Is Synthetic Fleece Vegan? Material Facts & Alternatives
Also known as: Polar fleece, Microfleece, Fleece fabric, Polartec
Vegan
No animal products or byproducts are involved in the production of this material.
Origin
Synthetic — typically made from polyester, sometimes recycled polyester (rPET). Developed in the late 1970s as a synthetic alternative to wool for outdoor insulation.
Common Uses
Outdoor jackets, base layers, blankets, pet beds, children's clothing.
Durability
Good. Lightweight, warm, and durable. Maintains insulating properties when wet (unlike wool).
Environmental Impact
High Environmental ImpactOne of the primary contributors to microplastic ocean pollution. A single fleece garment can release over 1 million microplastic fibres per wash. Patagonia funded early research into this problem and now includes a microplastic warning on its fleece products.
Editorial Notes
Fleece was developed by Malden Mills (now Polartec) and Patagonia in the late 1970s. Recycled fleece from PET bottles is now standard in the outdoor industry. Despite being vegan and warm, the microplastic problem is significant. Polartec High Efficiency (PHE) fleece has a tighter knit that sheds fewer fibres — worth seeking out.