Sherpa vs. Fleece: What's the Difference and Which Is Warmer?

Short answer: sherpa is a type of fleece. Regular fleece has a short, smooth, brushed surface. Sherpa has a deep, curly pile made to look and feel like sheep's wool. Sherpa is thicker and usually warmer when you're standing still, while regular fleece is lighter, less bulky and breathes better when you're moving.

What is fleece?

Fleece is a soft knit fabric that has been brushed so the fibers stand up from the surface. Those raised fibers trap a thin layer of air, and trapped air is what keeps you warm. Fleece is light for the warmth it gives, dries quickly and stays comfortable against the skin, which is why it turns up in everything from jacket linings to winter pants.

What is sherpa?

Sherpa is fleece with a much deeper pile on one side. The surface is curly and bumpy rather than smooth, and it is designed to resemble shearling. Because the pile is taller, sherpa holds more air than standard fleece of the same weight. It is most often used as a lining, with a smoother fabric on the outside.

Sherpa vs. fleece at a glance

Which is warmer, sherpa or fleece?

Sherpa is usually warmer, because its taller pile traps more air. The difference shows most when you are not moving much: watching a game from a cold touchline, walking the dog, working in an unheated garage. When you are generating your own heat on a climb or a fast ride, that extra insulation can become too much, and regular fleece is the more comfortable choice.

Neither fabric stops wind on its own. Moving air passes through a brushed or pile surface and carries the warmth away, so on a windy day both work best under a wind-resistant outer layer. Our guide to the 3-layer system explains how the pieces fit together.

When should you choose sherpa?

• You feel the cold easily, or spend long stretches outside without moving much.
• You want one warm top instead of a sweatshirt plus a mid-layer.
• You like a soft, plush feel on the inside.

The Men's Sherpa Fleece Lined Crewneck Sweatshirt is lined end to end, has a ribbed collar, cuffs and hem to hold warm air in, and comes in sizes M through 5XL.

When should you choose regular fleece?

• You will be active: hiking, cycling, working on site.
• You need a layer that fits under a shell without bunching.
• You want warmth in your pants as well as your top.

For outerwear, the Fleece-Lined Hooded Work Jacket pairs a fleece lining with a water-resistant outer. For your legs, Fleece-Lined Tactical Cargo Pants add a windproof build to a multi-pocket work pant. If you are comparing whole jackets rather than linings, see Fleece vs. Softshell vs. Insulated.

How should a sherpa-lined sweatshirt fit?

A thick lining takes up room on the inside, so a lined sweatshirt needs more space than an unlined one to feel the same. On our sherpa sweatshirt, the chest measurement, taken on the garment laid flat and doubled, runs from 40.2 in at size M to 49.6 in at 5XL.

For a relaxed everyday fit, pick the size whose garment chest is about 4 to 6 inches larger than your own chest measurement. Size letters vary from brand to brand, so go by those numbers rather than the letter you usually buy. The most reliable check is to measure a sweatshirt you already like and compare it with the size chart on the product page. Our sweatshirt fit and size guide walks through it step by step.

How do you wash sherpa and fleece?

• Wash on a cool, gentle cycle, turned inside out.
• Skip fabric softener, which can leave the fibers flat and less soft.
• Tumble dry on low or hang to dry. High heat is what makes pile fabric mat.

Frequently asked questions

Is sherpa real wool?

No. Sherpa is a fleece fabric made to look and feel like shearling. It gives a similar plush warmth and is far easier to care for, since it can go in the washing machine.

Is sherpa warm enough for winter?

For everyday winter wear, yes. A sherpa-lined sweatshirt can stand in for a light jacket through autumn and works as a mid-layer under a coat in deeper cold. On windy days, add a wind-resistant outer layer.

Does sherpa lose its softness over time?

It can mat if it is washed hot or dried on high heat. Washing cool and drying gently keeps the pile lofty for much longer.

Is sherpa too warm to wear indoors?

It depends on the room. In a cool house or workshop it is comfortable all day. In a heated office you may prefer regular fleece or an unlined sweatshirt.

Do sherpa-lined sweatshirts run small?

They can feel snugger than an unlined top in the same size, because the lining takes up space. Check the garment measurements rather than relying on the size label.

Find more cold-weather layers in the Fall & Winter collection, or compare options in The Best Warm Sweatshirts & Sweaters for Layering This Winter.