What is the Difference Between Fleece and Sherpa Blanket

The main difference between fleece and Sherpa blanket is that Sherpa blankets often tend to be softer and warmer than fleece blankets.

Both fleece and Sherpa materials are 100% synthetic materials that have features of wool. They both are soft, warm, and breathable. However, there are certain subtle differences between fleece and Sherpa blanket.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Fleece Blanket
     – Definition, Features 
2. What is a Sherpa Blanket
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Fleece and Sherpa Blanket
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Fleece and Sherpa Blanket
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Blanket, Faux-sheepskin, Faux shearling, Fleece Blanket, Sherpa Blanket

What is a Fleece Blanket

Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is soft, warm and breathable. Although it is named as fleece, i.e., after the coat on sheep, it is completely artificial and is made from polyester. Sometimes, other natural fibres like wool and hemp can be added to create a certain texture in the fabric. Fleece can also be made from recycled plastics, making it an eco-friendly product. It originated in the 1970s when Malden Mills developed polyester fleece. This which was the basis on which all modern fleece is created. Fleece material is used for various clothing and textile items like jackets, hoods, blankets, sweatpants, etc. It is also ideal for athleticwear due to is moisture resistant quality.

Fleece blankets are warm and durable, just like wool ones. However, they are much softer and lighter in weight. Some people may find wool itchy, but since fleece is a synthetic material, this itching reaction does not happen with it.

What is a Sherpa Blanket

Sherpa blankets are made out of synthetic materials like polyester. They are sometimes also called faux-sheepskin or faux shearling. We also call these materials as Sherpa fleece. Sherpa blankets are soft and lightweight. They are also warm, water-resistant and easy to use. This material has two different sides: one side has a smooth and soft texture, resembling real fleece from sheep while the other side is the knit shell. This material is actually named after the Sherpa guides in Nepal, who lead foreigners up high Himalaya mountains. 

It’s important to note that sherpa is, in fact, a type of fleece. However, sherpa blankets are often softer and warmer than other types of fleece blankets. Moreover, sherpa material has many qualities of wool, but it is not as costly as natural fibre. You can stay nice and warm using these materials. Moreover, you can use these materials for items like coat linings, pet beds, throw blankets, and baby blankets.

Similarities Between Fleece and Sherpa Blanket

• Both fleece and Sherpa materials are 100% synthetic materials that have features of wool.
• They are soft, warm, and breathable.
• Sherpa is a type of fleece. We also call sherpa blankets as Sherpa fleece blankets. 

Difference Between Fleece and Sherpa Blanket

Definition

Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is soft, warm and breathable while Sherpa is made out of synthetic materials like polyester.

Nature

Sherpa blankets often tend to be softer and warmer than fleece blankets.

Conclusion

Both fleece and Sherpa materials are 100% synthetic materials that have features of wool. In fact, sherpa is a type of fleece material. The main difference between fleece and Sherpa blanket is that Sherpa blankets often tend to be softer and warmer than fleece blankets.

Reference:

1. Haubrich, Maria Valdez. “Salient Features of Fleece Blankets You Should Not Miss.” SmallBizDaily, 20 Aug. 2020, Available here.
2. “What Is Fleece? Why This Synthetic Is Preferred To Natural Fabric.” Contrado Blog, 28 July 2020, Available here.
3. “Things You Should Know about Sherpa Blankets – Zengbo.” Zjmannew, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. ” Antron Fleece” By iPowahFX Studio – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia