Micro fleece is a cuddly, luxuriously soft fabric which is typically thinner than polar fleece. Although not super soft, polar fleece is a thick, very warm cloth usually available in a rainbow of colors. The choice one has to make between polar fleece vs micro fleece is determined by the thickness of the fabric, how it behaves to water, and the purpose of the product.

Advantages of fleece fabric

At first, fleece was used mainly for outdoor clothing. Nowadays, it is used in everything from mittens and hats to blankets and jackets. Polar fleece has a two-sided pile. Most companies use the Polartec scale of 100, 200, and 300 to refer to the fabric’s loft and thickness. The material holds warmth, is strong, and dries quickly. Fleece is an excellent choice for backpacking and winter camping.

Some of the great advantages of fleece include:

  • Available in multiple styles
  • Dries quickly
  • Durable
  • Holds warmth
  • Easy care

Disadvantages of fleece fabric

Low-quality fleece pills easily. A pill, also known as a fuzz ball, lint, or bobble, is a tendency of synthetic spun fabrics. When rubbing the surface of the fabric, the shorter threads pull up and create little balls.

Pilling is mostly caused by wear. You can use an electric fabric shaver or razor blade to remove the balls. Be careful not to damage the fabric. It is important to work with care when using a razor blade.

Fleece is susceptible to damage from heat. It cannot be washed in hot water, ironed, or tumble dried in high temperatures.

Polar fleece vs micro fleece product description

Polar fleece is the thickest of all the different types of fleeces available on the market and is hydrophobic. Even when the material is wet, it retains most of its insulating qualities. The fabric is machine washable and dries quickly. Regular polar fleece readily generates static electricity, which may cause the accumulation of pet hair and dust.

If the material is exposed to a flame, it will melt. The increasingly popular polar fleece is mostly used for making sweaters, jackets, blankets, scarves, hoodies, cloth diapers, outdoor clothing, and gym clothes.

Micro fleece is thin, extremely lightweight, super soft, and provides an effective level of insulation. The material is made with a twisted fiber yarn woven into the fabric. The soft texture is obtained by brushing the fibers.

The fabric is ideal for outerwear in milder weather, a backing material or as a mid-layer in some garments. Micro fleece is typically used for light outdoor jackets, gym clothing, diapers, potty-training pants, breast pads, and sweaters.

Tips for sewing with fleece

It is sometimes necessary to mend or sew fleece garments. Both polar fleece and micro fleece are synthetic, comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, and have a slight stretch. It is important not to stretch the fabric when cutting or sewing it. You may end up with a project or garment that is out of shape. Use a larger stitch length and a stretch needle or ballpoint size 80/10. For a professional-looking finish, you can use twin needles for hemming. Remove fluff regularly from the machine to avoid skipping stiches while sewing.

Polar fleece

Polar fleece is thicker than the other fleeces and is probably the most economical fabric of the fleece range. The fabric does not absorb water, is not windproof, and breathes well. People who are sensitive to or allergic to wool may find fleece to be an excellent alternative. Polar fleece has some of the same properties as wool, but is much lighter than wool.

Micro fleece

Micro fleece is typically made of polyethylene terephthalate or similar synthetic fibers and has special properties when it comes to water. The material tends to wick moisture away from the skin.

Micro fleece provides a low level of insulation. This fabric is a popular choice for every-day wear, for high-energy activities, or in conditions where you require ease of movement and flexibility, such as climbing and mountaineering.

Environmental impact of fleece

Fleece is typically made from recycled materials or non-renewable petroleum derivatives and when washed, the fabric generates microplastics.  Water lines often discharge into oceans or rivers. Microplastics may have both indirect and direct harmful effects. It can easily get ingested by a range of organisms, including important shellfish and fish. As a result of this, it may enter the food web.

Polyethylene terephthalate is the world’s most widely recycled plastic. It is estimated that eight plastic bottles are kept out of landfill sites for every square meter of fleece made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate. Plastic gets recycled to make bottles, containers, packets, and various other things, including fleece.

Fleece is made by sorting and sterilizing plastic bottles before they are liquefied under high temperatures. Virgin plastic, or polymer, is mixed with liquid plastic and forced through the spinneret. The latter is a metal disk with tiny holes.

The thin strings of plastic harden and after the drawing or pulling process, the threads are shrunken and that is where the fabric gets its soft texture from.  After a thorough inspection, the threads are dyed and knitted.

Conclusion

Both micro fleece and polar fleece are extremely lightweight, durable, and comfortable. It is a soft fabric option for clothing or use as a liner. The material holds warmth, is strong, and dries quickly. Micro fleece is a good choice for every-day wear or for milder weather conditions where you require flexibility or ease of movement.

The increasingly popular polar fleece is mostly used for making blankets, sweaters and jackets. Both polar fleece and micro fleece are excellent choices for backpacking and winter camping. The choice one makes between polar fleece vs micro fleece is determined by the thickness of the fabric and the purpose of the product.