How to Wash a Fleece Jacket Properly Without Ruining It

July 27, 2026

Fleece is one of the easiest pieces of outdoor clothing to wear. It keeps you warm, dries quickly and works just as well for a cold morning walk as it does for throwing on around the house.

Thankfully, it’s also fairly easy to look after.

Most fleeces can be washed in a normal washing machine, but the way you wash them makes a difference. Too much heat, the wrong detergent or regular use of fabric conditioner can gradually affect the softness, shape and performance of the fabric.

We handle and prepare a lot of preloved fleeces at Adventure Again, from lightweight walking layers to thick sherpa jackets. In this guide, we’ll explain how to wash a fleece properly, what to avoid and what you can do if an older fleece has started to look a little tired.

Do Fleeces Need Special Care?

Not particularly, but they do benefit from being washed carefully.

Most modern fleeces are made from polyester. The fabric is designed to trap warm air while remaining lightweight and breathable, which is why fleece has become such a useful outdoor layer.

It’s a durable material, but it isn’t indestructible. High temperatures and harsh washing products can flatten the raised fibres, encourage bobbling and make the fabric feel rougher over time.

This is especially noticeable on soft, high-pile and sherpa fleeces, where much of the warmth and comfort comes from the loft of the fabric.

The good news is that you don’t need an expensive routine or a cupboard full of specialist products. A cool, gentle wash and careful drying will usually be enough.

How Often Should You Wash a Fleece?

A fleece doesn’t need to be washed after every wear.

If it has only been worn for a short walk or over another layer, airing it out may be all it needs. Hanging it somewhere well ventilated overnight can help remove light odours without putting it through another wash.

You should consider washing your fleece when:

It has visible dirt or stains.
It has started to smell.
The cuffs or collar feel greasy.
It has been worn directly against the skin.
Mud, food or other marks have soaked into the fabric.

Washing less often can help reduce wear, but that doesn’t mean avoiding the washing machine completely. Dirt, body oils and sweat can also build up within the fabric, so the aim is simply to wash it when it genuinely needs it.

Always Check The Care Label First

Before putting any fleece in the washing machine, check the label inside the garment.

Most fleece jackets can be machine washed, but temperatures and drying instructions can vary. A standard polyester fleece may have different care instructions from a technical fleece containing stretch panels, wool or water-resistant sections.

Older care labels can sometimes become faded or difficult to read. If you can still identify the brand and style, you may be able to find the original care instructions online.

If the label gives different advice from the general guidance in this article, follow the label. It was written for that particular garment.

How To Wash a Fleece In a Washing Machine

For most fleece jackets, the following method is a good place to start.

1. Empty the Pockets

It sounds obvious, but check every pocket before washing. Tissues, receipts and dog treats have a habit of hiding in outdoor jackets.

Remove anything detachable and shake or brush away loose mud, grass and dirt.

2. Close the Zips and Fasten the Velcro

Zip up the main zip and close any zipped pockets. Velcro fastenings should also be closed so they don’t catch against the fleece during the wash.

If the fleece has drawcords, loosen them slightly so the fabric isn’t gathered tightly.

3. Turn the Fleece Inside Out

Turning a fleece inside out helps protect the outer surface from rubbing against the drum and other clothing.

This won’t prevent every bobble, particularly on a fleece that has already seen plenty of use, but it can reduce unnecessary friction during washing.

4. Wash With Similar Clothing

Wash your fleece with other soft, lightweight clothing where possible.

Avoid putting it in the same load as heavy jeans, towels or garments with open zips and rough fastenings. These can rub against the fleece and contribute to matting or pilling.

Separating light and dark colours is also sensible, particularly when washing a fleece for the first time.

5. Choose a Cool, Gentle Cycle

A cool wash is usually best. Depending on the care label, this will normally mean a cold wash or a temperature of around 30°C.

Choose a gentle or synthetic cycle rather than an intensive wash. A lower spin speed can also reduce twisting and unnecessary friction.

Fleece rarely needs very hot water to come clean. More heat doesn’t necessarily mean a better wash, and it can damage the fabric or affect the shape of the garment.

Should You Use Fabric Conditioner on Fleece?

We would avoid it.

Fabric conditioner coats the fibres rather than simply cleaning them. Over time, this can affect the fleece’s breathability and ability to move moisture away from the body.

It can also leave a residue that changes the feel of the fabric.

You should also avoid bleach and harsh stain-removing products unless the care label specifically says they are safe to use. These can affect the colour and damage the fibres.

If your fleece has a stubborn mark, gently treat the affected area with a small amount of mild detergent before washing. Avoid scrubbing too aggressively, as this can roughen the surface.

Can You Hand Wash a Fleece?

Yes. Hand washing can be a good option for an older fleece, a delicate high-pile style or a garment with a damaged or missing care label.

Fill a clean sink or bowl with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently move the fleece through the water and leave it to soak briefly if needed.

Avoid scrubbing, twisting or wringing the fabric.

Rinse it thoroughly with clean water until no detergent remains. Gently press out the excess water rather than twisting the garment, as wet fleece can be heavier than expected.

How to Dry a Fleece Properly

Air drying is normally the safest option.

Once the wash has finished, reshape the fleece and hang it on a suitable hanger or drying rack. Make sure it is somewhere with good airflow and avoid placing it directly against a radiator.

Fleece dries much faster than many other outdoor fabrics, so it rarely needs high heat.

Some care labels allow tumble drying on a low setting, but check before doing this. Excessive heat can shrink, warp or flatten synthetic fibres. If you’re unsure, air drying is the better choice.

Avoid ironing fleece. The heat can damage or melt the fabric, even when the iron doesn’t look particularly hot.

How to Wash Sherpa and High-Pile Fleece

Sherpa and high-pile fleeces need a little more care because their texture can become flattened or matted.

Use a cool, gentle wash, keep the load fairly light and avoid fabric conditioner. Washing the fleece inside out can also help protect the visible surface.

Once washed, allow it to dry naturally.

When the fleece is completely dry, you can gently lift flattened areas using a soft garment brush. Work slowly and avoid pulling too firmly, particularly around seams, logos and thinner sections of fabric.

Brushing won’t make a heavily worn fleece look brand new, but it can improve areas where the pile has become lightly compressed.

It’s also worth remembering that some matting is simply part of how a fleece ages. Underarms, cuffs and elbows experience more friction, so they will often show wear before the rest of the garment.

Can You Stop a Fleece From Bobbling?

You can reduce bobbling, but you may not be able to prevent it completely.

Pilling happens when loose fibres become tangled together through friction. It is particularly common in areas that rub against backpack straps, seatbelts, jacket linings or the sides of the body.

To reduce it:

Turn the fleece inside out before washing.
Use a gentle washing cycle.
Avoid washing it with rough or heavy clothing.
Keep Velcro and zips fastened.
Avoid excessive heat.
Don’t wash the fleece more often than it needs.

If bobbles have already appeared, a fabric shaver can sometimes remove them. Use it carefully on a flat surface and keep it away from seams, embroidered logos and thin areas.

A small amount of pilling doesn’t mean a fleece has reached the end of its life. In most cases, it is cosmetic and won’t stop the garment from keeping you warm.

What About Preloved Fleeces?

We’re sometimes asked whether preloved outdoor clothing needs to be treated differently.

In most cases, it doesn’t. The most important thing is checking the condition and care label before washing.

Older fleeces may already have some bobbling, matting or wear around high-friction areas. Washing them carefully can help prevent unnecessary deterioration, but it won’t reverse every sign of previous use.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A well-used fleece can still have years of practical life left in it, even if the fabric no longer looks exactly as it did when it was new.

At Adventure Again, we believe condition matters far more than age. A fleece that has been properly cared for can remain warm, comfortable and useful long after its first owner has finished with it.

Common Fleece-Washing Mistakes

Most fleece-washing problems come from a handful of avoidable mistakes.

Using Too Much Detergent

Extra detergent can become trapped in the fabric and leave it feeling stiff or coated. A small amount is usually enough.

Adding Fabric Conditioner

Fabric conditioner may make clothing smell fresh, but it can coat the fibres and affect the performance of technical fleece.

Washing at a High Temperature

Hot water can damage synthetic fibres and affect the garment’s shape. A cool wash is usually all that is needed.

Washing With Rough Clothing

Heavy towels, denim, open zips and Velcro can rub against the fleece and encourage bobbling.

Drying on High Heat

A hot tumble dryer or radiator can flatten, shrink or damage the fabric. Air drying is normally safer.

Washing It After Every Wear

Not every outing needs to end with a full wash. Airing and spot cleaning can often keep a fleece fresh between washes.

Final Thoughts

Fleece doesn’t need a complicated care routine. In most cases, a cool wash, a small amount of detergent and natural drying are all it needs.

The biggest difference comes from avoiding unnecessary heat, harsh products and rough washing loads. Those simple changes can help preserve the softness, shape and performance of the fabric for much longer.

And if your fleece already has a few bobbles or some wear around the cuffs, that doesn’t mean it needs replacing. Outdoor clothing is made to be used, and a few signs of previous adventures are often proof that it has done its job.

The practical takeaway is simple: check the care label, wash cool and skip the fabric conditioner. Your fleece will thank you for it.