August 2023

What is Fleece fabric?

According to Wikipedia fleece fabric was developed as an alternative to wool, creating a lighter weight, yet still warm and soft fabric that is not as scratchy as wool.  Fleece is machine washable and dryable, in contrast to wool, that is dry clean only. By nature, all fleece fabric is lighter weight than its wool counterpart, still soft and warm, does not shed, shrink, or fade, and will not wrinkle if removed immediately from the dryer.  Proper washing and drying should be handled correctly from the first wash - heat will damage fleece and it will not recover from the damage.   

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW REGARDING "Product Descriptions" AND FABRIC TYPES?

In my opinion, since every website is optimizing for keyword search criteria in order to be found in Google; sellers are using as many keywords as possible.  Sellers have used numerous fabric types interchangeably even though they refer to many different fabrics and fiber content.  Sellers use multiple keywords to potentially rank the seller higher for search engine optimization.

I have found many product descriptions list the fabric type with a collective list of fabrics such as Fleece, Fur, Faux Fur, Sherpa, Plush, Microfiber, Velour, Velvet, and Flannel.  I am pretty sure no one throw is made from this combination of fabrics.  I believe this is to address keyword search results and appears to me to be “keyword stuffing”.  Determining the actual fabric content of your purchase may not be as easy as it should.  You may not know what fabric type you have purchased until you have read the fabric content/care tag on the actual product.

Since throws are typically used without a bed sheet, it is important to consider the feel of the throw fabric against the skin.  

WHAT CAUTIONS DO I NEED TO KNOW REGARDING “Care For” INSTRUCTIONS IN PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS?

Be very careful regarding "care instructions" in product descriptions before you purchase.  I have found very conflicting information regarding the listing of different types of fabrics used interchangeably.  The fabric content is extremely important regarding “care instructions”.  If the item is identified as “Fleece” I would be very skeptical if the description indicates it is BOTH washable and dry cleanable.  Fleece cannot be dry cleaned.  Be sure the care instructions are considered and expected - before you buy.  Some of the fabric types listed are dry clean only fabrics and might not work well in your family situation.  With confusing instructions, you might not be getting what you want or expect.  Be sure to read the fabric content/care tag after you receive your item, before you use it, so you are not disappointed.

At Fleece Centric, "It's all about that fleece"!  I offer only fleece fabric products and you can find Washing and Care Instructions here on my website or my blog post "Washing and Caring for your Fleece Centric Bed Topper Throw". 

Note:  I do have a few products that incorporate the use of spandex in the product, but it can be washed with the same instructions as the fleece.