What is Fleece, And Is It Vegan?

What is fleece?

Fleece is a popular fabric used in clothing, often jumpers and pullovers. While it resembles wool, fleece is actually a synthetic material made from polyester — specifically polyethylene terephthalate, a type of polyester. It is used often in outdoor clothing and sportswear, due to its breathable and light properties, whilst also retaining heat, making it ideal for colder climates. 

Is fleece vegan?

Yes, contrary to popular belief, fleece is actually vegan since it is a synthetic fibre. It can get confused with wool, but in reality, fleece provides a vegan-friendly alternative to wool clothing. However, it’s worth double-checking clothing labels as sometimes fleece can be blended with other materials derived from animals. 

Is fleece sustainable?

Fleece in theory isn’t the most sustainable material out there. Since it is a synthetic material, the polyester used to make fleece is not biodegradable. However, brands like Patagonia use recycled polyester to make their fleece, meaning that recycled bottles are given another life in the form of clothing, which reduces waste in landfills as well as energy in production. Though fleece itself isn’t a super sustainable fabric, the chances of filling your wardrobe with the stuff seems highly unlikely for most people. As a result, you can get extended wear out of them without constantly buying new fleece clothing, and by buying less in general we help create a more sustainable approach to clothing and fashion in general. 

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