Fleece vs Sherpa Photo Blankets: Complete Comparison Guide
Fleece blankets are lightweight, affordable ($80-$110), and ideal for year-round use. Sherpa blankets are heavier, warmer ($115-$125), and best for cold weather or premium gifts. Both print photo-realistic images with fade-resistant sublimation.
Choosing between fleece and sherpa for your custom photo blanket comes down to warmth, weight, and budget. This guide compares both materials so you can make the right choice.
Key Stats:- Price Difference: Sherpa costs $15-25 more than fleece
- Warmth: Sherpa provides 40% more insulation
- Weight: Sherpa weighs approximately 2x fleece
- Print Quality: Both support 300+ DPI photo-realistic printing
- Lifespan: Both last 5-10+ years with proper care
What Is the Difference Between Fleece and Sherpa?
Fleece Blankets
Fleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyester. It features:
- Lightweight feel - Easy to carry, doesn't feel heavy
- Soft texture - Smooth on both sides
- Breathable - Doesn't trap excessive heat
- Quick-drying - Dries faster than sherpa
- Year-round comfort - Works in any season
Sherpa Blankets
Sherpa (also called "faux sherpa") mimics sheep's wool with a plush, fluffy texture:
- Premium weight - Substantial, cozy feel
- Dual texture - Smooth printed side + plush backing
- Extra warmth - Traps more body heat
- Luxurious appearance - Looks and feels premium
- Gift-worthy - Perceived as higher value
How Do Fleece and Sherpa Compare?
| Feature | Fleece | Sherpa |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavy, substantial |
| Warmth | Moderate | High |
| Texture | Smooth both sides | Smooth front, plush back |
| Best Season | Year-round | Fall/Winter |
| Price (50"x60") | $100 | $115 |
| Price (60"x80") | $110 | $125 |
| Drying Time | Fast | Slower |
| Print Quality | 300+ DPI | 300+ DPI |
| Machine Washable | Yes | Yes (gentle) |
| Pill Resistance | High | Moderate |
Which Is Warmer: Fleece or Sherpa?
Sherpa is warmer. The plush backing traps more body heat than smooth fleece.Warmth Comparison by Climate
| Climate | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cold winters (below 40F) | Sherpa | Maximum insulation |
| Mild winters (40-60F) | Either | Personal preference |
| Year-round use | Fleece | Breathable, not too hot |
| Air-conditioned rooms | Either | Both provide comfort |
| Outdoor use | Fleece | Lighter, dries faster |
Temperature Guide
- Sherpa: Best when room temperature is below 65F
- Fleece: Comfortable in any temperature, won't overheat
Which Is Softer: Fleece or Sherpa?
Softness is subjective, but here's how they compare:
Fleece Softness
- Uniform smooth texture on both sides
- Consistent feel across entire blanket
- Soft but not "plush"
- Stays soft wash after wash (pill-resistant)
Sherpa Softness
- Printed side: Smooth like fleece
- Back side: Ultra-plush, fluffy texture
- Perceived as more luxurious
- May develop slight pilling with heavy use
How Does Print Quality Compare?
Both materials produce excellent photo-realistic prints:
| Print Factor | Fleece | Sherpa |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 300+ DPI | 300+ DPI |
| Color vibrancy | Excellent | Excellent |
| Edge-to-edge coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Fade resistance | High | High |
| Detail clarity | Sharp | Sharp |
What Are the Size and Price Options?
Fleece Photo Blankets
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lap | 30" x 40" | $80 |
| Throw | 50" x 60" | $100 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $110 |
Sherpa Photo Blankets
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Throw | 50" x 60" | $115 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | $125 |
Price Difference Summary
- 50"x60": Sherpa costs $15 more
- 60"x80": Sherpa costs $15 more
- 30"x40": Only available in fleece
Which Material Is Best for Gifts?
Choose Sherpa for Premium Gifts
Sherpa blankets make impressive gifts because:
- Heavier weight feels substantial when unwrapped
- Plush texture creates immediate "wow" factor
- Perceived value is higher than fleece
- Best for memorial gifts, weddings, milestone birthdays
Choose Fleece for Practical Gifts
Fleece blankets work well for:
- Everyday use (couch throw, travel)
- College students (dorm room)
- Kids (lighter weight, easy to wash)
- Budget-conscious gifting
Gift Recommendation by Occasion
| Occasion | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding | Sherpa 60"x80" | Premium feel for new home |
| Memorial | Sherpa 50"x60" | Comfort during grief |
| Birthday (milestone) | Sherpa | Special occasion deserves premium |
| Birthday (casual) | Fleece | Practical, great value |
| Mother's Day | Either | Match recipient preference |
| Graduation | Fleece 50"x60" | Dorm-ready, practical |
| Christmas | Either | Match recipient's climate |
| New baby | Fleece 30"x40" | Lightweight for nursery |
How Do You Care for Each Material?
Both materials are machine washable with slight differences:
Fleece Care
- Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
- Tumble dry low heat
- Dries quickly
- Highly pill-resistant
- Can handle more frequent washing
Sherpa Care
- Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
- Air dry recommended (or tumble dry low)
- Takes longer to dry
- May develop slight pilling on plush side
- Wash less frequently to maintain texture
Care Comparison
| Care Factor | Fleece | Sherpa |
|---|---|---|
| Wash frequency tolerance | High | Moderate |
| Drying method | Tumble dry low | Air dry preferred |
| Drying time | 30-45 minutes | 60-90 minutes or air dry |
| Pilling risk | Low | Moderate |
| Long-term maintenance | Easy | Slightly more care |
Which Material Is More Durable?
Both materials last 5-10+ years with proper care:
Fleece Durability
- Advantages: Pill-resistant, maintains softness, dries fast
- Considerations: Lighter weight may feel less substantial over time
Sherpa Durability
- Advantages: Heavier construction, premium feel
- Considerations: Plush backing may develop pilling with heavy use
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Fleece If You:
- Want year-round comfort
- Prefer lightweight blankets
- Need easy care (frequent washing)
- Have a tighter budget
- Want lap size (30"x40")
- Live in mild climate
- Need travel-friendly blanket
Choose Sherpa If You:
- Want maximum warmth
- Prefer premium, luxurious feel
- Are giving a special gift
- Live in cold climate
- Want "cozy" movie night blanket
- Don't mind slightly more care
- Value perceived premium quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sherpa or fleece better for photo blankets?
Both produce identical print quality. Choose based on feel: fleece is lightweight and year-round friendly; sherpa is heavier and warmer. Sherpa costs $15 more and feels more premium.
Which is warmer, fleece or sherpa?
Sherpa is warmer. The plush backing traps approximately 40% more body heat than smooth fleece. Choose sherpa for cold climates or winter use; fleece for year-round comfort.
Does sherpa pill more than fleece?
Yes. Sherpa's plush backing may develop slight pilling with heavy use. Fleece is pill-resistant and maintains consistent texture longer. Both last 5-10+ years with proper care.
Can you wash sherpa and fleece the same way?
Similar but not identical. Both use cold water, gentle cycle. Fleece can tumble dry low; sherpa is best air dried or tumble dried on lowest setting to maintain plush texture.
Is sherpa worth the extra cost?
For gifts and cold-weather use, yes. Sherpa's premium feel and extra warmth justify the $15 price difference. For everyday use or budget-conscious purchases, fleece provides excellent value.
Which is better for summer?
Fleece. Its lightweight, breathable construction prevents overheating. Sherpa traps too much heat for comfortable summer use unless in heavily air-conditioned rooms.
Do photos look the same on fleece and sherpa?
Yes. Both use identical 300+ DPI sublimation printing technology. The printed side looks identical. The only difference is the back: smooth (fleece) vs plush (sherpa).
Which lasts longer, fleece or sherpa?
Both last 5-10+ years with proper care. Fleece requires less maintenance and maintains texture with less effort. Sherpa may need more careful washing to preserve plush backing.
Start Designing Your Photo Blanket
Now that you know the differences, create your custom blanket:
1. Browse all photo blankets to compare fleece and sherpa options
2. Start designing now with the online tool
Upload your favorite photos and choose your preferred material. Both options deliver photo-realistic quality with fade-resistant printing and lifetime warranty.
