fleece
FLEES
/fliːs/
A soft, warm, synthetic insulating fabric made of polyester, designed to mimic the texture and warmth of sheep's wool.
Can refer historically to the natural woolly coat of a sheep, but in modern activewear, it almost exclusively refers to lightweight, synthetic polyester insulation.
The story behind the word. Originally, 'fleece' referred strictly to the natural woolly coat of a sheep. In 1979, Malden Mills (now Polartec) revolutionized the outdoor apparel industry by inventing a lightweight, synthetic polyester fabric that mimicked the warmth of wool without its heavy weight or water retention, forever changing cold-weather sports.
Word relationships
- polar fleece: Polar fleece is a specific, high-quality trademarked type of synthetic fleece, whereas fleece is the general term for any napped insulating fabric.
Commonly confused with
- wool: Wool is a natural fiber harvested from sheep, whereas modern fleece in activewear is a synthetic fabric made from polyester (often recycled plastic bottles).
Word family
- fleecy (adjective): Covered with or resembling fleece; soft and woolly.
Collocations
- fleece jacket
- polar fleece
- fleece-lined
- soft fleece
Example sentences
- "She wore a cozy fleece jacket under her windbreaker to trap her body heat while skiing down the mountain." Dressing in layers for a cold-weather outdoor activity.
Memory hook
Think of a fluffy sheep's 'fleece' to remember the soft, warm, and fuzzy texture of your favorite winter jacket. Soft and warm like a sheep's coat.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to sleek, non-insulating fabrics like silk, nylon, or spandex.
Fun facts
- Because synthetic fleece is made of polyester, it can be manufactured from recycled plastic soda bottles, making it a pioneer in sustainable outdoor apparel.
Related words
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