Introduction
Cotton fleece material is one of the coziest and most versatile fabrics in the textile industry. Whether you’re a fashion designer, textile buyer, or fabric printing enthusiast, understanding the differences between cotton fleece material and brushed back fleece helps you choose the perfect fabric for your next project.
Both fabrics are soft, insulating, and ideal for sweatshirts, hoodies, and winter loungewear — but they differ in structure and finish. Let’s explore what makes each unique and how you can use them in your fabric printing or garment collection.
(Learn more about our custom fabric process on How It Works.)
What Is Cotton Fleece Material?
Cotton fleece material is a knitted fabric made from natural cotton fibers, sometimes blended with polyester for added durability. It features a smooth outer surface and a plush, brushed inner surface that feels gentle against the skin.
Key Characteristics
Softness: The brushed interior provides a cozy, velvety texture.
Breathability: Natural cotton fibers allow good airflow and moisture absorption.
Printability: Ideal for custom fabric printing, especially for fashion or home textiles.
Comfort: Excellent for everyday wear and baby clothing.
Common Uses
Cotton fleece is often used in:
Sweatshirts and hoodies
Joggers and sweatpants
Baby and children’s clothing
Lightweight blankets and throws
If you’re interested in sustainable cotton, check out the Textile Exchange Cotton Program — a global initiative promoting responsible cotton production.
Explore our cotton fabric collection to see more variations.
What Is Brushed Back Fleece?
Brushed back fleece (also called brushed fleece fabric) refers to a fabric where the inner side has been mechanically brushed to create a soft, fuzzy layer of fibers. This brushing process increases the fabric’s insulation and softness, making it ideal for cold-weather garments.
Fabric Construction
The outer layer remains smooth and slightly stretchy, while the inner side is brushed to raise fine fibers — the “brushed back.” This gives the fabric a luxurious, thicker feel.
Why It’s Popular
Exceptional Warmth: Traps body heat efficiently.
Comfortable Fit: Soft touch on the skin.
Durability: Often blended with polyester for added strength.
Versatility: Suitable for hoodies, sweatpants, and winter uniforms.
Cotton Fleece vs. Brushed Back Fleece: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Cotton Fleece | Brushed Back Fleece |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% cotton or cotton blend | Cotton/polyester blend |
| Texture | Soft, lightweight | Thick, plush, and velvety |
| Warmth | Moderate | High |
| Breathability | Excellent | Slightly lower |
| Usage | Spring/Fall clothing | Autumn/Winter wear |
Summary:
If you want breathable, natural comfort — go with cotton fleece.
If warmth and durability matter most, brushed back fleece is the better option.
(Discover how we process and print fabrics on How It Works.)
Fabric Printing on Fleece: What You Need to Know
Printing on fleece requires attention to surface texture and fiber composition.
Printing Tips
Choose smoother surfaces: Cotton fleece with less brushing gives clearer prints.
Use appropriate techniques: Screen printing and DTG printing work best.
Avoid over-heating: Excessive heat may flatten the brushed texture.
Test first: Always print a sample before full production.
For industry insights, you can also explore FESPA, one of the world’s leading associations in textile and print technology — a great resource for staying up to date with print innovations.
For bulk or custom printing inquiries, Contact Us — our team can guide you through color matching and design setup.
Why Choose Brushed Fleece Fabric for Your Next Collection
As fashion trends move toward comfort and sustainability, brushed fleece fabric has become a must-have textile.
Here’s why many designers choose it:
Warmth + Style: Ideal for casualwear and outerwear.
Sustainability: Available in organic cotton and recycled polyester blends.
Print Compatibility: Works with embroidery, patches, and heat transfer designs.
Market Demand: Popular in the athleisure and streetwear segments.
For more information about sustainable fabric sourcing, visit the
Textile Exchange 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge.
How to Source Quality Cotton Fleece Material
Not all fleece is created equal. When sourcing cotton fleece material, pay attention to:
GSM (fabric weight): Higher GSM = thicker and warmer.
Weave consistency: Evenly knitted structure ensures durability.
Brushing quality: Inner surface should feel soft, not rough.
Shrinkage control: Pre-washed fabrics reduce post-production issues.
Looking for premium cotton fleece or brushed fleece fabric?
👉 Contact Us for free swatches, price quotes, and expert advice.
Conclusion
Both cotton fleece and brushed back fleece offer the perfect blend of softness, warmth, and versatility.
Whether you’re producing custom sweatshirts or luxury lounge sets, choosing the right fleece type will elevate your product’s comfort and quality.
If you’re ready to explore printing or sourcing options,
visit How It Works, learn About Us, or simply Contact Us — we’re here to help you bring your fabric ideas to life.
📚 FAQs about Fleece Fabrics
Q1: What is brushed back fleece used for?
It’s mainly used for warm clothing like hoodies, sweatshirts, and track pants — ideal for autumn and winter wear.
Q2: Is cotton fleece fabric good for printing?
Yes! Its smooth surface and cotton content make it excellent for screen printing and direct-to-garment printing.
Q3: What’s the difference between brushed fleece and regular fleece?
Brushed fleece has an extra brushing process on the inside for added softness and warmth, while regular fleece may have a simpler knit structure.
Q4: Can I order custom printed cotton fleece fabric?
Absolutely. Visit our How It Works page or Contact Us to start your custom fabric printing project.
