Register Login
support
shop
menu
close
  1. Home
  2. Knowledge hub
  3. Fabric guide
  4. Alphen Fleece
Alphen Fleece

What is Alphen Fleece?

Alphen Fleece is a knitted fabric that combines a smooth, jersey-like outer side with a soft, brushed fleece inner side. The outer side gives the fabric a clean and wearable appearance, while the inner fleece side provides warmth, softness and comfort. This makes the fabric especially suitable for garments that need to feel cosy but still flexible enough for everyday wear.

Compared to regular jersey, Alphen Fleece is thicker, warmer and more structured. It offers more insulation, but remains more comfortable and easier to move in than many heavy woven winter fabrics. Because of this combination, Alphen Fleece is often used for autumn and winter collections, especially for casualwear, children’s clothing and comfortable homewear.

Go to Alphen Fleece

Specifications

  • Construction Knitted fabric with smooth outer side and brushed fleece inner side
  • Composition Usually cotton/polyester blend, sometimes with elastane
  • Fabric weight Medium to heavy, commonly around 180–340 g/m² depending on quality
  • Stretch Moderate stretch due to knitted construction; more stretch when elastane is added
  • Abbreviations CO = cotton, PES = polyester, EL = elastane
  • Appearance Smooth outside, soft fleece inside, warm and comfortable

What are the properties of Alphen Fleece?

Alphen Fleece combines the flexibility of a knitted fabric with a brushed interior that creates additional volume and thermal insulation. The polyester content contributes to durability and dimensional stability, while cotton adds moisture absorption and a more natural handle. Elastane improves stretch recovery, helping garments maintain their shape during movement and wear. Its substantial construction provides more body than lightweight Jersey, making the fabric suitable for comfortable garments with a moderately structured silhouette. The brushed surface may be sensitive to friction and pilling, depending on use and care.

What does Alphen Fleece feel like?

Alphen Fleece feels soft, warm and comfortable, with a noticeable difference between its two sides. The outer surface is relatively smooth and even, while the brushed interior has a fluffy texture that feels gentle against the skin. The fabric has a substantial handle without being as rigid as many woven winter fabrics. Its stretch allows it to move comfortably with the body, particularly in relaxed casual clothing.

Applications

  • Sweatshirts: Alphen Fleece offers warmth, softness and sufficient body for comfortable sweatshirts and pullovers.
  • Hoodies: the brushed interior makes Alphen Fleece suitable for warm hoodies and casual hooded tops.
  • Trousers: its stretch and comfortable interior make it suitable for jogging trousers and relaxed casual bottoms.
  • Children's Clothing: suitable qualities can be used for warm children's sweaters, trousers and comfortable winter outfits.
  • Baby Clothing: appropriately selected qualities may be used for warm baby garments when the design and fabric meet the relevant safety requirements.
  • Jackets: Alphen Fleece can be used for casual zip-up jackets and lightweight outer layers intended for cool conditions.
  • Dresses: its combination of body and flexibility is suitable for sweater dresses and relaxed winter styles.
  • Pyjamas: the soft interior makes appropriate qualities suitable for warm nightwear and comfortable home clothing.
  • Tracksuits and Loungewear: the combination of stretch, warmth and softness makes Alphen Fleece suitable for coordinated casual sets.

Wash Instructions

  • Washing Temperature: wash Alphen Fleece at approximately 30°C on a gentle cycle, or according to the care label of the specific article.
  • Drying Advice: air drying is recommended to reduce the risk of shrinkage and heat damage, especially because the fabric contains elastane.
  • Ironing Instructions: use a low temperature when necessary and avoid direct pressure on the brushed interior.
  • Dry Cleaning: only when permitted by the care instructions of the selected fabric quality.
  • Special Considerations: wash garments inside out, use a mild detergent and avoid excessive abrasion to help preserve the brushed surface.

Other Information

  • Certifications: selected Alphen Fleece articles from Nooteboom Textiles, including article series 14370, are certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Product Class I.
  • Sustainability Aspects: the environmental impact depends on the sourcing and processing of the polyester and cotton fibres, the use of elastane, garment durability and washing habits.
  • Shrinkage and Prewashing: prewashing or testing a fabric sample is recommended to assess potential shrinkage and dimensional changes before cutting.
  • Width: the selected Alphen Fleece articles in series 14370 have a fabric width of 150 cm.
  • Surface: the outer side has a relatively smooth appearance, while the reverse side is brushed to create a soft, fleece-like texture.
  • Colours and Designs: the Nooteboom Textiles assortment includes plain and melange colours such as black, navy, dark grey, beige, camel, petrol, olive green, purple and old pink.
  • Seasonal Suitability: particularly suitable for autumn, winter and colder transitional periods when additional warmth is desirable.

What is the difference between Alphen Fleece and French Terry?

Alphen Fleece and French Terry are both knitted fabrics commonly used for comfortable casual clothing, but their interior surfaces differ. Alphen Fleece has a brushed, fluffy interior that traps air and provides additional insulation. Traditional French Terry has visible loops on the reverse side rather than a fully brushed fleece surface. As a result, Alphen Fleece is generally preferred when extra warmth is important, while unbrushed French Terry is often suitable for transitional clothing requiring less insulation. The difference in warmth also depends on the weight and composition of the individual fabric.

Read more about the looped construction in our French Terry Fabric Guide.

What is the difference between Alphen Fleece and Polar Fleece?

Alphen Fleece and Polar Fleece both provide warmth through a raised surface, but their constructions and typical compositions differ. Alphen Fleece in the Nooteboom Textiles article series 14370 combines polyester, cotton and elastane, with a relatively smooth outer side and a brushed interior. Polar Fleece is commonly made from polyester and usually has a fleece-like surface on both sides. Alphen Fleece is particularly suited to stretch casualwear, while Polar Fleece is often used for warm jackets, blankets and insulating layers. Their exact insulation, breathability and stretch depend on the selected quality.

What is the difference between Alphen Fleece and Sweatshirt Fabric?

Alphen Fleece belongs to the broader group of sweatshirt fabrics, but not all sweatshirt fabrics have the same construction or finish. Sweatshirt fabrics may have a looped reverse, a brushed interior or different fibre blends and weights. Alphen Fleece is distinguished by the brushed interior and the specific polyester, cotton and elastane composition of the Nooteboom Textiles qualities described here. When selecting between sweatshirt fabrics, the interior finish, stretch recovery and weight are more useful criteria than the general fabric category alone.

Practical Tip

Use Alphen Fleece for garments that need more warmth than regular jersey but still need comfort and flexibility. For hoodies, sweaters and children’s clothing, pre-washing is recommended to check shrinkage and preserve the final fit.

FAQ

Does Alphen Fleece shrink after washing?
Alphen Fleece may experience some shrinkage or dimensional change after washing because of its knitted construction and cotton content. The extent depends on the finishing treatment, washing temperature and drying method. Washing and measuring a sample before cutting helps determine whether adjustments to the pattern are needed.
Does Alphen Fleece pill over time?
Alphen Fleece can develop pilling after repeated wear or washing, especially in areas exposed to friction. The likelihood depends on the fibre composition, quality of the yarns, brushing process and finishing. Washing garments inside out and avoiding unnecessary abrasion can help limit pilling.
Is Alphen Fleece suitable for sensitive skin?
The brushed interior of Alphen Fleece generally feels soft and comfortable, but suitability for sensitive skin depends on individual reactions and the fabric's finishing treatments. Selected Nooteboom Textiles qualities carry OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Product Class I certification, which confirms testing against the applicable harmful-substance criteria. For garments worn directly against sensitive skin, assess the fabric's feel and finishing before production.
Which needle should you use to sew Alphen Fleece?
A ballpoint or stretch needle in size 80/12 or 90/14 is often a suitable starting point, depending on the fabric thickness and sewing machine. A stretch-compatible seam, such as a narrow zigzag or suitable overlock stitch, helps accommodate movement without breaking the thread. Test the needle and stitch settings on a fabric offcut before sewing the garment.
Can Alphen Fleece be used for fitted clothing?
Alphen Fleece can be used for moderately fitted garments because its knitted structure and elastane content provide stretch and recovery. However, its relatively substantial weight and brushed interior may create more bulk than lightweight Jersey. Check the stretch percentage, recovery and seam behaviour before selecting a close-fitting pattern.

Do you have a specific question about Alphen Fleece or an application?
Our AI assistant will help you immediately.

Ask a question

Back

Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

Posted on

Last updated on

Placed in

Added to cart

Welcome back

0
ART.NR.

You still have 0 articles in your cart

View cart Continue shopping