Ask for "fleece" in a Chinese fabric mill and the first question back will be: which fleece? Coral fleece, polar fleece, flannel, velour, lamb wool, rabbit fur and faux shearling are all often called "fleece" or "plush" by buyers — but they are completely different fabrics with different machines, costs and end uses. Here is how to tell them apart, and how to order exactly what you need.
The simple mental model
- Fleece (in the narrow sense) means a brushed knit with a pebbly, granular surface — think the classic outdoor polar fleece jacket. The surface is a mass of tiny brushed loops, not long hair.
- Plush means a fabric with a soft raised pile — a velvet-like or furry surface that can be short and dense (coral fleece) or long and silky (rabbit fur).
If the surface feels like tiny grains or pellets, it is fleece. If it feels like short velvet or fur, it is plush. That single touch test gets you 80% of the way.
The fabric families at a glance
| Fabric | Surface | Feel | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polar fleece (摇粒绒) | Pebbly brushed loops | Light, warm, quick-dry | Outdoor wear, blankets, pet blankets |
| Coral fleece (珊瑚绒) | Short, dense, silky pile | Very soft, fine, cozy | Blankets, loungewear, kids' items, pet liners |
| Flannel (法兰绒) | Brushed, directional nap | Smooth, warm, classic | Checked shirts, bedding, blankets |
| PV velour (PV绒/平绒) | Smooth, short velvet-like | Sleek, slightly lustrous | Apparel, decorative fabric |
| Lamb wool fleece (羊羔绒) | Curly, lamb-like pile | Fluffy, plush, warm | Coats, blankets, boots lining |
| Rabbit fur fleece (兔毛绒) | Long, silky, smooth pile | Silky, luxurious | Fashion, premium throws |
| Faux shearling (仿羊羔绒) | Furry pile + suede back | Cozy, rugged-chic | Winter coats, pet beds, slippers |
| Shumian fleece (舒棉绒) | Ultra-fine short pile | Silky, super soft | Loungewear, blankets, robes |
How to order the right one — the 4-line brief
When you contact a mill, "I want fleece" is not enough — every supplier will have to ask you back. Save everyone a round trip with a brief like this:
"Coral fleece, 240 gsm, 160 cm width, solid color dyeing, for throw blankets. Target quantity 300 kg per color, two colors."
The four things that matter: fabric name → weight (GSM) → width → end use + quantity. End use tells the mill which pile height and brushing to aim for, and quantity tells them which production route (dyed batch vs stock) applies.
Common mix-ups buyers make
- "Flannel" — in many countries flannel means checked shirt fabric. If you want a soft plush blanket, say "coral fleece" or "flannel fleece blanket fabric", not just flannel.
- "Sherpa" vs "shearling" — sherpa is a short curly fleece lining; faux shearling has a suede back. They are not interchangeable.
- GSM alone — two plush fabrics at the same GSM can feel totally different because pile height and brushing vary. Always pair GSM with a physical swatch.
- Photos — plush texture cannot be judged from a screen. A photo of "lamb wool" and "coral fleece" can look identical; only hand feel tells.
Which one for your product?
- Pet blankets that must survive washing → polar fleece or coral fleece (durable, low shedding).
- Gift throws / bedding where softness sells → coral fleece, lamb wool or shumian fleece.
- Winter apparel → faux shearling for coats, polar fleece for mid-layers, lamb wool for lining.
- Kids' products → coral fleece (very soft, no scratchy pile).
Still not sure? Send us your sample or photo
GRC Textile in Changshu produces all of the families above — knitted, dyed and finished in-house. Send us a photo or swatch, tell us your end use and quantity, and we will help you match it to the right fabric and give you a FOB quote within 24 hours.
Ask About a Fabric → See Our Fabric Families
References
- Wikipedia — Polar fleece (definition, polyester napped construction and history of polar fleece)
- Fluffi Fabrics — Polar Fleece vs Regular Fleece: What is the Difference? (distinction between polar fleece and lighter fleece families)
- BeGoodTex — Brushed Fabric, Fleece, Velvet: 13 Key Differences (how napped fabric families differ in construction and end use)