When it comes to soft, cozy, and warm blankets, fleece fabric is one of the most popular materials on the market. But not all fleece is created equal. From ultra-plush coral fleece to thermal polar fleece and luxurious velvet fleece, there are many types—each with its own unique feel and function.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through all the common fleece fabric types used for blankets, their characteristics, variations, and best applications. Whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, or simply looking for your next favorite throw, this guide will help you make sense of the fleece universe.
What Is Fleece Fabric?
Fleece is a synthetic knit fabric, typically made from polyester or its blends, that has been brushed on one or both sides to create a soft, fuzzy texture. It was originally developed as a lightweight, moisture-wicking alternative to wool and has since become a staple in the textile world for everything from clothing to bedding.
Key Characteristics of Fleece:
- Soft and plush
- Lightweight and breathable
- Retains warmth effectively
- Dries quickly
- Durable and easy to wash
Fleece is manufactured in a wide variety of forms by adjusting variables like fiber type, pile height, brushing intensity, and chemical treatments.
Types of Fleece Fabrics Used for Blankets
1. Polar Fleece
Polar fleece is the most well-known type. Developed in the 1970s as a high-performance outdoor fabric, it’s now a go-to for everyday blankets.
Features:
- Medium to heavyweight
- Soft and insulating
- Breathable and water-resistant
- Affordable and widely available
Variants:
- Lightweight polar fleece (100 gsm)
- Midweight (200 gsm)
- Heavyweight (300+ gsm)
- Anti-pill polar fleece (treated to prevent surface pilling)
Use Cases:
- Home throws
- Outdoor camping blankets
- Pet blankets
2. Coral Fleece
Known for its velvety texture and cloud-like softness, coral fleece is a customer favorite for luxury and baby products.
Features:
- Deep pile, extremely soft
- Higher absorbency than other fleece types
- Luxurious hand feel
Use Cases:
- Baby blankets
- Bathrobes
- Plush winter throws
- Spa and hotel bedding
3. Flannel Fleece
A modern take on classic flannel, flannel fleece mimics the smoothness of cotton flannel but is made from synthetic fibers.
Features:
- Smooth, uniform surface
- Thin but cozy
- Easy to print on
Use Cases:
- Four-season blankets
- Printed blankets
- Promotional or branded throws
4. Microfleece
Microfleece is ultra-light and engineered with fine fibers that make it compact yet efficient at retaining heat.
Features:
- Thinnest fleece type
- Smooth texture
- Moisture-wicking
Use Cases:
- Travel blankets
- Summer throws
- Linings for layered blankets
5. Sherpa Fleece
Sherpa fleece resembles wool in texture and warmth, making it one of the best options for cold climates.
Features:
- Thick, textured pile
- Soft, fluffy like sheep’s wool
- High heat retention
Common Pairing: Often used as a lining for flannel fleece or coral fleece blankets.
Use Cases:
- Winter blankets
- Dual-sided throws
- Bedding and comforters
6. French Terry Fleece
Technically a knit fabric, French terry is looped on one side and smooth on the other, offering lightweight warmth.
Features:
- Loop-back structure
- Breathable and moisture-absorbent
- Less bulky than traditional fleece
Use Cases:
- Baby swaddles
- Lightweight couch throws
- Wearable blankets
7. Velvet or Velour Fleece
Velour fleece brings visual luxury to functional warmth. It is a popular choice for gifts and high-end decor.
Features:
- Glossy, velvet-like finish
- Dense and smooth texture
- Drapes beautifully
Use Cases:
- Luxury throws
- Decorative blankets
- Premium gift sets
8. Berber Fleece
Named after the traditional Berber carpets of North Africa, this fleece has a curly, nubby surface.
Features:
- Rougher texture than sherpa
- Thick and rugged
- Excellent heat retention
Use Cases:
- Rustic-style blankets
- Heavy winter throws
- Cabin/lodge decor
9. Double-Sided Fleece
Brushed on both sides, double-sided fleece maximizes warmth and comfort.
Features:
- Two plush surfaces
- Extra warmth and bulk
- Durable for rough use
Use Cases:
- Outdoor and camping blankets
- Heavy-duty home use
- Reversible throws
10. Minky Fleece
Minky fleece is a type of ultra-soft microfiber fabric that feels smoother and silkier than traditional fleece.
Features:
- Silky texture, short pile
- Durable and colorfast
- Ultra-soft hand feel, often with embossed dot or print textures
Use Cases:
- Baby blankets
- Plush cuddle throws
- Sensory therapy products
11. Faux Fur Fleece
Faux fur fleece mimics the look and feel of real animal fur using synthetic fibers, offering a dramatic and luxurious option.
Features:
- Long-pile, shaggy texture
- Deep warmth and premium aesthetics
- Heavy and voluminous
Use Cases:
- High-end decorative throws
- Winter luxury collections
- Photography and home decor accessories
Specialty Finishes and Variants
Printed Fleece
Most often done on flannel or polar fleece, printing allows vibrant colors and custom graphics, ideal for kids or promotional items.
Related blog: What’s the Best Material for a Photo Blanket?
Anti-Pill Fleece
Special surface treatment to prevent pilling after multiple washes, ensuring a longer-lasting, cleaner look.
Bonded Fleece
Two different fleece types are thermally or chemically bonded together to create a structured, ultra-warm fabric.
Sweater Fleece
A modern hybrid that looks like knitwear outside but has a brushed fleece interior—used more in garments, but occasionally for high-end throws.
How to Choose the Right Fleece for Your Blanket Line
| Goal | Recommended Fleece |
|---|---|
| Everyday home use | Polar Fleece, Flannel Fleece |
| Luxury gifts or branding | Velvet Fleece, Bonded Coral+Sherpa Fleece |
| Baby products | Coral Fleece, French Terry Fleece |
| Cold-weather markets | Sherpa Fleece, Berber Fleece, Double-sided Fleece |
| Travel or summer blankets | Microfleece, Lightweight Polar Fleece |
| High print quality | Flannel Fleece, Printed Polar Fleece |
Choose Haiyuan Blankets as Your Fleece Blanket Manufacturer
At Haiyuan Blankets, we specialize in manufacturing and customizing a wide variety of fleece and muslin blankets for global markets. With over a decade of experience in textile production, we combine material innovation with scalable production and personalized service.
Full Range of Blanket Materials:
We offer OEM & ODM services for the following fabrics:
- Flannel fleece
- Coral fleece
- Sherpa fleece
- Bamboo muslin
- Minky fleece
- Faux fur fleece
- Polar fleece
- Recycled & organic fleece
Whether you are sourcing for retail, gifting, hospitality, or baby products, we can match the right material and customization options to your needs.
Manufacturing Strength:
- In-house fabric processing and cutting
- Digital and rotary printing capabilities
- Embroidery, embossing, and packaging customization
- Monthly output: over 500,000 pieces
- Strict QC system and international certifications (e.g. OEKO-TEX®, GRS)
One-Stop OEM & ODM Service:
From material selection and product design to sampling, bulk production, and shipping, our team ensures efficient communication and on-time delivery.
Global Supply Experience:
We’ve worked with clients across North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia, helping brands build their product lines with quality blankets that stand out.
Ready to launch your next blanket collection? Contact us now to get started.
Final Thoughts
Fleece blankets come in more varieties than most people realize. Whether you’re designing a premium winter throw or sourcing budget-friendly promotional items, understanding the differences between fleece types is crucial. Each kind of fleece offers a unique balance of softness, warmth, appearance, and cost.
As fleece technology continues to evolve, new combinations and finishes are constantly entering the market. Staying updated with fabric trends and performance features can help elevate your product line and offer better value to your customers.
Looking for customized fleece blankets or sourcing fleece fabric in bulk? Contact our team today to explore your options.
