Fleece and Cashmere both are known for their softness, warmth, durability, and luxurious feel. They are the perfect clothes to be styled in the winter season but which one is the best? This article is going to be a detailed analysis of Fleece vs. Cashmere.
To compare these two super soft textiles, we will compare various aspects; warmth, style, comfort, style, and affordability. By analyzing the comparison, you can decide what is better: Fleece or Cashmere. Stay connected with us in this interesting article.
Read More: GI Certified Pashmina Shawls
What is Cashmere?
Cashmere is a natural fiber that comes from Cashmere goats that are native to the Himalayan region of Kashmir, Ladakh, and Northern China. Cashmere goats survive in very harsh weather conditions of -40 degrees centigrade and naturally shed their soft and luxurious coats during spring.
However, not all cashmere is equal and high-quality as claimed by most brands. Technically speaking, the thickness and length of a fiber dictate its degree of quality. A cloth will be more resilient and long-lasting and produce less pilling depending on how long they are (typically found up to the neck).
What is Fleece?
Unlike cashmere fiber, Fleece is a synthetic material, made from polyester fiber (yes petroleum products). They are known for their softness, warmth, and affordability. To be honest, Fleece is generally considered an alternative to luxurious Cashmere textiles due to its affordability.
Polyester fibers undergo brushing to aid in the fibers’ volume growth after they have been spun into a light fabric. In contrast, fleece fabrics are affordable and have an eco-friendly edge because they are also created from recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles.
Also Read: Different Types of Embroidery in Kashmiri Shawls
Fleece Vs. Cashmere: Which is Better?
Though fleece and cashmere both are known for their warmth and softness, the basic difference lies in where they are sourced. Cashmere fiber is naturally sourced animal fiber while Fleece is produced from polyester (plastic). Cashmere is known for its supreme softness and authenticity while Fleece is best known for its affordability and versatility.
But merely comparing both types of fiber based on their origin or source, does not justify their usefulness. Both of them have their own unique characteristics and properties, let’s discuss them one by one.
| Comparison Aspect | Cashmere Fiber | Fleece Fiber |
| Origin | Cashmere goats found in the Himalayan region | Petroleum derivatives and recycled plastic |
| Warmth | Many times warmer than Fleece fiber | Warmth but inferior to cashmere fiber |
| Softness | Exceptionally soft | Inferior to cashmere but cozy |
| Comfort | Comfortable in winter | Superior in winter and rainy season |
| Luxurious | Epitome of Luxury | Luxurious but inferior to cashmere |
| Versatility | Versatile | Superior to cashmere |
| Fineness | Fine and lightweight | Comparatively thicker |
| Durability | Slightly less durable | Durable than cashmere |
| Cost | Very expensive | Affordable |
Fleece Vs. Cashmere: which is warmer
In warmth, cashmere is the straight winner. Though cashmere and Fleece both are known for warmth and insulation, cashmere is way warmer than fleece due to finer and more tightly woven fibers. Conversely, fleece is thicker fiber and a little heavier which feels cozy.
Which is more soft cashmere or fleece?
When it comes to softness, cashmere fiber is again an undisputed winner. Cashmere is considered approximately eight times softer than fleece or any other type of wool. The higher loft ratio makes cashmere a highly softer fiber.
Loft describes the structural fiber-to-air ratio of a fiber. The cloth feels softer and fluffier when it has a high loft because it contains more air. Fleece, on the other hand, fleece is lesser softer but when blended with some other natural fiber, it could be softer.
Also Read: Pashmina shawl color Ideas to Wear
Cashmere Vs Fleece: Durability
Though cashmere is exceptionally soft, luxurious, and durable, it is not as durable as wool or fleece. Yet, wool generally has a stronger structure and is more resilient to deterioration than cashmere. Because cashmere fibers are fragile, they need to be treated gently in order to keep their quality throughout the period.
However, it doesn’t mean that cashmere is prone to wear and tear. Due to its fine knitting and tightly woven, they are very durable but inferior when compared to wool.
Which is more Authentic?
Authenticity means here the way cashmere and fleece are originated and collected to mold them into textiles. In this sense, cashmere is more authentic and reliable as it comes from the undercoat of cashmere goat.
Its luxuriousness, softness, and durability widely known as the epitome of authenticity in the textile world. On the other hand, even if a fleece is not the same as petroleum products, it is made from polyester, and we are all aware of the negative connotations associated with it.
Fleece Vs. Cashmere: Affordability
Price is the biggest drawback of textiles made up of cashmere fiber and fleece has an edge over it. Cashmere fiber, due to its availability and challenges of collecting and intense labor charge to shape a textile, is very expensive comparatively.
On the other hand, Due to its wide-ranging use of petroleum-based materials, including recycled water bottles, fleece is incredibly inexpensive. Therefore, given its cost, fleece emerges as the best choice for a cozy and reasonably priced winter option.
Is Cashmere More Luxurious?
When it comes to the luxurious feel, cashmere fiber is an absolute winner out of any type of wool. Luxurious means comfortable and expensive that stand you out from others and there is no comparison with cashmere. When you style cashmere clothes, you will easily get the difference due to its luxurious feel.
Which is Better Cashmere or Fleece?
We already have a detailed comparison and discussion, now you can decide your own which is better. In our comparison, we have found that cashmere is better than fleece in many aspects including softness, warmth, authenticity, luxury, etc.
But fleece is unquestionably the better option if affordability is your top priority over all other considerations. However, cashmere fabrics ought to be your go-to option if you’re willing to pay any price for luxury and smoothness.
It’s important to consider the local weather and environment while styling anyone. In colder climates, cashmere is appropriate for wearing, whereas fleece is best for winter to a little warmer. Cashmere is less resilient in damp weather, whereas fleece wicks away moisture and is resistant to water, rendering it perfect for rainy or snowy days.
Conclusion
In conclusion cashmere vs. fleece, it can be said that cashmere and fleece both have their own pros and cons. Cashmere fiber comes from the highly valued cashmere goats and has the meticulous efforts of thousands of artisans behind it. On the other hand, fleece is an affordable choice. We hope we were able to assist you in making a decision, but the final choice is entirely yours based on personal preferences.
