The Industrial Evolution History of Fleece Knit Fabric
Fleece knit fabric is a type of fabric that has gained immense popularity in recent years for its soft, warm, and cozy texture. But did you know that the history of fleece knit fabric dates back to the industrial revolution era?
During the 1800s, the textile industry was booming, and factories were looking for ways to produce more efficient and cost-effective fabrics. At the time, wool was the most popular fabric for making warm and durable clothing. However, it was expensive to produce and required a lot of time and resources.
In 1901, the first synthetic fiber, rayon, was developed, and it quickly became a popular alternative to wool. It was cheaper to produce, easier to dye, and had a similar texture to wool. However, it was not as warm or durable as wool, and it tended to shrink and lose its shape over time.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that fleece knit fabric was developed, thanks to the invention of polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is made from petroleum, making it cheaper to produce than wool or rayon. It is also lightweight, strong, and resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage.
Fleece knit fabric is made by knitting polyester fibers together, which creates a dense and fluffy texture. The fabric is then brushed on both sides to create a fuzzy surface that is soft and warm to the touch. The result is a fabric that is lightweight, breathable, and provides excellent insulation, making it perfect for making warm and comfortable clothing.
Since its invention, fleece knit fabric has become incredibly popular in the fashion industry, particularly for making outdoor and sportswear. It is used to make jackets, sweatshirts, blankets, hats, and more. Fleece knit fabric is also used in the home textile industry for making blankets, pillows, and other home decor items.
Today, fleece knit fabric is available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, making it a versatile and stylish fabric choice for a range of applications. And with advancements in textile technology, new types of fleece knit fabric are constantly being developed, such as recycled polyester fleece knit fabric, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.
The history of fleece knit fabric is a fascinating story of industrial evolution and innovation. From the invention of rayon to the development of polyester, each step in the process has led to the creation of a fabric that is now loved and appreciated by millions of people around the world.
