Wash a fleece jacket using its own label, especially if it includes bonded panels, trim or a weather-resistant finish. Fleece describes a surface and construction family, not one universal care recipe.
Prepare the jacket
Empty pockets and check closures and seams. Remove loose debris gently. Fasten or protect components as the label directs so they do not repeatedly rub the pile. Keep heavily abrasive items out of the same load when the care instructions support separating them.
Use the permitted detergent, cycle and temperature. Do not add a fabric treatment solely because the jacket feels less fluffy. A change in pile can reflect friction or heat damage rather than dirt alone.
Dry and assess the texture
Follow the permitted drying method and avoid unnecessary heat. Check cuffs, pocket bags and layered sections for dampness. Once fully dry, compare texture in high-contact areas with the rest of the garment.
Some pile flattening is normal with use. Do not aggressively brush every fleece as though it were wool or faux fur. The right tool and method depend on the surface, and forceful brushing can pull fibers out.
How should fleece be stored?
Store it clean and dry without placing heavy items on the surface for extended periods. Repair seam or zipper problems before repeated wear worsens them. For uniforms, keep the exact style's care instructions with the issue record; two visually similar fleeces can have different finishes and drying limits.
Related reading
Jacket care instructions for team uniforms. For another useful reference, see Outdoor jacket fabric guide.
