Thermal knits and fleece are two of the most requested fabrics for winter ranges. On a rack they can look similar, but they behave differently in production and in wear. Knowing the difference helps wholesale buyers and brands in Lahore stock the right mix, avoid overbuying the wrong fabric and give customers what they actually want when the cold arrives.
What is P/C thermal fabric?
P/C stands for polyester-cotton, a blend that combines the durability of polyester with the softness of cotton. Thermal knits usually have a textured surface, often a waffle or honeycomb pattern, that traps air close to the body. This trapped air gives warmth without much bulk, which makes thermal fabric popular for base layers and lightweight winter tops.
Because of the polyester content, thermal fabric holds its shape well and is easy to care for, which matters for garments that are washed often. NS Textile offers both P/C Thermal Knit and P/C Thermal Waffle Knit, so you can choose the surface texture that suits your design.
What is fleece?
Fleece is a knitted fabric with a brushed inner surface that creates a soft, warm pile. The brushing raises the fibres, which adds thickness and insulation while keeping the fabric comfortable against the skin. It is the standard choice for hoodies, sweatshirts and tracksuits.
A polyester-cotton version such as 2-Thread PC Fleece balances warmth with a comfortable feel. The polyester helps the fabric keep its shape, while the cotton adds softness, which is why this blend is so common in everyday winter wear and uniforms.
Key differences
- Warmth: fleece is generally heavier and warmer; thermal is lighter and suited to layering.
- Look and feel: thermal has a visible texture, while fleece is smooth outside and soft inside.
- Best use: thermal as an inner layer; fleece as a mid or outer layer.
- Material use: heavier fabrics use more material per garment, which affects cost.
- Production: brushed fleece needs a check for pilling, while textured thermal needs careful cutting and stitching to keep the pattern even.
How to choose for your customers
The right fabric depends on who you are selling to. If your customers are buying inner wear or light layering pieces for Lahore’s cooler months, thermal is usually the better fit. It is easy to wear under shirts and jackets and does not feel heavy indoors.
For hoodies, sweatshirts and uniform jackets, choose fleece. It gives a fuller, warmer finish and works well for school, corporate and sportswear orders where garments need to look neat and last through repeated washing.
Many wholesalers stock both so they can serve different customers in the same season. A balanced mix lets you cover inner wear, casual wear and outerwear without depending on a single fabric.
What to check before you order
Whichever fabric you choose, confirm the details before bulk production:
- Composition, GSM and fabric width
- Colour options and whether the shade can be matched on reorders
- Shrinkage after washing
- Pilling on brushed surfaces
- Minimum order quantity and lead time
Always ask for a swatch first. Weight and softness are easy to judge by hand and impossible to judge from a photo.
Conclusion
Thermal and fleece solve different problems. Thermal gives lightweight warmth for layering, while fleece gives heavier insulation for outer pieces. Understanding the difference helps you plan a range that sells through the season instead of leaving you with stock that does not match demand.
Both fabrics are available from NS Textile in Lahore in multiple colours and flexible quantities. See the full fabric range or send your requirements through our contact page.
About the Author / Business
NS Textile is a B2B knitted fabric supplier and garment manufacturer in Lahore, Pakistan. We supply wholesale fabrics, private label clothing, uniforms and custom textile products to local brands, boutiques, wholesalers and garment units.
Address: Street No. 2, Itehad Park, Bank Stop, Chungi Amer Sidhu, Ferozpur Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Mobile: +92 300 4041392 | +92 300 3093392
Email: info@nstextileinternational.com
Website: Home | Products | Services | Request a Quote
