Difference Between Fleece and Wool

The main difference between fleece and wool is that fleece is a synthetic fabric, while wool is a natural fabric. Fleece tends to be lighter, cheaper, and quick-drying while wool is a biodegradable material with better insulating properties.

The meanings of these two words, wool and fleece, tend to differ according to different contexts. In this article, we’ll be looking at the two insulating fabrics: wool and fleece. Wool basically refers to the fine, soft curly or wavy hair forming the coat of animals like sheep and goats. The textile fabric we obtain from this hair is also called wool. Fleece, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric made from polyethylene terephthalate. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Fleece 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Wool
     – Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Between Fleece and Wool
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Fleece, Fabric, Wool

What is Wool? 

Wool is the textile fiber we obtain from sheep and other animals like goats, bison, and rabbits. Although most of us associate wool with sheep, there are distinct types of wool, derived from animals other than sheep. For example, mohair and cashmere from goats, angora from rabbits, etc. To make wool, we have to harvest the hairs of animals and then spin them into yarn. It’s only then that we can weave this yarn into clothing and other forms of textiles. Cashmere, pashmina, mohair, angora, etc., are types of wool.

Wool is a good material for use during cold months since it has thermally insulating properties. Furthermore, it is strong, durable, and water-repellant. The properties of wool may actually differ according to the animals that produced the wool and the production process it undergoes. Some of the positive characteristics of wool are listed as below:

• Thermally-insulating
• Odour-free
• Protective
• Sustainable
• Water-repellant
• Long-lasting

What is Fleece? 

Fleece can refer to the coat of wool covering a wool-bearing animal such as a sheep. It can also refer to the wool obtained from a sheep at one shearing. In this article, we are discussing fleece fabric, which is a synthetic material made from plastics. Fleece is a soft and warm fabric with a texture similar to wool. In fact, fleece is lighter than wool. Moreover, fleece is made from a type of polyester and can be used as a vegan alternative to wool.

Fleece is widely available in the market and used for many different garments. It is also less expensive than wool. Moreover, fleece is breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight.

Difference Between Fleece and Wool

Definition

Fleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyethylene terephthalate while wool is a textile fibre obtained from woollen animals.

Nature

Fleece is a synthetic fabric while wool is a natural fabric.

Weight

Wool is heavier than fleece; therefore, wearers may find fleece to be more lightweight and comfortable.

Insulation

Wool tends to have better thermal insulating properties than fleece.

Water-Resistance

Fleece tends to get wetter than wool as it has lower absorption rates.

Drying

Moreover, fleece is quick-drying while wool gets a long time to dry.

Biodegradability

In addition to these differences, wool is biodegradable as it is a natural fabric, but fleece is not.

Price

Wool is more expensive than fleece.

Conclusion

The main difference between fleece and wool is that fleece is a synthetic fabric while wool is a natural fabric. Moreover, fleece tends to be lighter, cheaper, and quick-drying than wool. However, wool is a biodegradable material with better insulating properties.

Reference:

1. “What Is Fleece? Why This Synthetic Is Preferred To Natural Fabric.” Contrado Blog, 28 July 2020, Available here.
2. “What Is Wool Fabric: Properties, How Its Made and Where.” Sewport, 10 June 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Various Colored Luxury Wool Fabrics” (CC0) via LibreShot
2. “233768” (CC0) via Pixabay

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