PE Fleece vs Cotton CVC Fleece: Which Is Better for Custom Jackets?

Choosing the right fabric is one of the most important decisions when ordering custom jackets, hoodies or sweatshirts.

At Eraine Clothing, two fleece materials we commonly use are PE Fleece and
Cotton CVC Fleece. Both are suitable for custom apparel, but they differ in fabric composition,
hand feel, comfort, price and suitable applications.

We can also provide 100% Cotton Fleece upon request, depending on fabric availability,
quantity and the specifications required.

This guide explains the differences so you can choose the material that best suits your project and budget.

What Is PE Fleece?

PE Fleece is a polyester-based fleece fabric commonly used for custom jackets, hoodies,
sweatshirts and promotional apparel.

One of its main advantages is cost efficiency. It allows customers to produce custom apparel at a more
economical price while still maintaining a comfortable fleece construction.

For many bulk orders, PE Fleece is suitable when the main priorities are:

• Competitive pricing
• Custom colour combinations
• Company or event apparel
• School, club or community jackets
• Promotional jackets
• Medium to large quantity orders

The PE Fleece commonly used for our custom apparel is approximately
280–290 gsm, although the exact specification may vary depending on fabric availability
and production requirements.

From appearance alone, PE Fleece can look very similar to Cotton CVC Fleece.
The differences are usually more noticeable in the fabric composition, hand feel and wearing comfort
rather than colour or surface appearance.

A Closer Look at PE Fleece

Watch this short explanation of PE Fleece and why it is commonly used for custom jackets
and bulk apparel production.

What Is Cotton CVC Fleece?

Cotton CVC Fleece contains a higher proportion of cotton compared with polyester-based fleece.

The material generally feels softer and more natural against the skin, making it a popular choice
for customers who want a more premium fabric feel.

CVC Fleece is commonly selected for:

• Corporate jackets
• Premium varsity jackets
• Hoodies and sweatshirts
• University or alumni apparel
• Staff uniforms
• Merchandise where comfort and fabric feel are important

Visually, Cotton CVC Fleece may look very similar to PE Fleece, especially in photographs.
The difference is generally easier to notice when handling and wearing the fabric,
with CVC fleece providing a softer and more cotton-like feel.

See the Fleece Fabric Up Close

The surface of different fleece fabrics can appear quite similar in photographs.
This short video gives a closer look at the fleece texture and construction used in custom apparel.

PE Fleece vs Cotton CVC Fleece

The best material depends on what you want to achieve. Neither material is automatically better for every project.

The correct choice depends on your budget, design, intended use, quantity and desired fabric feel.

When Should You Choose PE Fleece?

PE Fleece is a good option when you need to control the overall cost of a bulk order.

For example, a company organising an event, a student organisation ordering jackets for members,
or a club requiring a larger quantity may prefer PE Fleece because it provides a good balance between
appearance, practicality and price.

It is also useful when the jacket design includes several colours or decorative elements and the customer
prefers to allocate more of the budget to embroidery, patches or other customisation.

When Should You Choose Cotton CVC Fleece?

Cotton CVC Fleece is recommended when fabric feel and wearing comfort are more important.

It is especially suitable for jackets or apparel intended to be worn regularly rather than only for an event.

Customers often choose CVC Fleece when producing:

• Corporate jackets
• Premium varsity jackets
• Alumni jackets
• University apparel
• Staff jackets
• Premium hoodies and sweatshirts

What About 100% Cotton Fleece?

For customers looking for an even higher cotton content,
100% Cotton Fleece may also be available upon request.

We do not normally list it as one of our standard website material options because availability can vary
depending on fabric colour, required quantity, weight and current supplier stock.

If your project specifically requires 100% Cotton Fleece, let us know during the quotation stage.
Our team can check the available fabric options and advise whether the material is suitable for your design
and order quantity.

Choosing 100% cotton does not automatically mean it is the best material for every jacket.
Material selection should also consider:

• Jacket construction
• Fabric weight
• Required durability
• Colour availability
• Decoration method
• Budget
• Intended use

In some cases, Cotton CVC Fleece may provide a better balance between comfort, durability and cost.

Which Material Is Better for Varsity Jackets?

Both PE Fleece and Cotton CVC Fleece can be used for
custom varsity jackets.

PE Fleece is suitable when the project requires a more economical option, particularly for student groups,
clubs, events or larger orders.

Cotton CVC Fleece is often selected when customers want a softer and more cotton-like fabric feel.

The final result also depends on other jacket components such as:

• Sleeve material
• Ribknit
• Inner lining
• Buttons
• Embroidery
• Applique
• Patches
• Printing

This means the body fabric is only one part of the overall jacket specification.

Which Material Is Better for Hoodies and Sweatshirts?

For custom hoodies and sweatshirts,
Cotton CVC Fleece is usually preferred when comfort and softness are the priorities.

PE Fleece remains a practical option for bulk orders, promotional apparel, events and projects with a tighter budget.

For both materials, the final fabric colour, weight and availability should be confirmed before production.

Can PE Fleece and CVC Fleece Be Embroidered?

Yes. Both PE Fleece and Cotton CVC Fleece can be customised using several decoration methods, including:

• Embroidery
• Embroidered patches
• Applique
• Chenille patches
• DTF printing

The most suitable method depends on the artwork, logo size, placement, number of colours and overall jacket design.

For large or complex graphics, our team may recommend a combination of techniques rather than direct embroidery.

Fabric Is Only One Part of the Jacket

When comparing custom jacket quotations, it is important not to judge the price based only on the fleece material.

The final price can also depend on:

• Order quantity
• Jacket design
• Number of colours
• Ribknit specification
• Sleeve material
• Inner lining
• Number and size of logos
• Embroidery complexity
• Patches or applique
• Personalised names
• Additional pockets
• Hood
• Delivery destination

Two jackets using the same fleece fabric can therefore have very different production costs.

How to Choose the Right Fleece

Choose PE Fleece if:

You want a practical and economical material for a bulk custom order.

Choose Cotton CVC Fleece if:

You want a softer, more cotton-like feel and have more flexibility in your budget.

Ask about 100% Cotton Fleece if:

Your project specifically requires a high-cotton fabric and you are flexible regarding availability,
colour and price.

If you are unsure, you do not need to decide the material before contacting us.

Send us your design, estimated quantity, intended use and delivery location.
We can recommend a suitable material based on your requirements.

Get a Quotation for Your Custom Jackets

Eraine Clothing produces custom jackets and apparel for companies, schools, universities,
organisations, clubs and other bulk-order customers.

To request a quotation, send us:

• Your jacket design or reference
• Required quantity
• Logo or artwork
• Preferred material, if any
• Required sizes
• Delivery location

If you are not sure whether PE Fleece, Cotton CVC Fleece or another material is more suitable,
our team can recommend an option based on your design, budget and intended use.

Explore our
custom varsity jackets,
custom bomber jackets,
custom corporate jackets
and
custom hoodies and sweatshirts.