Purchasing Guide: How to Precisely Choose Fleece Fabric Based on GSM and Type

2026-01-15 15:51:21

Let me share a costly lesson I learned. A few years back, I sourced fleece lining for a batch of outdoor hiking jackets, fixated solely on the idea of "thick and warm". The end product, however, left customers complaining that the jackets felt like body armor—they were indeed warm and thick, yet so bulky that it was nearly impossible to lift the arms freely. The problem boiled down to my poor choices of GSM and fabric type. That experience taught me that in the world of fleece, GSM and type aren’t just boring data points; they’re the make-or-break factors for your products. Today, I’m turning the lessons I’ve accumulated over the years into a clear, actionable purchasing decision framework to share with you.

Decoding Fleece Types – It’s More Than Just "Fleece"

Many buyers ask for "fleece" right off the bat, but that term is as vague as saying "car". Choosing the right type is your first step to success.

Breakdown of Classic Types

First of all, I have to mention Polartec—it’s practically the industry benchmark for performance. But don’t just fixate on the brand; its different series are designed for entirely different purchasing scenarios:

Polartec Classic: The gold standard for mid-layer insulation. If you’re sourcing fabric for mid-layers of regular outdoor jackets or vests, this is the safest, most cost-effective choice. It strikes a perfect balance between warmth and practicality.

Polartec Thermal Pro: Characterized by high loft and an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Its longer, fluffier fibers give it a premium look and feel. When top-tier warmth is a must and cost is no concern—say, for high-end ski apparel lines—this is my go-to option. Keep in mind, though, its long-fiber structure requires more delicate care down the line.

Polartec Power Stretch: A four-way stretch fabric. If your end products demand maximum mobility—think alpine climbing gear or yoga-inspired thermal wear—this is non-negotiable. It hugs the body perfectly while allowing unrestricted movement, but it comes with a noticeably higher price tag.

The Misunderstood "Number" That’s Key to Purchasing

GSM (grams per square meter) is probably the most undervalued metric in fleece purchasing. It doesn’t directly equate to thickness, but it determines the fabric’s fundamental "heft".From my experience, I’ve divided GSM into three clear-cut ranges:

Micro-fleece / Lightweight (100–200 GSM):

Feels as light as a regular T-shirt, but with a fine, short pile. This range is ideal for base layers. I use it for high-performance thermal underwear and lightweight hiking base layers. Its core strengths are breathability and quick-drying properties—not extreme warmth. Remind your customers that it’s designed for active warmth and moisture management.

Versatile Mid-weight (200–300 GSM):

Delivers the classic fleece feel we all know—substantial yet not cumbersome. This is the most mainstream, reliable range, perfect for most everyday warmth needs: fleece jackets, hats, gloves, and casual mid-layers. It offers the best cost-performance ratio, hitting the sweet spot between functionality and cost. I always keep a steady stock of fabrics in this range in my warehouse.

Heavyweight Insulated (300+ GSM):

Feels thick, fluffy, and ultra-plush. It’s tailored for static use or extreme cold conditions—think inner linings for heavy-duty outdoor jackets, winter blankets, or sleeping bag liners. Exercise caution when purchasing this range: while high GSM means superior warmth, it also inevitably leads to higher costs, bulkier volume, and heavier weight. Always make sure your end users actually need this level of insulation.

Going Beyond the Basics – Advanced Questions to Ask When Purchasing

Once you’ve nailed down the basic type and GSM, these questions will make your purchasing process more professional:

"Is this fabric made from recycled polyester? Does it have GRS certification?" The trend toward sustainability is irreversible. Recycled polyester fleece (typically made from recycled plastic bottles) now boasts consistent quality, but you need to check for relevant certifications like GRS and find out how much of a cost premium it entails. More and more brands are explicitly requesting recycled materials these days.

"What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? Is this fabric a stock item?" Supply chain stability is crucial. Confirm whether the fabric is readily available in stock or if it’s a "futures" product requiring custom production. Always clarify the feasibility of small-batch trial runs and the stability of bulk replenishment in the future.

Conclusion: Precise Purchasing Starts with Understanding and Succeeds with Attention to Detail

At the end of the day, purchasing fleece is a balancing act between type, GSM, and end-user needs. There’s no such thing as the "best" fleece—only the most suitable one.

My final piece of advice, and the most important one: Always request physical fabric samples for your specific project. Take the samples in hand, rub them, stretch them, hold them up to the light, and even cut a small piece for a destructive test if needed. Let data and tactile feel guide your decision, instead of relying on guesswork.

I hope this guide helps you avoid the pitfalls I once fell into. Have you ever faced a particularly tricky choice when purchasing fleece? Or do you have any unique tips for selecting the right fabric? Feel free to reach out and share your thoughts anytime.

Prev : Top Trends of Linen Fabric in 2025: Colors and Textures

Decoding Fleece Types – It’s More Than Just "Fleece"
- Breakdown of Classic Types
The Misunderstood "Number" That’s Key to Purchasing
Going Beyond the Basics – Advanced Questions to Ask When Purchasing
Conclusion: Precise Purchasing Starts with Understanding and Succeeds with Attention to Detail