With winter just around the corner, many of you are probably digging out your blankets and comforters. 

What if we told you to ditch the traditional ones for a sherpa blanket? 

Your next thought would be, what is a sherpa blanket? Let us tell you all about it. 

A sherpa blanket, also known as Sherpa is named after the Sherpa people of Nepal. 

Similarly, a sherpa blanket resembles the wool-lined clothing worn by this tribe.

However, it is made very differently. 

So what is a sherpa blanket made of? 

Sherpa blankets are made of 100% synthetic polyester. This is a type of fleece designed to imitate sheepskin. The blanket usually has different materials on both sides. While one side has a soft and smooth texture impersonating real fleece the other is a knit cover.  

Because of the materials used, these blankets are also referred to as faux-shearling or faux-sheepskin blankets. 

What does a Sherpa blanket feel like? 

Warm, fluffy, and soft – everything you want your blanket to be. In addition to that,  these blankets are cruelty-free yet provide just as much snug comfort as genuine fur or wool. 

That’s one of many reasons why we cannot stop gushing about sherpa blankets. Let’s have a look at its other benefits below. 

Why do people like Sherpa blankets? For many reasons, some of which include:

As the sherpa blanket is double-sided, it creates strong insulation preserving heat and retaining warmth. The material it is made up of is considered to be one of the warmest fabrics out there. So, sherpa blankets are a must-have for long and chilly winter evenings. 

And if you are wondering, is sherpa warmer than quilt?, the answer is a resounding yes. 

So, what weather is Sherpa good for? The cold, long, and hard winters in any part of the world where the weather is unforgiving. 

Sherpa blankets are also one of the easiest to maintain and care for. They do not need any special treatment for cleaning. You can just put them in the washing machine and let it do its work. 

It is best to clean your sherpa blanket with cold water. It will help retain the fluffiness and keep the blanket looking great for a long time. 

Also, the fluffiness of the blankets is deceiving. As opposed to what it looks like, Sherpa blankets are very effective in wicking away moisture, allowing them to dry quickly. This negates the need for using an iron or dryer, reducing your electricity bills.

Moreover, you can spot-clean any dirt and stains in between washings to ensure the blanket looks fresh and tidy all the time. Just use a damp sponge to clean spots and dirty areas. Then, simply let it air-dry.

Even though made of synthetic fiber, sherpa fabric displays characteristics similar to natural fibers. So it is extremely breathable. The sherpa fabric takes away the moisture from your body, keeping you comfortable and dry. 

You will not start feeling extremely toasty inside your blanket, like it could be the case with traditional ones. So, while inside the blanket, you will not sweat profusely and feel the need to pop out an arm or a leg. 

That’s a good thing. 

Not only is a very warm blanket not breathable, it could be hazardous, especially for babies. 

As babies cannot regulate their body temperature, external insulation becomes very important for them. However, if they get too toasty, they will not be able to swat away the blanket.

That’s not the case with sherpa blankets and therefore they double up as great baby blankets. They’re comfortably warm, not suffocating. 

While heavy blankets help you keep warm due to the thick fabric, they are also very suffocating. The heaviness can pull you down into the mattress while the bulkiness makes it very difficult to hold, pick up, or fold the blanket. 

All these shortcomings can be overcome with a sherpa blanket without compromising on warmth and breathability. 

Sherpa blankets are extremely lightweight, so much so that they are suitable to be used for a baby as well. This is because the fibers can be altered according to the manufacturer to get the best quality with maximum comfort and usability. 

This kind of flexibility is not possible with natural products. 

So, as opposed to wool which is quite heavy and absorbs moisture very quickly, sherpa blankets are lightweight and easy to use. 

As sherpa fabric is artificially made, it is not as expensive as natural fiber. So, sherpa blankets are cheaper when compared to blankets made of wool. Also, even though it is less costly, there is no compromise on quality, making it a superior alternative to traditional blankets. 

This is undeniably the best quality of a sherpa blanket. You do not have to shear a sheep to keep yourself warm. You rely on synthetic materials, and although it may contain cotton, it is still a cruelty-free product. 

So, you have the peace of mind that no voiceless animals are harmed to provide you comfort. 

People who are sensitive to and avoid animal products can use sherpa blankets without worry. Those with animal-related allergies also do not have to worry about any adverse reactions. These blankets are safe to use.

As mentioned earlier, maintaining sherpa blankets is easy. You can spot clean as well as hand wash it. However, considering the sheer size of a blanket, it is better to put it in the washing machine on a cold wash cycle. 

But make sure to avoid rough handling as it can damage the fabric, cause shedding or pilling. 

To avoid any damage, put the blanket in a laundry bag and set your machine on a cold setting. Also, make sure, the spin is light so the washing is gentle. 

Have you ever been confused about what is a sherpa fleece blanket? Or what is a sherpa blanket, well they are one and the same thing. So, don’t get confused. 

Sherpa fleece is soft, warm, and moisture-resistant making it perfect for cold winter months. The fabric is very versatile and can be used for making a variety of products. So, blankets, jackets, sweatpants, hoods, cloth lining, scarves, vests, and more. 

From winter wear to household items, and from babies to pets, sherpa fleece can be used for many purposes. 

Our Siamese cat, Romo, enjoying his morning show. In his beanbag. On a sherpa blanket. He’s living the dream. pic.twitter.com/eOkCpq2eTq

— Rebecca Jackson (@Rebecca80743514) November 2, 2022

Sherpa fleece is also employed for making athletic wear due to its water-resistant properties

Apart from sherpa fleece, the market is filled with a huge variety of fleece fabrics. Some of them are:

It is a very durable fleece and is commonly used for apparel and clothing. Just like a sherpa, polar fleece is very warm. However, it is slightly thicker and heavier than sherpa. It comes in different thicknesses.

This is the original fleece that was made to mimic wool. It is more durable than cotton fleece, repels water, and does not shrink. It is perfect for rainwear as well as winter wear.

Unlike most types of fleece on this list which are synthetic, cotton fleece is natural,  and made up of, you guessed it right, cotton. It is more breathable than most fleeces but is also very prone to shrinkage. Cotton fleece is most commonly used for winter clothing like sweatshirts, and sweatpants.

Stretch fleece has spandex or lycra as an added material. So, the already stretchy fleece becomes more flexible. 

It is ultra-lightweight and the thinnest type of fleece. Hence, it is best for wearing inside the garment and layering. It provides warmth and breathability and is perfect for throw blankets, bathrobes, activewear, etc. 

Speaking of throw blankets, do you know what is a sherpa throw blanket? As the name suggests it is a blanket you throw over your body when sitting on the couch, walking around the house, etc. It is not heavy but effectively warm, shielding you away from the cold when using a full blanket is not feasible. 

It is very thin and is not suitable for winter wear. It is more for springs, falls, and even summers. The fleece can be seen in light hoodies, shorts, and sweatshirts. 

Slub fleece is made from two different-sized yarns giving it a unique texture, feel, and look. It is used more for decorating garments than for protection against cold.

As sherpa is warm, retains heat, and is breathable. So it is suitable for the cold winter months. 

Sherpa is considered one of the warmest fabrics. It is even warmer than a quilt.

Sherpa is a kind of fleece, however, it is much warmer and softer than other types of fleece.