Tranquility7 Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Is it just me, or is fleece just not that warm? All the advertising always makes me think it should be warm.... but in reality, wool is SO MUCH WARMER! I've never had anything fleece that I thought could even compare to wool. And yet trying to find a wool blanket these days (other than online) is seriously difficult. Btw, I'm not necessarily talking about the high-tech-let's-go-hiking-in-the-himalayas-super-expensive fleece. I'm just talking about the tons and tons and tons of fleece sweatshirts, blankets, fabrics, etc. that are on the market today. So, what say you, hive? Is fleece as warm as wool? Or do people just prefer to be cold with soft fleece, than warm with itchy wool?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I agree w/ you, Maggie. If it's really cold, I need wool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 It depends on the weave. Most of the thicker fleece jackets are more of an open/loose weave and not that warm to me. I like micro fleece for lightweight jackets in the PNW. The air is damp here but it isn't that cold outside. Micro fleece is great for temps into the 50s. Beyond that, I want something with a waterproof barrier or wool. I have a thick Eddie Bauer micro fleece jacket that is too hot to wear until it is under 50*. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineW Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Wool is warmer than fleece but I'm allergic to wool. Fleece is warm enough and it doesn't give me an itchy rash and red eyes. Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnsinkableKristen Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I think it depends on the weather. Wool is super warm, and sometimes overkill, especially here in Texas. Fleece is usually just the right weight and warmth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I have no idea if wool is warmer because I can stand to have it next to my skin. I have never felt wool that wasn't itchy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Wool is probably warmer, but the weather is mild here most months of the year, so fleece is perfect. It's warm enough in the winter and cool enough in the spring and fall. Oh, and we love the fleece throws that you find everywhere these days. We have so many that you can just add another on the extra cool days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I find them both useful. Wool retains your body heat in a way that fleece cannot. I think that can make it much warmer. We use an old army blanket as a mattress pad in the winter and it really does make it warmer. Fleece wouldn't do that. Sometimes the lightness of fleece is better for the situation. To get the same amount of warmth the wool might be too heavy. Fleece is much better for outer wear in messy situations. I really like my fleece winter running clothes. I wouldn't like to have to handwash winter muck off my running clothes several times a week. And as much as I love wool, I cannot stand to wear a wool hat all day. It makes my head itch like mad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 (edited) as with all things, there are multiple factors to consider. how thick is the fiber? how dense is the weave? different wools vary in warmth. same with fleece. I have "warm" fleece and temperate fleece. I bought my dd a cashmere/angora/wool coat. It was far, FAR, warmer (and softer) than my cashemere/wool coat. It also weighs less and is much more supple . . . . eta: I recall a silk/wool blend openknit shawel at the yarn store - my that thing was warm. considering how open the weave was, you'd never suspect it. I have had wool that was of such questionable quality, it wasn't warm. 2dd did winter crew in a very cold climate. she wore polyester microfibers, and was very warm. good quality wool is NOT itchy. Edited January 5, 2012 by gardenmom5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JessReplanted Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Other. Fleece is warm without being itchy. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Wool is warmer than fleece but I'm allergic to wool. Fleece is warm enough and it doesn't give me an itchy rash and red eyes. Christine I'm allergic to wool also. I start getting short of breath if it's around my face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I can't do wool either, I get itchy and itchy eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I have some Lands' End fleece mittens that are pretty much for decoration only, as they're useless at keeping my hands warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Other. Depends on the quality of the fleece. Per weight, fleece is warmer than wool - the wool sweater that would give me the same insulation as my polartec fleece for winter hiking would weigh several pounds. Cheap fleece, OTOH, not so warm. Especially since it compresses after a while of use and loses its insulation capabilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 as with all things, there are multiple factors to consider. how thick is the fiber? how dense is the weave? different wools vary in warmth. same with fleece. I have "warm" fleece and temperate fleece. :iagree: I remember knitting items for overseas ... drat, I forget where we were sending the stuff, but it was mind-bogglingly cold... and the knitters having a HUGE discussion about this. The final verdict that a truly warm hat would have a good quality fleece lining, and a wool outer shell -- wind would get through the wool knit, even if layered. I supposed fulled or felted wool would be different. Too many factors involved to say one is better. And we haven't even gotten into the flammability, or what happens when wet.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I think it depends on the weather. Wool is super warm, and sometimes overkill, especially here in Texas. Fleece is usually just the right weight and warmth. :iagree:Fleece is just right for Florida. Wool is too warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I picked wool is warmer. A couple of weeks ago I bought a sweater with wool in it from LL Bean, and I finally felt warm in my house! Now, I wasn't comparing it with fleece, but that sweater warmed me up just how I needed to get. I realized how different wook was. But, ya, the itchiness I can do without. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Other. Depends on the quality of the fleece. Per weight, fleece is warmer than wool - the wool sweater that would give me the same insulation as my polartec fleece for winter hiking would weigh several pounds. Cheap fleece, OTOH, not so warm. Especially since it compresses after a while of use and loses its insulation capabilities. :iagree:There is quite a bit of difference in a cheap fleece and polartec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chepyl Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I sweat sitting still in fleece, wool - I need another layer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 good quality wool is NOT itchy. :iagree: As a knitter, and a small-flock owner, I can tell you that Merino is not itchy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingnlearning Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 agreed on Merino itchiness... Wool will insulate even though it's wet... fleece is soft and it has the air loft so has a place... but I prefer wool and then silk to fleece. Wool bothers me a bit but it's totally worth it to me in Montana weather, especially spring when I never know when I'm going to be rained on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 :iagree: As a knitter, and a small-flock owner, I can tell you that Merino is not itchy. As someone who has contact reactions (contact dermatitis) to various things, I can tell you that pretty much ANYTHING can be itchy to certain people. Including Merino. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda in TX Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Well, I can't answer the poll because I don't own any wool. I find it itchy and don't buy it. However, I made the kids some fleece blankets a few years ago and I find them incredibly warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abacus2 Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Other: fleece is warm. Wool bothers me; I don't ever use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I voted other because I can't compare. Wool is freaky itchy and I can't touch it w/ a 10 ft. pole. Not all fleece is created equal, but micro fiber fleece is amazing! We can throw a blanket on and feel the warmth spreading immediately, so I would have to say that fleece really is that warm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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