What Are the Warmest Materials for Winter?

When you are making garments and decor for colder months you need to select the fabrics very carefully. To stay warm, you will need to choose a fabric that is insulating. Some fabrics are plush and look warm, but some of the warmest fabrics may not appear to be at first glance. Knowing some more about the warmest fabrics will help you to determine what is most suited for your project.

Wool is a natural fiber that is made from the sheared fur of an animal's coat. A variety of animals are sheared for wool. Sheep are the most common. Some other fibers would include angora/rabbit wool, mohair/goat wool, cashmere/goat down, vicuna/llama wool and camel's hair. They can range in texture from soft and smooth to rough and scratchy. In addition to its insulating properties, wool is absorbent. It can retain up to 30 percent of its weight in moisture. Wool is also prone to shrinking.

Fleece is a versatile fabric that is soft with a deep pile. Fleece does not fray or unravel when cut, so it is easy to work with. It is comfortable and breathable, so it is often used for winter sports and garments. Fleece is a synthetic fabric often made from Polyethylene terephthalate, which is the same material used to make plastic bottles. Fleece is designed to mimic wool, but the fibers are knit instead of woven like wool. Fleece dries quickly and it doesn't shrink or bleed color. However, fleece can pill, which affects the way it looks. To avoid pilling, wash fleece alone and turn it inside out.

Flannel is made from cotton, which is a natural fiber harvested from a plant. It is a woven fabric with a low, soft nap on both sides. It can be brushed to add softness. Flannel is used to make clothing and home decor items such as linens and blankets. It is also be used as a lining for garments because of its insulating properties. Flannel that is 100-percent cotton does shrink when dried.

Velour is a plush, knitted fabric made from a blend of cotton and synthetic materials like polyester. Velour has the soft feel of velvet but the give of spandex, which makes it ideal for active wear garments. The extreme softness of velour makes it preferable for home decor items as well. It is often used to cover pillows and for blankets.