Making the decision between fleece and wool can be difficult. Both materials have their own pros and cons, and it can be hard to determine which is the best choice for you. In this guide, we will break down all of the information you need to make an informed decision about which material is right for you. We’ll cover the benefits, cons, and costs of both fleece and wool, as well as how each material performs in different situations. By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently choose between fleece and wool.
Both are great insulators, but wool wins out on overall warmth. The moisture wicking ability also makes it win for a variety of temperatures.
Winner: Wool
Wool wins in terms of water resistance. It holds off water absorption longer, and still retains insulation even when wet. Once a garment is wet however, wool dries substantially slower than fleece. Once completely wet, fleece wins because it will dry out quicker.
Winner: Wool
Wool tends to be heavier than fleece. This can make it less comfortable in fleece. It will add slightly more weight for the same level of insulation when compared to fleece.
Winner: Fleece
Fleece is considered more comfortable. It is lighter, and doesn’t cause any itchiness when some wearers experience some itchiness from wool products. Merino wool tends to be particularly comfortable however but often costs a little more.
Winner: Fleece
Wool is extremely odor resistant. Being that these layers are often warn during strenuous activity, this can be an important feature, as fleece, like many other clothes can get a bit smelly.
Winner: Wool
Fleece wins on cost. It is simply less expensive. There are more expensive sustainably sourced / fleece options, but wool also has some even more expensive options. Merino wool for example tends to be more expensive.
Winner: Fleece
Wool, unlike fleece, is a naturally occuring material. Sheeps produce wool to keep them warm in cold climates. Wool is a very good insulator and can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet. This makes it a great material for winter clothing by keeping the warmth in, and wicking moisture away. Because wool is a natural material, it is a sustainable fabric, biodegradable, and most wool is sustainable sourced from sheep in a manner that causes no harm to the animals.
Fleece is a synthetic fabric. It was first introduced to the public in the early 1980s as a wool alternative. Fleece fabric is often made from PET, a type of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate or other synthetic fibers. These fibers are woven and brushed into a fabric we call fleece. Sometimes fleece blends can be made with natural materials. Because of the nature of fleece, it tends to not be considered sustainable, though sustainable fleece and recycled fleece options to exist in the marketplace.
Both fleece and wool are worn as insulating fabrics. They’re designed to keep you warm when the weather gets cold, so they’re both commonly used in winter clothing. Both materials are known as moisture wicking materials, warm materials, quick drying, and lightweight. As insulating layers that are often used as mid layers, above a base layer, and under an outer layer. This means, that most people are considering wool, fleece, down, or synthetic down as an insulating layer. Both are also commonly worn as base layers, or outer layers when the weather isn’t as cold.
Fleece clothing, jackets and blankets can be washed in the washing machine. Wash fleece on a gentle cycle with cold water only and use mild detergent. Do not add any fabric softener as it will reduce fleece’s ability to insulate against cold temperatures. Tumble dry fleece on low heat or allow it to air dry if possible. If you have a very large fleece blanket that won’t fit in your washer or dryer, you might consider having it professionally cleaned at a laundromat or elsewhere depending on where you live.
Be sure to follow the directions from the direction of the clothing manufacturer.
Wool layers, jackets, socks, and blankets can be washed in the washing machine. They should be treated delicately, and because wool is odor resistance, you can often wash it less than other clothing types.
Be sure to follow the directions from the direction of the clothing manufacturer.
The answer is truly dependent on your particular needs. For the most part wool wins out on a lot of factors, but fleece is super comfortable, lightweight, and a bit better on the wallet. For this reason, it truly is up to personal presence, and most avid outdoorsy people own both fleece and wool and use them for different situations.
If worried about getting wet, needing optimal moisture wicking, and want the most warmth, wool is the better option, but if needing a more budget friendly option, or wool irritates your skin, fleece is always going to be the better option.
