Fleece vs. Sweatshirt — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Fleece is a soft, insulating fabric made from polyester, while a sweatshirt is a casual garment made from cotton or synthetic materials, often featuring a fleece lining.
Difference Between Fleece and Sweatshirt
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fleece, as a material, is designed specifically for warmth and is typically made from synthetic polyester fibers, which are excellent at trapping heat. Whereas a sweatshirt is a type of clothing that can be made from various materials including cotton, polyester, or a blend, and is designed for casual wear or sportswear.
The term "fleece" refers to the structure of the fabric that is brushed to create a soft, plush texture that efficiently retains heat, making it popular for jackets and linings. On the other hand, sweatshirts are recognized for their versatile use, characterized by a long-sleeved, pullover design, often with a ribbed waistband and cuffs.
Fleece is celebrated for its lightweight and highly insulating qualities, making it ideal for outdoor activities where warmth without weight is desired. In contrast, sweatshirts offer a combination of comfort and practicality, often incorporating features like hoods and pockets, making them suitable for both active and everyday wear.
Maintenance and care for fleece involve avoiding high heat in washing and drying to prevent melting or pilling of the synthetic fibers. Sweatshirts, especially those made from cotton, are typically more robust and can handle a variety of washing conditions, though they may shrink if exposed to high heat.
While both fleece and sweatshirts serve the purpose of keeping the wearer warm, fleece is more specifically aimed at thermal insulation and is often used as a layering piece under outerwear. Sweatshirts can act as a standalone outer layer in milder conditions but also work well under jackets in colder weather.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Made from synthetic polyester fibers.
Can be made from cotton, polyester, or blends.
Primary Use
Designed for warmth, often in outdoor gear.
Casual or sportswear, versatile in use.
Texture
Brushed to create a soft, insulating texture.
Typically soft, may have a fleece lining.
Common Features
Lightweight and insulating.
May include hoods, pockets, ribbed cuffs, and waistband.
Care and Maintenance
Sensitive to high heat, prone to pilling.
Generally robust, can shrink if exposed to high heat.
Compare with Definitions
Fleece
Synthetic fabric known for its warmth.
He wore a fleece jacket on the hike.
Sweatshirt
Often made from cotton blends.
The sweatshirt was 80% cotton and 20% polyester.
Fleece
Common in outdoor apparel.
She bought a new fleece vest for camping.
Sweatshirt
Includes designs like hoodies.
Her favorite sweatshirt has a large front pocket.
Fleece
Fleece is praised for its light weight.
The fleece material keeps you warm without the bulk.
Sweatshirt
Worn in various settings.
Sweatshirts are perfect for both lounging and outdoor activities.
Fleece
Effective at retaining heat.
Fleece blankets are popular for their insulating qualities.
Sweatshirt
Casual, long-sleeved pullover.
He wore a gray sweatshirt to the gym.
Fleece
Fleece is brushed for softness.
The fleece lining in the gloves makes them extra warm.
Sweatshirt
Usually machine washable.
The cotton sweatshirt can be washed and dried with other casual clothes.
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
Sweatshirt
A usually long-sleeved, collarless pullover made traditionally of heavy cotton jersey that is napped on the interior, sometimes having a hood.
Fleece
A soft warm fabric with a texture similar to sheep's wool, used as a lining material
A reversible fleece jacket
Sweatshirt
A zippered jacket of a similar material and design.
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
Sweatshirt
A loose shirt, usually made of a knit fleece, for athletic wear and now often used as casual apparel.
Fleece
Cover as if with a fleece
The sky was half blue, half fleeced with white clouds
Sweatshirt
A shirt worn against the skin, usually under other clothing, to absorb sweat.
Fleece
The coat of wool of a sheep or similar animal.
Sweatshirt
Cotton knit pullover with long sleeves worn during athletic activity
Fleece
The yield of wool shorn from a sheep at one time.
Fleece
A soft woolly covering or mass.
Fleece
A soft, warm, lightweight, usually synthetic fabric with a deep pile, used primarily for clothing and blankets.
Fleece
A garment, especially a shirt or jacket, made of such fabric.
Fleece
To defraud of money or property; swindle.
Fleece
To shear the fleece from.
Fleece
To cover with a fleece or similar covering.
Fleece
(uncountable) Hair or wool of a sheep or similar animal
Fleece
(uncountable) Insulating skin with the wool attached
Fleece
(countable) A textile similar to velvet, but with a longer pile that gives it a softness and a higher sheen.
Fleece
(countable) An insulating wooly jacket
Fleece
(roofing) Mat or felts composed of fibers, sometimes used as a membrane backer.
Fleece
Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.
Fleece
The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.
Fleece
(transitive) To con or trick (someone) out of money.
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.
Fleece
(transitive) To cover with, or as if with, wool.
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.
Fleece
Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.
Fleece
The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.
Fleece
To deprive of a fleece, or natural covering of wool.
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.
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 is a sweatshirt?
A sweatshirt is a casual garment, typically long-sleeved and pullover style, often used for warmth and comfort.
How does fleece handle moisture?
Fleece is generally quick-drying and hydrophobic, meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it.
Can fleece be made from natural materials?
While typically synthetic, fleece can also be made from natural fibers like wool or recycled materials.
Is a sweatshirt suitable for sports?
Yes, sweatshirts are commonly worn for sports and physical activities due to their comfort and warmth.
What is the best use for fleece?
Fleece is best used for activities where warmth and light weight are essential, such as in layering for outdoor activities.
Can you wear a sweatshirt in summer?
Lightweight sweatshirts can be worn in summer, especially during cooler evenings or in air-conditioned environments.
What is fleece made of?
Fleece is primarily made of polyester.
How should you wash fleece to maintain its texture?
Fleece should be washed in cool to warm water with a gentle detergent and air-dried or tumble dried on low to avoid damage.
Is fleece environmentally friendly?
Synthetic fleece can shed microfibers that pollute water systems; however, eco-friendly options made from recycled materials are available.
Are all sweatshirts hooded?
No, while hooded sweatshirts, or hoodies, are popular, not all sweatshirts have hoods.
What are the benefits of cotton sweatshirts?
Cotton sweatshirts offer breathability and softness, making them ideal for a range of temperatures and activities.
Do fleece and sweatshirts provide the same level of warmth?
Fleece generally provides more warmth for its weight compared to typical sweatshirt materials but is less breathable.
Can fleece be a part of a sweatshirt?
Yes, many sweatshirts feature a fleece lining for added warmth and comfort.
How do fleece and sweatshirt styles differ?
Fleece is often part of outdoor or activewear, while sweatshirts are versatile, fitting into both casual and sporty styles.
What makes sweatshirts popular among young people?
Sweatshirts are popular due to their combination of style, comfort, and practicality, easily pairing with casual attire.
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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.
