Once the winter season comes, warm jackets are the stars of the show, as they are used to keep people warm and stylish. The Sherpa jacket and the fleece jacket are the most popular outerwear jackets amongst all the varieties of outerwear. They are both popular and have been mixed together. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Is a Sherpa jacket warmer than fleece?” or “Which one is better for layering?” you’re not alone.In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Sherpa and fleece jackets, their materials, warmth, and style among others to make the right decision.
What is a Sherpa Jacket?
A Sherpa jacket is also worn and usually has a soft, wool like material with the texture of sheepskin. The Sherpa is usually artificial wool, so it still has all the luxury of snuggling, but there is no use of actual animal hair to achieve it. The interior of a Sherpa jacket is fluffy and makes it look and feel differently.
This kind of jacket can usually be reversed, and one side can be a fleece/smooth jacket and the other a soft Sherpa jacket that is all the warmer and comforting. When it gets really cold, Sherpa jackets would fit the bill as they are stylish and would keep you warm. They can be worn well underneath larger items and will give your winter wardrobe a rough and warm look.
Sherpa jackets are popular as street and casual wear and are a staple to be worn by any outdoors enthusiast requiring a winter jacket in frigid conditions that also has to be stylish.
In the case you are seeking a sleek Sherpa jacket to be included in your wardrobe, see our 8 Ball Reversible Jacket as an example of a quality winter wear.
What is a Fleece Jacket?
Fleece jackets are the lightweight and breathable jackets, which are fabricated by using the polyester-based synthetic insulation. Fleece is delicate, velvety and it has the ability to trap air and this keeps the body warm as the moisture moves out of the body. As compared to Sherpa, which is a heavy wool-like material, fleece is a far more lightweight and elastic material which is suitable as an active wear, or as a layer.
The lightweight application of fleece implies that it can be worn even in the soft period of winter or can be worn as an exclusive, like that of the streetwear firm, who makes use of the fleece in its brand very often. A fleece jacket can be used as an under-layer since it is worn under a coat that is thicker or as an outer jacket when the weather is not too cold. The fabric is not holding any moisture, not holding and is breathable very easily to dry and lasts long and this will be very helpful in daily life.
Fleece jackets are very multifunctional. They provide their sporty and casual style that is great to wear over hoodies or under jackets. Their success in urban wear and outdoor lifestyles shows that they are a good mix of being warm, comfortable and not too bulky.
Sherpa Jacket vs Fleece Jacket – Key Differences
Let’s compare these two popular jacket types side by side to highlight their key differences:
| Feature | Sherpa Jacket | Fleece Jacket |
| Warmth | Higher (warmer) | Moderate (less warm) |
| Material | Faux wool, soft and fluffy | Synthetic polyester (lightweight) |
| Weight | Medium (heavier) | Lightweight |
| Style Appeal | Rugged, cozy, more stylish | Sporty, casual, functional |
| Price Range | Typically higher | Often more affordable |
| Best For | Harsh winters, outdoor activities, fashion layering | Mild winters, casual wear, everyday use |
As much as the two jackets are exciting and fashionable, they serve different purposes. Sherpa jackets are more rugged and insulating to extreme cold. Conversely, fleece jackets can be used in lighter conditions and a lighter and breathable feel.
Which One is Right for You?
A Sherpa jacket vs fleece jacket is a choice that depends on many factors such as your climate, sense of style, and the purpose of use. Let’s break it down:
1. Climate:
-
Sherpa:
When the winter is very harsh where you will live, you may need a Sherpa jacket to get the warmth you need to be comfortable. The high top faux wool lining is heat trapper and designed in such a way that it would fit in freezing weather.
-
Fleece:
Fleece is less appropriate to serve as a winter variant as it works well in non snowy environments or bulky jacket-type. It is good to use it in mild weather conditions or during outdoor activities that require its breathable material as well as in a colder but not a very harsh climate.
2. Style Preferences:
-
Sherpa:
Sherpa jackets have a distinctive style that can be very glamorous and comfortable at the same time. These are ideal to have as an up-to-date street item that is also compact and comfortable.
-
Fleece:
Fleece is the choice when a sporty and casual feel is needed. The light and flexible option, it is a perfect heavy-duty jacket that you wear day-to-day, or in case you want to have it layered.
3. Use:
- Sherpa:
If you seek a long-lasting, trendy jacket in outdoor clothes or you like something that is cool and warm, Sherpa is your most probable option.
-
Fleece:
Fleece is the material of choice when you want a lighter fabric to use in every-day wear, or when wearing a moisture-wicking jacket (relevant in more active ventures such as hiking or jogging).
4. Budget:
- Sherpa:
Sherpa jackets tend to be pricier and this is justified by their warm, quality material and the trendiness of the look of the brand.
-
Fleece:
Fleece jackets tend to be less expensive and very good value in terms of warmth and lightweight.
Sherpa + Fleece Combo Jackets
Fleece jackets and Sherpa jackets can be quite similar, and you cannot choose between two of them, then why not have the best of both worlds? A lot of contemporary hybrid jackets are a blend of Sherpa and fleece to give out the balance between warmth, comfort, and style. Take a look at the 8 Ball Reversible Jacket, which has a Sherpa-lined side and a fleece side, just to have a little something lighter and more breathable on hand. This two-in-one jacket will enable you to express yourself according to the weather and still have a stylish appearance like street wear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sherpa is warmer, and thicker, so it is good in extremely cold conditions. Fleece is also lighter, more breathable being ideally fitted in mild winters or as an underlayer.
Although both materials are washable in the machine, a Sherpa jacket is to be washed on a gentle cycle using cold water and a fleece jacket can mainly be washed on a regular cycle. It is best to read the label of care prior to usage.
Sherpa is also a substitute for wool and a thicker style of insulation which is heavier and less breathable compared to the fleece which is lighter with synthetic fiber content.
Yes, both Sherpa and fleece jackets can be unisexed, and, therefore, they can fit both sexes.
The Sherpa jackets are more durable as they are made of thicker fabric whereas the fleece jackets depreciate more with constant washing or hard usage.
Absolutely! Sherpa jackets are cool jackets during hard winters hence they are ideal snow jackets.
Yes, fleece breathes more as the lightweight fabric has moisture wicking capabilities, and it is only suitable to use in harsher activity or warmer winter conditions.
Fleece jackets are very nice to layer on because they are light and breathable. Sherpa jackets are also applicable on the outside layer yet they may not be easy to layer because they are thick.
Sherpa jackets and fleece jackets are both stylish in the street wear industry and each has different spices on the style they give in terms of fashion.
Conclusion
Whether to buy a Sherpa jacket or a fleece jacket all depends on your needs and preferences. When it comes to warmth, comfort, and rugged look, a choice of a Sherpa jacket is what you want. However, a fleece jacket would be better-suited, in the case, when something light, airy, cheap, and that can be worn as a layer as well as casually, is required. Whichever jacket you choose, you will keep yourself warm and fashionable during winter.
Check out our Sherpa Jackets & Fleece jackets that are already ready to get you through your winter here to get the one that suits your needs!
Reversible Jacket
Sherpa Jacket
8 Ball Jacket
Varsity Jacket
Leather Jacket
Hooded Jackets
Bomber Jacket
Coach Jacket
Sherpa Vest
View All