Fleece vs. Flannel — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
Fleece is a synthetic fabric known for its exceptional warmth and soft texture, ideal for cold weather, whereas flannel is a woven fabric, typically made from cotton or wool, famous for its softness and insulating properties.
Difference Between Fleece and Flannel
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Fleece is made from polyester and is designed to mimic the qualities of wool but with greater lightness and less bulk, making it highly effective for thermal insulation. On the other hand, flannel is traditionally made from wool or cotton and is brushed to create a soft nap, contributing to its comfort and warmth.
While fleece is celebrated for its moisture-wicking properties and quick-drying capabilities, making it a popular choice for active wear and outdoor gear, flannel is preferred in sleepwear and casual shirts due to its softness and breathability, offering comfort in various settings.
Fleece fabric is generally more durable and resistant to pilling and shrinking compared to flannel, which can wear down with frequent washing and use. This makes fleece a better option for items that require frequent laundering and rugged use.
In terms of production, fleece is entirely synthetic, which allows for a wide range of vibrant colors and patterns through dyeing processes. Flannel, being a natural fabric, often features classic patterns like plaids or checks, which are woven into the fabric.
Both fleece and flannel serve as excellent layers for cold weather, but fleece tends to be used in heavier, more performance-oriented products due to its superior warmth-to-weight ratio. Flannel, while warm, is often lighter and less bulky, making it ideal for layering under other garments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Material
Synthetic, usually polyester
Usually made from wool or cotton
Texture
Smooth, soft, plush
Soft with a brushed nap
Warmth
High warmth-to-weight ratio, excellent insulation
Good insulation, slightly less warm than fleece
Moisture Wicking
Excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Moderately breathable, does not wick moisture well
Durability
High resistance to pilling, durable
Prone to pilling, less durable over time
Compare with Definitions
Fleece
Often used in performance clothing and outdoor gear.
The fleece-lined gloves are perfect for winter sports.
Flannel
Commonly used in sleepwear and casual apparel.
She bought a set of flannel pajamas for the chilly nights.
Fleece
Does not fray or unravel, making it easy to work with in sewing.
She preferred using fleece for DIY projects because it does not fray.
Flannel
Prone to shrinking and pilling with frequent washes.
After several washes, her flannel sheets began to show signs of pilling.
Fleece
A synthetic fabric used primarily for warmth and insulation.
Her fleece jacket kept her warm throughout the hike.
Flannel
A soft woven fabric typically made from wool or cotton.
His favorite flannel shirt is both comfortable and warm.
Fleece
Known for its lightweight and fast-drying properties.
He packed a fleece pullover for the camping trip because it dries quickly.
Flannel
Characterized by a brushed surface for extra softness.
The brushed flannel sheets felt incredibly soft against her skin.
Fleece
Highly resistant to moisture and thermal loss.
Fleece fabric is ideal for snowy conditions due to its moisture resistance.
Flannel
Often seen in checkered or plaid patterns.
Flannel shirts in plaid patterns are a staple for fall fashion.
Fleece
The woolly covering of a sheep or goat
He clutched the ram by two handfuls of thick fleece
As the sheep came on board, we grabbed their long shaggy fleeces
Flannel
Flannel is a soft woven fabric, of various fineness. Flannel was originally made from carded wool or worsted yarn, but is now often made from either wool, cotton, or synthetic fiber.
Fleece
A soft warm fabric with a texture similar to sheep's wool, used as a lining material
A reversible fleece jacket
Flannel
A kind of soft woven fabric, typically made of wool or cotton and slightly milled and raised
A check flannel shirt
Fleece
Obtain a great deal of money from (someone), typically by overcharging or swindling them
The city's cab drivers are notorious for fixing fares and fleecing tourists
Flannel
A small piece of towelling used for washing oneself.
Fleece
Cover as if with a fleece
The sky was half blue, half fleeced with white clouds
Flannel
Bland fluent talk indulged in to avoid addressing a difficult subject or situation directly
A simple admittance of ignorance was much to be preferred to any amount of flannel
Fleece
The coat of wool of a sheep or similar animal.
Flannel
Use bland fluent talk to avoid addressing a difficult subject or situation directly.
Fleece
The yield of wool shorn from a sheep at one time.
Flannel
A soft woven cloth of wool or a blend of wool and cotton or synthetics.
Fleece
A soft woolly covering or mass.
Flannel
Outer clothing, especially pants, made of this cloth.
Fleece
A soft, warm, lightweight, usually synthetic fabric with a deep pile, used primarily for clothing and blankets.
Flannel
Underclothing made of this cloth.
Fleece
A garment, especially a shirt or jacket, made of such fabric.
Flannel
Flannelette.
Fleece
To defraud of money or property; swindle.
Flannel
(uncountable) A soft cloth material originally woven from wool, today often combined with cotton or synthetic fibers.
With the weather turning colder, it was time to dig out our flannel sheets and nightclothes.
Fleece
To shear the fleece from.
Flannel
A washcloth.
Fleece
To cover with a fleece or similar covering.
Flannel
A flannel shirt.
Fleece
(uncountable) Hair or wool of a sheep or similar animal
Flannel
Soothing, plausible untruth or half-truth; claptrap.
Don't talk flannel!
Fleece
(uncountable) Insulating skin with the wool attached
Flannel
Made of flannel.
Fleece
(countable) A textile similar to velvet, but with a longer pile that gives it a softness and a higher sheen.
Flannel
(transitive) To rub with a flannel.
Fleece
(countable) An insulating wooly jacket
Flannel
(transitive) To wrap in flannel.
Fleece
(roofing) Mat or felts composed of fibers, sometimes used as a membrane backer.
Flannel
(transitive) To flatter; to suck up to.
Fleece
Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.
Flannel
To waffle or prevaricate.
Fleece
The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.
Flannel
A soft, nappy, woolen cloth, of loose texture.
Fleece
(transitive) To con or trick (someone) out of money.
Flannel
A cotton fabric with a thick nap on one side, resembling flannel{1}; it is used, e. g. for underwear or sheets; also called flanellette.
Fleece
(transitive) To shear the fleece from (a sheep or other animal).
During spring shearing we have to fleece all the sheep in just a few days.
Flannel
Garments made of flannel, especially underwear.
Fleece
(transitive) To cover with, or as if with, wool.
Flannel
A washcloth.
Fleece
The entire coat of wool that covers a sheep or other similar animal; also, the quantity shorn from a sheep, or animal, at one time.
Who shore meLike a tame wether, all my precious fleece.
Flannel
Humbug; nonsensical or evasive talk.
Fleece
Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.
Flannel
Insincere flattery or praise.
Fleece
The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.
Flannel
A soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
Fleece
To deprive of a fleece, or natural covering of wool.
Flannel
Bath linen consisting of a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body
Fleece
To strip of money or other property unjustly, especially by trickery or fraud; to bring to straits by oppressions and exactions.
Whilst pope and prince shared the wool betwixt them, the people were finely fleeced.
Flannel
(usually in the plural) trousers
Fleece
To spread over as with wool.
Fleece
The wool of a sheep or similar animal
Fleece
Tanned skin of a sheep with the fleece left on; used for clothing
Fleece
A soft bulky fabric with deep pile; used chiefly for clothing
Fleece
Outer coat of especially sheep and yaks
Fleece
Rip off; ask an unreasonable price
Fleece
Shear the wool from;
Shear sheep
Common Curiosities
What are the typical uses of flannel?
Flannel is widely used in sleepwear, casual shirts, and bedding due to its softness and warmth.
How does the warmth of fleece compare to flannel?
Fleece typically provides more warmth compared to flannel, especially considering its lighter weight and better insulation properties.
Can fleece absorb water?
Fleece is highly moisture-resistant and does not absorb water, making it suitable for wet conditions.
Which fabric is more durable, fleece or flannel?
Fleece is generally more durable and resistant to wear, making it suitable for items that require frequent use and washing.
What is fleece fabric made from?
Fleece is primarily made from polyester, making it a synthetic fabric.
Does fleece have any environmental impacts?
As a synthetic fabric, fleece can contribute to microplastic pollution, especially during washing.
Is flannel suitable for outdoor activities?
While flannel provides warmth, it is not ideal for high-intensity outdoor activities due to its lack of moisture-wicking properties.
Can flannel be waterproof?
Flannel is not waterproof and can absorb moisture unless specifically treated with a waterproofing agent.
Are fleece and flannel suitable for all seasons?
While both fabrics are best suited for cooler weather, lighter flannel can be worn in milder conditions, unlike the typically heavier fleece.
Are there different types of flannel?
Yes, flannel can vary depending on the base material used, such as cotton flannel or wool flannel, each offering different levels of warmth and texture.
Can fleece be ironed?
Fleece should not be ironed as high heat can melt or damage the fabric.
How does the cost of fleece compare to flannel?
Fleece tends to be more cost-effective to produce due to its synthetic nature, often making it cheaper than high-quality flannel.
What is the best way to care for fleece garments?
Fleece garments should be washed in cold water and dried on a low heat setting to prevent damage and pilling.
How should flannel be washed to maintain its quality?
Flannel should be washed in warm or cool water with a gentle cycle and air-dried to prevent shrinking and maintain softness.
Is flannel environmentally friendly?
Flannel made from natural fibers like cotton or wool is generally more environmentally friendly than synthetic fabrics, though its sustainability depends on the production process.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Significance vs. Significant
Next Comparison
Oxymoron vs. ContradictionAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
