Sherpa, Explained

Sherpa is a deep-pile knit fabric that imitates shearling — the curly, lofted wool side of a sheepskin — in polyester or acrylic. It is the cloud-soft white or cream fluff lining denim jackets, backing hoodies and starring in teddy coats: shearling's warmth and look at a fraction of the cost, weight and care.

How sherpa is made

Long pile fibers are knitted into a stretchy base cloth, then washed and treated so the surface crimps into shearling-style curl rather than lying flat like fleece. The knit base means sherpa stretches slightly and never frays; the pile means everything about handling it is really about managing fluff and bulk.

What sherpa feels like

Deeply soft, lofty and warm — pile insulation working exactly like fleece but taller. It is usually a lining and trim fabric: sherpa-backed sweatshirt knits put smooth face outside and fluff inside in one cloth, while single sherpa lines yokes, collars and boots.

What to sew with sherpa

Jacket and vest linings — the denim-jacket classic
Teddy coats and gilets
Hood linings, collars and slipper boots
Blankets, pet beds and mitten linings

Sewing the fluff

Cut from the BACK, single layer, sliding scissor tips through the pile so you cut backing, not fluff — the mess drops to near zero
Shear the pile out of seam allowances after sewing to kill bulk
Walking foot, longer stitch, and a leather or 90/14 needle for sherpa-plus-shell layers
Pick trapped pile out of finished seams with a pin — seams disappear into the fluff

How to care for sherpa

Wash cold on gentle, inside a bag or zipped garment, and AIR DRY — heat is what mats sherpa into sad flat clumps. Revive crushed pile with a slicker brush (the pet kind) in gentle strokes. Skip fabric softener, which coats and dulls the curl.

Common questions

Is sherpa real wool?

No — despite the shearling look, sherpa is almost always polyester or acrylic pile. That is why it washes easily and costs a fraction of sheepskin.

Sherpa vs. fleece — which is warmer?

Sherpa's taller pile traps more air, so inch for inch it is warmer and loftier; fleece is trimmer and layers better under things. The classic move uses both: fleece body, sherpa lining.

How do I keep sherpa soft and fluffy?

Cold gentle washes, no dryer heat, no softener, and a slicker brush when it mats. Heat is the enemy — it permanently clumps the curl.

Shop 87 sherpa styles by the yard →