The Soft Knit Fabrics: Utilizing Waffle Fleece and Bonded Brushed Fabrics

Nov 07, 2024
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Soft knit fabrics are a variety of types of knit fabric. Instead, these fabrics fall under the category of waffle fleece and bonded brush fabrics. The unique features of waffle fleece and bonded brush fabrics are softness and versatility. They also allow warmth. The article mainly sheds light on the notion of waffle fleece and bonded brushed fabrics being soft knit fabrics in the textile industry. The article will explore the application of these two.

What are Soft Knit Fabrics?

Soft knit fabrics are textiles available in woven and knitted patterns. These fabrics are flexible and soft. For daily wear, these soft knit fabrics maintain the comfort and durability. Besides, these fabrics are perfect in terms of clothing, and everyday applications.

Soft knit fabrics have loops of yarn to create a soft and pliable texture. These are ideal for an exceptional level of comfort.

What is Waffle Fleece?

Waffle fleece is a knit fabric type with a waffle-like texture. It is a polyester and polyester-blend fabric that provides a traditional fleece.

The fabric has a distinctive pattern that resembles the square shapes on a waffle. The structure makes the fabric a unique one due to its breathability, warmth, and heat-retention capacity. Because of its warmth, waffle fleece is a soft knit fabric designed for daily wear applications.

What is Bonded Brushed Fabric?

Bonded brushed fabric is another type of soft knit fabric that goes through both bonded and brushed processes. The bonded term refers to the process of adhering two fabric layers together. Meanwhile, brushing denotes the process of raising the fabric surface. In this brushing process, fine and metal brushes rub the fabric to create extra softness on the fabric surface.

What is Waffle Fleece made of?

Waffle fleece is a polyester or polyester blend synthetic fibers fabric. It is well-designed to be both warm and lightweight. The waffle's distinctive feature is achieved through the process of weaving the fibers. Weaving creates small and square pockets across the surface. These pockets can trap air and help to retain body heat while allowing breathability.

Properties of Soft Knit Fabric: Waffle Fleece

Here are some properties of Soft Knit Waffle Fleece:

Fabric Name	Waffle Fleece
Fabric Materials	Polyester, with cotton and spandex blend.
Fabric Breathability	Grid Like Structure
Heat Retention Ability	Excellent
Fabric GSM	150-250 GSM
Resistance to Pilling	Moderate
Applications	Activewear and Lightweight jackets

Characteristics of Soft Knit Fabric: Waffle Fleece

Waffle fleece, one of the soft knit fabrics, has the following features:

Heat Retention: Waffle fleece can retain heat effectively. The fabric has a grid pattern that helps trap air. It creates pockets of warmth without adding any bulk.
Breathable: Waffle fleece is breathable. Due to its soft-knit nature, the fabric allows moisture to escape. It is beneficial for activewear.
Soft: Waffle fleece has a brushed surface that provides a soft feel. The feature makes the fabric comfortable against the skin.

Characteristics of Soft Knit Fabric Waffle Fleece

Easy to Care: For Waffle fleece is a delicate knit that is easy to care for. It requires minimal maintenance that keeps the shape of the fabric.
Versatile: Waffle fleece has a range of applications. The versatility covers from the apparel sector to home accessories.

What are Bonded Brushed Fabrics made of?

Bonded brushed fabrics get bonded with two layers of material. Here, one side brushed helps to create a soft texture. In most cases, these fabrics are synthetic fibers made. For instance, polyester, nylon, and elastance. Besides, natural fibers are also incorporated to some extent. For instance, cotton and wool.

Properties of Bonded Brushed Fabrics

Here are a few properties of Soft knit Bonded Brushed Fabric:

Fabric Name	Bonded Brushed Fabric
Fabric Materials	Polyester, Nylon, with Elastane Blend
Fabric Breathability	Moderate
Heat Retention Ability	High
Fabric GSM	250-350 GSM
Resistance to Pilling	High
Applications	Outdoor clothing and Performance wear.

Characteristics of Bonded Brushed Fabrics

Here are some of the features of bonded brushed fabrics:

Warmth: Bonded brushed fabrics, as a soft knit, are good at insulating warmth. The process of brushing helps to create a soft surface. This surface traps air and provides a layer of insulation in cold temperatures.
Durability: The process of bonding makes the fabric an exceptionally durable material. The fabric is resistant to wear and tear. Hence, it is the ideal fabric for outdoor applications.

Characteristics of Bonded Brushed Fabrics

Softness: The brushed surface of the bonded brushed fabric adds a soft feel to the fabric. It is comfortable to touch against the skin. Besides, the fabric is advantageous for cold weather.
Wind and Water Resistance: These bonded brushed fabrics get treated to provide resistance against wind and water. The wind and water resistance make them suitable for outerwear. Besides, the outer layer is rugged where the brushed interior adds warmth and comfort.

Application of Soft Knit Fabrics

Soft knit fabrics have several applications across a variety of areas. Due to their flexibility, warmth, and comfort, Waffle Fleece and Bonded Brushed Fabrics are ideal to use for fashion sportswear to home furnishings in all cases.

Application of Waffle Fleece:

Activewear: Athletic wear for hiking and running
Outwear: Jackets, Hoodies, and Pullovers.
Home Accessories: Blankets, Throws, and bed Linens
Apparel: Baby Clothing and Blankets for babies.

Application of Bonded Brushed Fabrics:

Outdoor Clothing: Jackets, Vests, Coats.
Athletic Apparel: Performance Apparel for skiing and cycling.
Footwear: Shoe linings, Boots
Home Decor: Throws, Cushions, and Upholstery
Workwear: Parkas, Coveralls, and Heavy-duty Apparel.

Can soft knit fabrics be used in summer?

Are soft-knit fabrics prone to pilling?

Waffle fleece, being a soft knit, is moderately prone to pilling. The prone to pilling properties depends on the frequent use. On the other hand, bonded brushed fabrics have sturdy construction. Because of its synthetic nature, these soft knit fabrics resist pilling well and maintain the appearance longer.

How to care for soft knit fabrics?

Soft knit fabric has to maintain its softness and durability. Hence, one can follow the following steps:
Washing on a gentle cycle with warm water.
Avoid fabric softeners as they affect fabric texture.
Air dry the fabric after washing.
Avoid heavy folding to maintain the bonded layers.

Are soft-knit fabrics better for layering?

Waffle fleece fabric is particularly suitable for layering because of its breathable structure. This fabric is comfortable to wear undergarments too. Meanwhile, bonded brushed fabrics are heavier. These fabrics are mainly for the outer layer due to their heavy use in outdoor activities. Overall, both fabrics are perfect to work well for layering as soft knit fabrics.

Conclusion

Whether it is waffle fleece or bonded brushed, both fabrics are versatile in their unique form. They have distinct textures and insulating properties. From being a cozy staple of outerwear and home decor items, waffle fleece and bonded brushed fabric make a valuable addition to any household.

Because of the advancements in sustainability, the emphasis is now on the creation of eco-friendly materials. Shortly, both waffle fleece and bonded brushed fabrics will be applicable for making apparel for athletes to cope with extreme conditions.