The Best Sherpa Blankets

A Sherpa blanket, quite simply, is a blanket made from Sherpa fabric. This type of fabric is designed to mimic the properties and texture of sheep’s wool while being made entirely from synthetic materials. They may also be called faux shearling or faux sheepskin. Sherpa blankets are also notable for having one side that is (usually) smooth and suede-like while the other is fleece-like and fluffy to the touch, the side that more closely resembles and feels like sheepskin. If you want a blanket that you know for sure will be warm and cozy to snuggle up or fall asleep under, you can’t go wrong with a nice Sherpa blanket.

Buying Guide for Sherpa Blankets

Why buy a Sherpa blanket?

Sherpa blankets are known for their soft, fleece-like feel. An eco-friendly and cruelty-free yet equally warm and snug alternative to sheep wool, Sherpa blankets are warm, lightweight, easily washable, and cozy for any room in the house, from the living room to the bedroom. They have all the valuable properties of sheep’s wool or sheepskin, namely its warmth and insulation, without any of wool’s drawbacks; Sherpa fabric doesn’t shrink or become scratchy over time the way wool does, it’s much easier to clean and care for, it’s not nearly as heavy to wear, dries much quicker, and since it’s a synthetic material, people who are allergic to sheep’s wool can use a Sherpa blanket without fear.

And no matter the size of the blanket in question, a Sherpa blanket is lightweight and slender rather than bulky, providing warmth without weighing you down or taking up extra storage space. Overall, they are amazingly cozy go-tos for pretty much any relaxing home activity, from movie nights to naps to reading and beyond.

What should you look for in a Sherpa blanket?

• Size: Like any other type of blanket, Sherpa blankets come in a wide range of different possible sizes, most commonly from 30 by 40 inches to 102 by 90 inches. Determining where you want to use your blanket and how many people you want to be able to snuggle under it at once can help you choose the appropriate dimensions. Don’t forget to take storage space into account, either; you don’t want a blanket that’s so long it drags on the floor when folded over the back of your couch or one that’s too big to fold up and squeeze into a blanket chest or storage ottoman.
• Shape: While most come in the classic rectangular or square blanket shape, this isn’t your only option. Other geometric shapes, like circles, are also available. Some Sherpa blankets even come in a robe-like form, so you can wear them like an item of clothing. These are especially nice for anyone who lives in a drafty, poorly insulated home or for extra cold days when you want to take a sip of hot cocoa or tea but don’t want to expose your arm to the chilly air for even a minute.
• Design: Sherpa blankets don’t have to be plain, single-colored blankets in neutral or earthy shades only. Whether you like your Sherpa blankets simple or uniquely designed, you can find a blanket that suits your tastes by exploring different color and pattern combinations. There are plenty of solid color options in just about every shade and hue imaginable and a multitude of bi-colored and multicolored Sherpa blankets. There are patterned options a-plenty as well. Don’t be afraid to hold out for a Sherpa blanket that really speaks to your personal sense of style.

What’s the difference between a Sherpa blanket and a fleece blanket?

While they’re both nice and cozy and overlap in many ways, there is a key difference between Sherpa blankets and fleece blankets. Namely, as mentioned, Sherpa blankets are designed to resemble real sheepskin very closely and are smooth on one side and fuzzy on the other. Fleece is fuzzy and fluffy on both sides, and at least one side is typically brushed to create a nice soft pile.

Also note that fleece is a bit warmer; there’s a reason it’s used as a primary fabric for some jackets and mittens, while Sherpa is more commonly used as a lining when not in blanket form. That said, Sherpa is more flexible, softer to the touch, and not as scratchy as fleece. Sherpa is lightweight, whereas fleece can vary between many different weights and thicknesses. Sherpa is also dryer-safe, while fleece isn’t, so Sherpa blankets are a bit more convenient in terms of care and washing.

Our Picks for the Comfiest Sherpa Blankets

Pros: No matter which side of this blanket you use, the fuzzier Sherpa side or the plush faux fur side, you’ll love how soft it feels. This blanket is reversible and resistant to fading, even after multiple washes, and it’s available in a range of different sizes, including one large enough to use as a coverlet on a king bed. Best of all, the price is nice and low, so you get all the coziness it provides without spending an arm and a leg.

Cons: There is a good chance that this blanket will shed, so be sure to have a good lint roller on hand, just in case. Following the washing instructions exactly as listed will reduce the risk, but there may still be some minimal shedding.

Bottom Line: This reversible, super-soft microfiber Sherpa blanket is everything you could hope for: ultra-comfortable, cozy, plush, and warm. With multiple sizes and colors to choose from, it will make a great blanket for any space and any taste. 

 

Pros: This is another soft, cozy Sherpa blanket constructed of plush microfiber material on the top side and extremely soft Sherpa fabric on the underside. It offers different textures for your senses to enjoy. You, your family, and your pets won’t be able to get enough snuggling with this soft blanket. It’s available in several large sizes and in a much wider range of colors than the average Sherpa blanket offers; there are 24 different colors from which to choose. Its knit-edge stitching makes it a slightly more decorative option.

Cons: Be aware that this blanket is on the thinner side than you might expect, though it’ll still keep you warm just fine. Due to the edge stitching, it also has a higher risk for dangling threads than other Sherpa blankets, which may pose a risk to your dog or cat’s claws becoming stuck when they walk across it.

Bottom Line: This otherwise classic Sherpa blanket is unique due to its wide range of brighter, more eye-catching hues as opposed to more traditional neutral shades and its unique stitching. This machine-washable blanket will keep you warm and your space looking classy and elegant.

 

Pros: If you’re someone who seems to be cold all the time, you’ll love this wearable Sherpa blanket as a viable alternative to a traditional blanket or a boring jacket. This model has all the trademarks of a warm, snuggly Sherpa blanket but in a wearable form with sleeves—no more clutching a blanket around yourself when you get up to grab a drink from the kitchen, hoping cold air won’t leak in through the gaps. It has a pocket for keeping your hands warm or stashing your phone or other items. And you have a choice between a standard-sized pocket or a larger kangaroo pocket for more storage space. It’s available in several different colors and fun patterns and is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Cons: Unlike some wearable blankets, this model doesn’t have a hood or any sort of back closure; the sleeves will hold it in place just fine, but it will be open at the back to some degree when you stand up. It’s also only available in one size (though this size should be suitable for most adults), and it’s more expensive than a regular Sherpa blanket.

Bottom Line: This one-size-fits-all wearable Sherpa blanket can keep you warm and cozy from head to toe, no matter where you go. You can pull your legs into the blanket when sitting while avoiding any dragging when you get up and keep the cold air out without worrying about it sliding down at inopportune moments.

 

Pros: Many people like to display their blankets as part of the living room or bedroom aesthetic when they’re not in use, and this Sherpa blanket will do that nicely. Between the extra-fluffy look and the large pom poms that line the edge of the blanket, it has a modern, fun design that sets it apart. The extra fluff of the blanket makes it that much cozier when you do snuggle up underneath it, and it’s nice and lightweight but warm, so you won’t feel weighed down. And while you think the unique texture of this blanket would mean that it sheds or creates lint more easily, the opposite is the case.

Cons: This Sherpa blanket isn’t available in as many different size options as most, and as cute as the pom poms are, there is a chance that they’ll get smushed or pop off over time. Be extra careful to wash the blanket according to the directions to help reduce this risk.

Bottom Line: This trendy Sherpa blanket is super-soft and extra-fuzzy on both sides with pom-pom accents for a nice aesthetic when not in use. It’s lightweight, warm, machine washable, and the perfect blend of functional and decorative.

 

Pros: If you prefer an eye-catching print or a fun, unique design for your Sherpa blanket as opposed to one in a single solid shade, this is the blanket for you. There are 13 fun and unusual patterns from which you can choose. This well-made, machine-washable, dryer-friendly, and reversible Sherpa blanket is notable for its unique patterns and its slightly different texture. It’s less plush than other models but offers a smoother, more silky feel.

Cons: This throw blanket is a bit more expensive than a standard Sherpa blanket. It’s also worth noting that the sizing options are slightly more limited than most, and they tend to run a little small.

Bottom Line: This reversible Sherpa blanket boasts a smooth top texture in a range of unique patterns you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. It can also fold down small enough to fit in even an airplane carry-on bag without taking up the full space, allowing for easier storage if you choose to bring it on the go or not to display it in your home.

Final Thoughts

With so many different types of blankets out there, narrowing your selection down may seem like a tricky task. But rest assured that a good, cozy Sherpa blanket is a no-brainer, especially if you find thick, down blankets to be too heavy for your liking.