People have tried all kinds of things to keep themselves warm. Most likely, the first blankets were made from animal skins like bear, raccoon, rabbit, and squirrel. Animals were easy to catch and were the main source of food. People also learned quickly that the skin of animals could be used to protect them from bad weather. There was, of course, a problem: when the skins got wet, it took days for them to dry.
As time went on, we wore clothes on the outside and used blankets to keep warm. These were two separate layers. The lamb's hide (sheep hide) was the best thing that people found because the layers and natural oil on the fleece fibre kept water away and kept the skin from getting wet. Most likely, a shepherd at some point sheared his sheep, probably to keep the sheep cool in hot weather, and found that the fleece kept the sheep warm in cold weather.
From the humble beginnings when fleece was first found to the big woollen mills that turned fleece into blankets in mass quantities for our soldiers in World Wars I and II to the more refined Merino wools of today, fleece blankets are now a necessity. Before 1980, people who went outside when it was very cold had to wear layers and layers of heavy, coarse fabric. Most likely, the wool used to make blankets that didn't have Down was not as finely milled as the wool we use today.
There are now more than 100 different kinds of fleece, so people need to read the labels to know what they are buying. With credit going to Malden Mills in Massachusetts, the invention of Polartec fleece in 1981 changed the way people all over the world stayed warm.
Fleece to Go and Fleece to Stay
Fleece is the best kind of blanket for taking with you. The blankets are strong, don't take up much space, are light, and can be folded. This makes it easy to put them in a bag, throw them over your shoulder, drape them over a seat, take them on an aeroplane, or wrap a baby in them. Because they don't take up much space, they are great for napping preschoolers, diaper bags, daycares, and car blankets. Because fleece blankets are so soft, they are great for using as throws on chairs.
A fleece blanket is perfect for a picnic because it can keep spills from getting through. It's a great blanket to curl up in, watch TV, or read a book. And for those of you who are romantic, it's the perfect blanket to share.
Baby's fleece
Fleece is very light, dries quickly, keeps you warm even when it's wet, and is twice as warm as merino wool and four times as warm as cotton. Because fleece is thin and light, it keeps you cool and keeps your body heat. Fleece is very durable and lasts for years and years. It also doesn't bother people with allergies. Because of this, a fleece blanket is the perfect soft, light, and warm cover for a baby.