Fleece and sherpa fleece are both made of polyester, though there are some key differences between them, that you will want to be aware of to find the best fabric for your project. Fleece, also known as microfleece, is a thicker, heavier fabric that offers more warmth and comfort than sherpa fleece fabrics.
It is made of polyester, making it highly breathable and easy to clean. The two fabrics are not interchangeable, but they are often used together in garments.
Sherpa fleece, also known as shell fleece, is a thinner, lighter fabric that offers a lot of warmth and comfort, as well as a level of water-resistance. It is made of polyester, which makes it very durable and washable.
Sherpa fleece can be found with or without an anti-pilling finish. This means that if you do get pilled on this type of fleece, it won’t show up when washed.
If you’re looking for something that’s going to stand up to frequent washing, then sherpa fleece may be what you need.
Sherpa vs Fleece which is better?
Pros and Cons of Sherpa
- The Pros:
- Very warm – A good quality sherpa fleece jacket can keep you warm even during cold weather conditions. They offer excellent insulation properties and have been designed specifically to withstand high temperatures.
- Lightweight – These jackets weigh less than other types of outerwear so they’re great for active wear. You don’t feel weighed down by these lightweight pieces.
- Durable – If you live somewhere where snowfall occurs regularly, then a sherpa fleece jacket could prove invaluable. Because of their durability, they last longer than most other materials.
- Waterproof – As mentioned above, sherpas are waterproof. So whether you go swimming or take part in any outdoor activities, you’ll stay dry.
- Breathable – Another benefit of using sherpa fleece over regular fleece is its ability to breathe.
- The Cons:
- Not all sherpa fleece jackets come with hoods. Some only include sleeves while others lack pockets altogether.
- Pricey – While many people love wearing sherpa fleece because of how comfortable it feels, it does cost quite a bit more than standard fleece.
- Pilling – When you use a sherpa fleece material, you might notice small white dots appearing on the surface after being worn for a while. This is called “pill formation” and it happens due to friction caused from repeated laundering. To prevent this from happening, make sure you always handwash your clothes instead of machine washes.
- Limited Colors/Patterns – Many sherpa fleece products available today tend to feature solid colors or simple patterns. There aren’t too many options out there when it comes to color choices.
Pros and Cons of Fleece
- The Pros:
- Affordable – Compared to sherpa fleece, fleeces are much cheaper. That said, they still provide plenty of benefits like those listed above.
- Versatile – With fleece, you can create almost anything you want. From sweaters to coats, pants, hats, gloves, scarves, etc., you name it!
- Easy Care – Unlike some other clothing items, fleece doesn’t require special care. Just throw them into the laundry whenever needed.
- Consistent Color – The downside to fleece is that it tends to run true to size. Since it has no specific measurements, you will likely end up buying one size larger than usual.
- Fade Resistant – Due to the nature of fleece, it fades easily. However, since it wears off quickly, you shouldn’t worry about it showing signs of aging anytime soon.
- The Cons:
- Heavy Weight – Like we discussed earlier, fleece isn’t as lightweight as sherpa fleece. It’s also not as durable either. For example, if you get caught outside without an umbrella, chances are you won’t survive.
- Expensive – Although fleece is affordable compared to sherpa fleece, it still remains expensive.
- No Hood – Most fleece garments do not include a hood. But if you’re looking for something extra- warm, then you should consider getting one.
Which should I choose?
So which type of fleece would be best suited for you? Well, that depends entirely upon what kind of activity you plan on doing outdoors.
If you spend time hiking through snowy mountains, then you need a sherpa fleece product. On the other hand, if you just enjoy going jogging around town during warmer months, then you probably wouldn’t mind purchasing a normal fleece item.
Popular products made of Sherpa and Fleece
Sherpa and fleece are two of the most popular fabrics for making up knits, and they are often used in the same projects. However, they are very different from each other.
Sherpa is a very soft, silky, and warm fabric made of synthetic fibers, while fleece is a heavier textile made of synthetic and natural fibers.
Fleece is a much softer form of the original wool, and is often used in clothing and a variety of home decor items.
Here some list of popular products made of sherpa and fleece:
- Sherpa-lined coat
Sherpa-lined coat is a great option for people who love wearing jackets but don’t have enough space inside their closet. This jacket features a lining made of sherpa material so that it provides warmth even though its outer layer is made of regular cotton.
- Actual sheepskin coat
Actual sheepskin coat is a classic winter garment that comes with a fur collar and sleeves. Its exterior is made of 100% pure sheepskin, while its interior is lined with sherpa fleece.
- Fleece blanket
Fleece blanket are perfect for those cold nights when your bedding gets too hot or wet. They come in various sizes and colors, and can be machine washed and dried.
- Lycra spandex fleece
Lycra spandex fleece are extremely stretchy and comfortable. These types of fleece are ideal for yoga pants because they allow you to move freely throughout class.
- Basic fleece sweatshirts
Basic fleece sweatshirts are easy to wear all year round. You can pair them with jeans or leggings, and they will keep you cozy no matter how chilly it may get out there.
- Columbia fleece jacket
Columbia fleece jacket are used for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, skiing, etc. The Columbia brand has been producing high quality fleece since 1892.
- Cotton blend fleece
Cotton blend fleece is a good choice for casual outfits as well as activewear. It’s also suitable for both men and women.
- Polyester fleece sweater
Polyester fleece sweaters are lightweight and durable. They provide excellent insulation against wind and rain, and are available in many styles and patterns.
- Double-sided fleece
Double-sided fleece are double layers of fleece sewn together at the edges. Double sided fleece are usually thicker than single-layer fleece.
- Eco-friendly fleeces
Eco-friendly fleece are made using recycled materials such as plastic bottles, old tires, and organic cotton.
- Fleece for sweatpants
Fleece for sweatpants are an essential part of any workout outfit. Fleece sweatpants are designed specifically for working out, and they offer comfort and protection during exercise.
- Lycra-blend fleece
Lycra-blend fleece are used for athletic apparel, including running shorts, tights, and compression shirts. Lycra-blend fabrics are highly elastic and breathable, making them ideal for sports where moisture needs to be kept away from skin.
- Normal fleece blanket
Normal fleece blanket are used for sleeping on cold nights. Normal fleece blankets are soft and warm, and they’re very affordable.
- Sheepskin fleece
Sheepskin fleeces are made by shearing sheepskin into long strips called “fleece”. Sheepskin fleece is softer and more luxurious than other kinds of fleece.
- Performance fleece
Performance fleece are used for indoor workouts, such as spinning classes, aerobics, weightlifting, and cardio training. Performance fleece offers superior thermal regulation and wicking properties, which makes it great for keeping athletes dry and cool.
- Plush fleece jackets
Plush fleece jackets are used for wintertime adventures. Plush fleece jackets have thick padding that provides extra warmth and comfort while protecting against snow, sleet, hail, and freezing temperatures.
- Wool fleece
Wool fleece are used for everyday clothing, especially outer garments. Wool fleece are naturally insulating, so they help prevent heat loss.
- Polar fleece blankets
Polar fleece blankets are perfect for layering under your favorite hoodies and sweatshirts. These premium fleece jackets are often treated with water repellent technology to repel moisture and protect against stains.
- Polartec fleece
Polartec fleece are used for outdoor wear, such as hiking boots, backpacks, gloves, hats, coats, and pants. Polartec fleece keep you comfortable when exposed to wet weather or extreme conditions.
- Polyester fleece garments
Polyester fleece garments are a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts because these types of fleece can withstand high levels of activity without losing their shape. Polyester fleece garments are commonly found in yoga clothes, gym gear, and casual outfits.
- Premium fleece garments
Premium fleece garments are typically heavier and warmer than regular fleece. They’re also available in many different colors and patterns.
Premium fleece garments provide excellent insulation and durability.
