Alternatives To Fleece
Natural fleece is produced using sheep's wool. Fleece takes more work and time to maintain than other materials; it needs to be hand-washed and air-dried. Natural fleece, however, can cause allergic reactions. There are alternatives, though, that provide the same qualities of warmth and softness, but without irritation. These fleece alternatives are often man-made and can be environmentally friendly.
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Minky Fabric
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Minky fabric is comparable to cashmere, in that it's a soft microfiber material. It's made of 100 percent polyester and doesn't shrink. Minky fabric is also easy to maintain by washing in cool water and drying on the low cycle in a dryer. It's created using the same techniques used to weave chenille fabric, so it's often referred to as "chenille fleece." Minky fabric is used for baby blankets and toys. This fabric, available in many colors, comes in such patterns as dots, stripes and animal prints.
Polar Fleece
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Polar fleece is also made from polyester. Twisted yarns are knitted into fabric, brushes roughen the fabric and the fabric is then sheared. Polar fleece is a lightweight, soft fabric that provides warmth with a comfortable texture. This fleece is highly breathable; moisture can escape, but the fabric still insulates well. While polar fleece is easy to care for and dries quickly, it's flammable and can be damaged by heat during a wash cycle. Various applications of polar fleece include jackets, hats, sweaters, scarves, blankets and soft toys.
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Microfiber Fleece
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A blend of synthetic materials, including nylon, polyester and elastane, microfiber fleece is very warm, comfortable and resists wrinkling. This fleece sheds water and protects from the wind, making it ideal for people who want to stay dry and warm while outdoors. With a tight weave, it doesn't have the same bulk as fleece, but provides many of the same benefits.
Recycled Fleece
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Recycled fleece is made using a high content of plastic soda bottles. This fleece is a synthetic material that's considered earth-friendly because of its recycled materials. It's lightweight, provides softness and warmth while repelling moisture. Like other synthetic fleece materials, it is breathable and dries quickly. If it gets dirty, simply wipe it off with a damp cloth and put it in the washing machine. Because recycled fleece isn't made with flame-retardant finishes, it won't irritate children's skin. It's used for baby bedding, diaper covers and outerwear.
Flannel
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Flannel is a napped fabric made with carded yarns, or yarns that are separated into individual fibers, so that they lay parallel to one another. It's a warm fabric that's can be blended with man-made fibers, such as acrylic, to lengthen the life of the fabric and prevent stretching. Cotton flannels are produced using soft-spun yarns. Flannel has variations, including flannelet, which is napped on one side. Flannel is used for bedding, blankets, clothing and outerwear.
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References
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