Do fleece jackets release more microplastics than other synthetics?

Fleece is one of the worst offenders for microplastic shedding. Made from polyester with a deliberately raised, fuzzy surface, fleece fabric has vastly more exposed fiber ends than flat-woven synthetics. Studies have found that a single fleece jacket can shed up to 250,000 microfibers per wash, and older, more worn fleece garments shed even more as the fibers degrade.

The open, brushed texture that makes fleece soft and warm also makes it especially prone to shedding during everyday wear, not just in the wash. Simply pulling a fleece on and off can release thousands of airborne fibers. Because fleece is popular in casual and outdoor clothing, it contributes disproportionately to both waterway and indoor air microplastic pollution.

Natural alternatives to synthetic fleece include boiled wool, brushed organic cotton, and alpaca fleece. These materials offer comparable warmth and softness without shedding persistent plastic. Brands like Paka and Arms of Andes use alpaca fiber for warm layers that are biodegradable and plastic-free.