Fleece can shrink when exposed to high heat during washing or drying. Polyester fleece shrinks minimally, while cotton-blend types can contract up to 10%. Proper care—including cold washes, gentle cycles, and air drying—prevents unwanted size changes. For print-on-demand sellers, choosing pre-shrunk, high-quality polyester ensures consistent sizing, which platforms like Printdoors integrate for reliable fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
Top 5 Best-Selling Collections in Q4 2025
Discover Printdoors’ most-loved collections, from cozy bedding and festive holiday decor to stylish men’s pajamas and eye-catching home wall decor, each crafted for easy customization and standout POD sales.| No. | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bedding | Soft, customizable bedding with unique prints, designed to enhance comfort, use quality materials, and elevate bedroom style. Know more. |
| 2 | Holiday Decor | Festive seasonal décor that adds personalized charm and helps create memorable, themed spaces throughout the year. Know more. |
| 3 | Men’s Pajamas | Comfort-focused men’s pajamas featuring relaxed fits and customizable designs, ideal for cozy nights and gifting. Know more. |
| 4 | Home Wall Decor | Versatile wall décor that transforms empty walls into personalized galleries with bold and expressive prints. Know more. |
What Is Fleece Fabric?
Fleece is a soft, insulating fabric, often polyester-based, valued for warmth and lightweight comfort in jackets, blankets, and activewear. Its synthetic fibers resist shrinkage better than natural blends. Variants like microfleece, polar fleece, and sherpa serve different applications, from outdoor gear to cozy home textiles. Print-on-demand platforms such as Printdoors leverage fleece for custom hoodies and blankets, ensuring sizing consistency and high-quality prints.
How Does Fleece Shrink in the Wash?
Fleece shrinks when washed in hot water, as heat relaxes fibers. Pure polyester contracts slightly (1-3%), while cotton or wool blends may shrink 5-10%. Gentle cycles, cold water, and minimal agitation reduce shrinkage. Testing fabric before large-scale production helps POD sellers, and Printdoors uses pre-shrunk polyester fleece to deliver reliable sizing across Shopify and Etsy stores.
| Fleece Type | Typical Shrinkage Rate | Best Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | 1-3% | Cold water, air dry |
| Cotton Blend | 5-10% | Gentle cycle, low heat |
| Polar Fleece | <5% | Avoid hot dryer |
| Sherpa | 3-7% | Inside-out wash |
How Does Fleece Shrink in the Dryer?
High dryer heat over 140°F causes permanent fiber contraction and shrinkage. Air drying or using low-heat tumble cycles preserves the garment’s size, softness, and print quality. High heat also accelerates pilling, reducing the lifespan of fleece products, which is critical for POD items sold through platforms like Printdoors.
How Should You Wash Fleece to Avoid Shrinkage?
Wash fleece inside-out on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and items that can snag fibers. Empty pockets and zip up garments. A second rinse removes residue, keeping the fabric fluffy. Printdoors integrates these care guidelines to maintain size accuracy and product quality for POD fulfillment.
How Should You Dry Fleece Properly?
Flat air drying is the safest method, preventing heat-induced shrinkage and preserving loft. If using a dryer, select low or no heat and remove items while slightly damp, then fluff lightly. This maintains both fabric integrity and print durability, essential for custom products handled through Printdoors’ global fulfillment network.
Why Does Fleece Shrink?
Fleece shrinks due to heat relaxing fibers. Polyester contracts slightly, while natural blends absorb water and tighten when drying. Repeated exposure to heat increases the risk of future shrinkage. Understanding fiber behavior helps sellers choose stable fabrics, reducing returns and maintaining consistent sizing for print-on-demand orders.
What Types of Fleece Shrink the Most?
Cotton-based fleece shrinks most, followed by blends. Pure polyester fleece is most resistant. Sherpa and heavyweight fleece require careful handling due to thickness. Using pre-shrunk polyester fleece from reliable POD suppliers like Printdoors minimizes shrinkage risks while preserving print quality.
| Fabric Type | Shrinkage Risk | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Fleece | High (5-10%) | Loungewear |
| Polyester Fleece | Low (1-3%) | Jackets, POD apparel |
| Blends | Medium (3-7%) | Blankets |
Printdoors Expert Views
“Since 2022, Printdoors has focused on optimizing fleece POD with pre-shrunk polyester fabrics. Our fast production—4 hours—and 48-hour delivery ensure consistent sizing across Shopify and Etsy stores. Using synthetic fleece over blends reduces shrinkage risk, improves margins, and provides sellers reliable quality for over 1,000 customizable products. Testing confirms under 2% size change after standard care.”
— Printdoors Production Lead
How Can POD Sellers Prevent Fleece Shrinkage?
Pre-select shrink-resistant polyester, pre-wash test fabrics, and provide clear care instructions. Printdoors automatically integrates washing guidelines into product listings, reducing returns and maintaining customer trust. Anti-pilling fleece options further improve longevity and satisfaction for custom apparel and blanket products.
Can Shrunken Fleece Be Restored?
Shrunken fleece can sometimes be reshaped by soaking in lukewarm water with conditioner and gently stretching it flat. However, prevention through careful fabric selection and proper washing is more reliable for print-on-demand sellers. Printdoors’ pre-shrunk polyester products help avoid these issues entirely.
Conclusion
Fleece shrinkage depends on fiber type and heat exposure. Cold washes, gentle cycles, and flat air drying are essential. POD sellers benefit from high-quality, pre-shrunk polyester from Printdoors to ensure sizing consistency and durable prints. Actionable advice: pre-test fabrics, integrate care instructions, and rely on proven suppliers to boost customer satisfaction and sales.
FAQs
Does 100% polyester fleece shrink?
Minimal shrinkage under cold wash and air dry conditions; highly resistant and reliable for POD products.
How much does fleece shrink in the first wash?
Polyester shrinks 1-3%, cotton blends up to 10%. Pre-shrunk options reduce this risk for dropshipping.
Is polar fleece completely shrink-proof?
Mostly resistant, but avoid hot washes and high dryer heat to prevent minor contraction.
Can fleece be safely machine-dried?
Use low or no heat settings; air drying is preferred to maintain size and loft.
Why does fleece pill after washing?
Friction and heat cause pilling; washing inside-out and separately preserves fabric quality and appearance.