Why Some Dog Sweaters Feel Like a Hug . . . and Others Feel Like Regret

So What Is 3-End Fleece?
Most people think fleece is just fleece. The expectation is that the fabric will be soft, thick and warm.  Unfortunately, the nature of textiles is complicated and not easily deciphered. 

3-end fleece is made using a three yarn system instead of two during the knitting process.  That extra yarn creates a lofted interior.  The soft brushed inside everyone associates with a really good sweatshirt.   3-end fleece is the premium standard

With this kind of knitting process:

●  the outside stays smooth and structured
●  the inside becomes soft, plush and more insulating
●  the fabric holds its shape better over time
●  It also tends to feel more substantial without feeling stiff or heavy. 
●  the 3-end fleece method requires more yarn and is more technical. Most high end brands choose this fabric for the softer interior. The unmistakable quality you cannot fake.

That "favorite hoodie" feeling?

There's a good chance that 3-end fleece had something to do with it.

The Difference You Can Actually Feel
This is where things get interesting.  Because people may not care about textile construction . . .  but they absolutely notice the results

Good 3-end fleece tends to:
●  keep its shape better
●  resist that sad stretched-out look 
●  possess more thermal properties and feel warmer
●  survive washing better
●  maintain a softer interior longer

This matters quite a bit when the wearer:
●  has four legs
●  has a zeal for life and outdoor shenanigans 
●  needs the correct fit that has everything to do with comfort and safety.  

Why I Started Paying Attention To It
When I first started sewing dog clothing in 2011, I mostly looked at color, a cute prints and softness that almost entirely meant using fleece.

Now?
I pay attention to recovery, weight, structure, pilling, fiber blends and whether a fabric is going to betray me (or my customer 😱)  six weeks later. 

Experience is a humbling thing.

The more I worked with dog sweaters and rompers, the more I began to see how each and every fiber behaves.  It became obvious that fabric quality (in addition to construction) changes everything.  Field tests during the winter help drive that point home.  It helps reveal
● how a garment fits
●  how long a garment will last
●  how important cuff construction is in regard to a lasting fit
●  whether or not how the fabric stays and moves without twisting all at the same time. 
●  whether it still looks good after actual real-life wear

Because even the fanciest dog still behaves like . . .   a dog.
Even Italian Greyhounds.  Those tiny noodles somehow put clothing through OSHA-level testing conditions.  

Why This Matters for Fall
As I work on upcoming fall sweaters and rompers, I have been spending a ridiculous amount of time researching fabrics that balance and compliment each other.  Also making sure fabric care will match any garment combinations that I make with each garment. That balance has to include:
●  warmth
●  flexibility
●  softness especially the interior part of the coat or sweater
●  durability
●  and comfort and fit for movement

Because if a dog freezes every time they walk in a sweater, or the fabric pills after a month, the garment failed its job no matter how pretty it looked online. It makes a difference once you start handling higher quality fleece, it becomes very hard to go back.

Textile Nerd Conclusion