Sherpa Vs. Fleece Blankets: Which Is Better For Staying Warm During Cold Winters?

Knowing how to layer bedding for maximum winter warmth on the coldest nights is key to getting through frigid nightly temperatures. For your top layer, you have two leading contenders for both comfort and warmth — Sherpa and fleece. But which is better for keeping you warm and toasty? While both are great options, Sherpa tends to be the warmer option thanks to its fluffy material that mimics the feel of sheep wool. Sherpa blankets are traditionally thicker than fleece ones, giving them a good warmth-to-weight ratio. Fleece blankets, on the other hand, are generally lighter weight than their Sherpa counterparts, making them less warm overall.

While Sherpa blankets might be warmer overall than fleece ones, this is not to say that a fleece blanket won't still keep you warm at night. Sherpa blankets might be thick and cozy, but fleece tends to have a smoother, sometimes softer texture. And if you're planning on traveling with your blanket, fleece is by far easier to pack in a bag or suitcase than its bulkier counterpart. You can't really go wrong with either option to keep you snug as a bug in the winter, but below, we break down the essential differences between Sherpa and fleece blankets so you can pick the one that's best for you.

Sherpa is a kind of fleece that is made to look and feel like sheep wool. Taking all the best qualities of real sheep skin — warmth, a cozy feeling, and a fluffy texture, animal lovers can rejoice, knowing that a sherpa blanket provides all of this in a synthetic material form. The result is a plush, thick (but still moderately lightweight) blanket that offers extreme warmth as well as breathability.

Compared to fleece blankets, sherpa blankets are generally more expensive due to their thicker, plusher texture and increased insulating properties. Also, since sherpa blankets are made from synthetic materials, they are hypoallergenic, which is a huge bonus for those with allergies. It's important to know the mistakes you want to avoid when washing your sherpa blankets to avoid damaging your fluffy and warm investment. The verdict: You should choose a sherpa blanket if you prefer a cozy, ultra-warm, snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug experience without focusing on a specific budget.

Perhaps not as warm, but still, a very good option is the fleece blanket. Made from polyester, fleece is available in many forms, such as microfleece, polar fleece, and lycra-blend fleece. Because they are not thick and fluffy like Sherpa, they are lightweight and packable, making them a preferred option for someone who is traveling. It's good to note that, although not as plush, they are soft and smooth, making them an equally good option to snuggle with during the winter. Plus, fleece has moisture-wicking properties, keeping your body dry while also keeping it warm.

Fleece blankets are far easier to clean than Sherpa, as Sherpa tends to pill after repeated washing and drying. However, drying fleece blankets can lead to static cling, which can be annoying to deal with. For the avid DIYer, you can learn how to DIY a fleece blanket for customizable home decor, making it unique to your interests and tastes. The verdict: Fleece blankets are best for shoppers on a budget or who need a warm, lightweight option.