napped
- [Berber Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/berber-fleece.md) — Pile Napped

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*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/polar-fleece) — HTML version of this page.*