About Polar Fleece Blankets

History

• Polar fleece, also called micro fleece or micra fleece, was originally made by the company Malden Mills in 1979. It was an artificial wool fiber made from polyethylene terephthalate, a thermoplastic polymer resin of polyester. Malden Mills wanted to create a fabric that took the best aspects of wool, including the coziness and softness, while eliminating its heavy weight and itchiness. The result was polar fleece. After its initial and very strong success, Malden Mills changed its name to Polartec LLC and has found various uses for the fabric.

Considerations

• Polar fleece has always been especially popular among outdoor enthusiasts due to its light weight. It also has had a strong following among animal rights groups because it is a completely vegan fabric.

Features

• Polar fleece blankets are most commonly found in a throw blanket size, however, certain companies like L.L. Bean and Polartec make bed sizes as well. The consumer may choose from three varieties of thicknesses for the polar fleece blankets: micro 100, micro 200, and micro 300. Micro 300 is the thickest type of polar fleece, making it also the least flexible.

Benefits

• Many people like polar fleece because it is comfortable to touch, lightweight and breathable as a fabric. As a blanket polar fleece is very desirable because it retains heat well and creates a cozy feeling. It also doesn't retain fluid well, so sweat and other liquids don't soak into polar fleece. Unlike some wool products, polar fleece is machine washable and retains color dye. It also typically comes in fun and youthful patterns that are appealing to children.

Warning

• Polar fleece does have its problems, including the fact that as a synthetic fiber it is very flammable. Environmentalists don't care for polar fleece as its material is based in petroleum, a non-renewable resource, even though PET is essentially recycled plastic goods. Polar fleece also creates very high amounts of static electricity, making it not only attract loose fibers and pet hair, but also makes it dangerous in certain environmental conditions. Too much static electricity also makes it frustrating and uncomfortable when used in blanket form. Also, depending on the quality of the fleece, it may tear, pill, or wear poorly.