Fleece is a fabric that is commonly used to make jackets, vests and other clothing items. It is often made from polyester and other synthetic materials. It is typically lightweight and wicks moisture away better than wool, which helps keep you warm and dry.

There are many different types of fleece, from fine wools to long wools and even a few hybrids. The type of fleece you have depends on the sheep that produced it and how the sheep was bred.

Fine wools, including Cormo, Corriedale, Debouillet, Merino, Polworth, Rambouillet and Targhee have shorter staple lengths and a higher lanolin content. They also have a more natural greasy feel to them and are less likely to pill.

The lanolin in the wool helps it to repel water and also makes it a bit more pliable, making it easier to spin. This is why it is so popular among spinners.

This characteristic makes fleece particularly suited for making warm get more info, comfortable clothing . It is soft to the touch and has a nice, thick feel.

It is a durable material, too, and it will hold up well in the outdoors. It is not as prone to pilling as wool, so it will last longer.

As with wool, a good washing (scouring) is essential to maintain the lanolin. It will also remove any dirt, vegetable matter and chemicals that may have built up on the fleece.

To wash your fleece, you can either use a washing machine or a tub with hot water and detergent. The temperature of the water is very important, as it should be hot enough to loosen the dirt without being too hot, which would cause the wool to felt.

If the dirt is very stubborn, a presoak in cold water can help to loosen it before you start washing it. This is particularly important if the fleece has red clay on it. If the water is too hot, the wool will soak up the heat and set the clay stains permanently.

Some people like to wash their fleece on a gentle cycle in a washing machine. It is a good idea to wash it with a mild detergent. If it has a lot of grease, you may need to do a second round of washing.

Another advantage of using a washer is that you can wash more than one item at a time. This is especially helpful if you are wearing multiple layers of clothing, as it will save you time and energy.

Regardless of the method, it is a good idea to rinse the wool after each wash to remove any remaining soap. Doing this will help to avoid the odour build-up that can occur when you wear wool.

It is also a good idea to wash your fleece at least once a year in order to remove any residues of lanolin, dirt or oils that may be left from previous washes. This will prevent the odour from returning and will extend the life of your fleece.