Plush vs. Fleece — What's the Difference?

Made for comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Eco-friendly options available.

Symbol of opulence.

Provides excellent insulation.

Exceptionally soft and luxurious fabric.

Warm, durable synthetic fabric.

Requires gentle care.

Ideal for active and outdoor wear.

Often used in high-end decor and toys.

Easy to maintain and care for.

Plush (from French peluche) is a textile having a cut nap or pile the same as fustian or velvet. Its softness of feel gave rise to the adjective "plush" to describe something soft or luxurious, which was extended to describe luxury accommodation, or something rich and full.Originally the pile of plush consisted of mohair or worsted yarn, but now silk by itself or with a cotton backing is used for plush, the distinction from velvet being found in the longer and less dense pile of plush.

The woolly covering of a sheep or goat

A rich fabric of silk, cotton, wool, or a combination of these, with a long, soft nap

A soft warm fabric with a texture similar to sheep's wool, used as a lining material

Richly luxurious and expensive

Obtain a great deal of money from (someone), typically by overcharging or swindling them

A fabric of silk, rayon, cotton, or other material, having a thick deep pile.

Cover as if with a fleece

Made of or covered with plush.

The coat of wool of a sheep or similar animal.

Luxurious.

The yield of wool shorn from a sheep at one time.

(UK) Very extravagant.

A soft woolly covering or mass.

(UK) Very expensive, or appearing expensive; opulent, luxurious.

A soft, warm, lightweight, usually synthetic fabric with a deep pile, used primarily for clothing and blankets.

Having a soft, fluffy exterior.

A garment, especially a shirt or jacket, made of such fabric.

A textile fabric with a nap or shag on one side, longer and softer than the nap of velvet.

To defraud of money or property; swindle.

A plush toy.

To shear the fleece from.

A textile fabric with a nap or shag on one side, longer and softer than the nap of velvet.

To cover with a fleece or similar covering.

A fabric with a nap that is longer and softer than velvet

(uncountable) Hair or wool of a sheep or similar animal

Characterized by extravagance and profusion;

(uncountable) Insulating skin with the wool attached

(countable) A textile similar to velvet, but with a longer pile that gives it a softness and a higher sheen.

(countable) An insulating wooly jacket

(roofing) Mat or felts composed of fibers, sometimes used as a membrane backer.

Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.

The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.

(transitive) To con or trick (someone) out of money.

(transitive) To shear the fleece from (a sheep or other animal).

(transitive) To cover with, or as if with, wool.

The entire coat of wool that covers a sheep or other similar animal; also, the quantity shorn from a sheep, or animal, at one time.

Any soft woolly covering resembling a fleece.

The fine web of cotton or wool removed by the doffing knife from the cylinder of a carding machine.

To deprive of a fleece, or natural covering of wool.

To strip of money or other property unjustly, especially by trickery or fraud; to bring to straits by oppressions and exactions.

To spread over as with wool.

The wool of a sheep or similar animal

Tanned skin of a sheep with the fleece left on; used for clothing

A soft bulky fabric with deep pile; used chiefly for clothing

Outer coat of especially sheep and yaks

Rip off; ask an unreasonable price

Shear the wool from;

Plush fabric is used for stuffed animals, luxury blankets, and high-end decor due to its soft, luxurious feel.

While some plush items can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, others require more delicate handling.

Fleece offers warmth, durability, and ease of care, making it suitable for clothing, blankets, and activewear.

Plush is chosen for its luxurious softness and aesthetic appeal, while fleece is preferred for its warmth and practicality.

Plush can be more expensive, especially luxurious types, while fleece is generally more affordable and widely available.

Traditional fleece is made from polyester, which can shed microfibers; however, eco-friendly options made from recycled materials are available.

Plush is less common in outdoor clothing due to its delicate nature, but may be used for luxury or style-focused items.

Yes, there are hypoallergenic varieties of both plush and fleece, suitable for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

Yes, fleece is designed to provide excellent insulation, making it suitable for very cold conditions.

Yes, plush can be made from natural fibers like cotton and silk, offering a variety of textures and qualities.

Both are popular in baby products; plush for its softness and fleece for its warmth and hypoallergenic properties.

Plush may require special care, such as hand washing or dry cleaning, while fleece is typically machine washable and easy to care for.

Its excellent insulation, durability, and ease of care make fleece a go-to for winter clothing and accessories.

Fleece enhances outdoor activities by providing lightweight, warm clothing that doesn't restrict movement.

Yes, some products combine plush and fleece for added comfort and warmth, leveraging the benefits of both materials.