Is Synthetic Fleece Vegan? Material Facts & Alternatives

Vegan status: Vegan

Also known as: Polar fleece, Microfleece, Fleece fabric, Polartec

Origin

Synthetic — typically made from polyester, sometimes recycled polyester (rPET). Developed in the late 1970s as a synthetic alternative to wool for outdoor insulation.

Environmental impact

Rating: high. One 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.

Durability

Good. Lightweight, warm, and durable. Maintains insulating properties when wet (unlike wool).

Common uses

Outdoor jackets, base layers, blankets, pet beds, children's clothing.

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.