Fleece is the wonder of modern-day textile science. Although the clothing material derives its name from sheep’s fleece, it is actually synthetic. It is used widely for clothes, including baby calves, ear warmers, etc. In fact, it is the most favorite material for athletic garments.
Thus, fleece has seen widespread applications in the textile industry. So, it brings us to a crucial question, Is fleece flammable? It is vital because you wouldn’t want to wear a dress made of flammable material and might cause a fire.
Also, many people want to know about the uses of fleece, its fire-retardant rating and flammable fabrics. We will cover all this information in today’s topic.
If you want to wear an enjoyable and safe dress, you must stick with this article.
Related Article Links: Is Wool flammable? Does Wool Catch Fire?
What Is Fleece?
Although fleece refers to the coat of sheep generally, the textile fleece is something different. Fleece is a type of synthetic textile material. It is polyester and insulating fabric. The main material of the fleece is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Manufacturers use fleece to make different dresses because of its added comfort. The comfort largely comes from the two following factors:
- Lightweight fabric design
- anti-perspiration properties
The material also has tiny perforations. So, it allows air ventilation to offer you greater comfort. Moreover, it will block the outside humidity and evaporate the extra moisture from the inside of the dress. You will remain cool and dry with fleece-made clothes.
Thus, the fast-drying and breathable fabric has become a top choice for garments. It is used widely in making winter wear and sportswear. Also, fleece-made dresses have seen massive popularity among people due to their lightweight and comfy properties.
Next, vegan people love wearing fleece because it is a great alternative to natural wool that comes from sheep and plants. So, it is eco-friendly too.
Fleece is a pretty innovation in the textile and fabric industry. It was introduced in the industry in the early 19070s. Malden Mills first experimented with PET to make it a comfortable fabric that resulted in fleece.
Meldon Mills introduced their 1st fleece-made sportswear in 1981. The sportswear was an immediate hit. Also, earlier fleece was known as Synchilla. Later, it got the name fleece following its resemblance with natural sheep fleece.
Fleece becomes the most popular fabric for manufacturing sportswear and outdoor wear for comfort and lightweight within the next few years.
What Is Fleece Made Of?
Fleece is a synthetic material. Manufacturers will use polyesters to make fleece in their industries. The most common polyester used to manufacture fleece is PET, polyethylene terephthalate. Also, it is famous for being lightweight and longevity. So, fleece-made dresses won’t burden your movement with heaviness.
It is bushed and woven in industries on fabric to add buttery smoothness. Thus, the fabric will look close to natural wool. However, manufacturers will also use different materials and fleece for different requirements. It includes:
- Natural fibers such as wool
- Recycled elements such as recycled plastic
Is Fleece Flammable?
Now to the all-important question, is fleece combustible and flammable?
The answer will please you since fleece isn’t flammable. In fact, fleece is famous for its fire-retardant properties. So, many textile manufacturers will use fleece in their clothing to make it fire-retardant. It is used mostly as a middle part of different clothing to offer a warmer feel and increase the fire-retardant properties of the fabric and its dresses.
However, note that polyester fleece is only flame-resistant, not entirely fire-retardant. It will still catch fire at high temperatures and will start melting accordingly. So, it isn’t suitable for workers who often work in high temperatures.
Will fleece catch fire?
In normal conditions, fleece won’t catch fire. It is made of polyester, which is known for its fire resistance. So, in daily life, fleece is safe from fire. However, cuddly and warm fleece fabric is sensitive to burning because of its lightweight and low-quality polyester construction.
Thus, you must be aware of it while choosing your fleece-made dresses.
The melting point of fleece
When you wear fleece-made dresses, you must know their melting point. It is crucial to prevent the burn and melting of the fleece when you iron your dresses. So, what is the melting point of fleece?
But, there’s the trick. When we talk about the melting point of fleece, we refer to the melting point of polyester in reality. The approximate melting point of polyester is around 482°F (295°C). But, even these numbers are tricky since fleece used in textiles is pretty lightweight and thin. So, it reduces much of its fire-retardant properties. Consequently, the fleece in your dress has a low melting point.
Thus, we suggest you be careful when ironing your fleece-made sportswear and outdoor wear as it has a low melting point. Or else you run the risk of burning your dress.
What Are The Properties of Fleece?
Fleece is a famous textile material. It enjoys so great popularity for no simple reason. We have mentioned that it feels lightweight and comfy on your body. But, what are the properties that make fleece so comfortable, durable, and sought-after materials in the garments and textile industry?
The following points will surely put light on it:
- The best benefit of wearing fleece dresses is their warmness. It comes with insulation, so it keeps you warm. The fuzzy and rough insulation blocks the outdoor air and keeps the interior warm and dry inside the fleece.
- Fleece is famous for its water resistance. Thus, you will find the fleece dress remaining almost dry even if you jump in the water. It makes fleece a great choice for swimmers.
- Fleece fabric is also fast-drying. So, after washing, these dresses dry faster than your traditional dresses. It is a great relief during wintertime. Also, it allows you to air dry fleece clothes.
- When you wear fleece, you will love its breathability. It has great ventilation and will keep you dry and cool during the warmest and most humid days. Breathability is a great relief for athletes during running, playing, or exercising to enjoy the cool and fresh air.
- Fleece-made dresses are smooth and resist wrinkle superbly. So, you are less likely to see any wrinkles on your jacket even after years of using it. It happens due to the fleece used to make these jackets.
Final Words
Fleece is a popular material for use in woven and neat clothing. Its insulation, warmth, and breathability make it one of the most comfortable fabrics in the industry.
Fleece is inflammable and won’t catch fire in normal circumstances. Thus, it is used widely to increase the fire-retardant properties in many dresses. Also, its lightweight feel and comfort have made fleece the most sought-after fabric for athletes and sports.
Click one of the links below to continue reading about different fabric and there flammability.
