Sherpa and fleece both look soft and warm in product photos, so it is hard to tell which one your dog actually needs. Fitwarm's sherpa sweaters are warm for small dog, but fleece also earns a place in winter wardrobe. Here is how the two fabrics compare, and how to match them to your dog's coat, size and daily routine.
What Is the Difference Between Sherpa and Fleece?
Fleece is a soft, brushed fabric with a short, even pile. Sherpa has a deeper, curly pile on one side that looks like a sheep's coat. Unlike fleece, sherpa is usually a synthetic pile rather than wool, and that extra pile is why it feels heavier in your hand. Dog clothes do not have to carry a fiber-content label under U.S. rules, so the product description is often the only place to check what a sweater is made of, as the FTC's guidance on labeling explains. Some styles mix the two. The Camo Sherpa Hoodie has a back panel crafted in sherpa fleece within 40% viscose, 40% nylon and 20% polyester. The front chest, hood and sleeves are crafted in double-sided fleece within 90% polyester and 10% spandex.
Which Is Warmer?
The honest answer is that the one with the deeper pile usually does. Sherpa's curly pile traps more still air than flat fleece of a similar weight, so a sherpa panel tends to read as the warmer layer when you hold two sweaters side by side. The Fuzzy Sherpa Dog Sweater is has plush sherpa panel that adds both warmth and texture. The Sherpa Turtleneck Dog Sweater adds a high neck for extra warmth.
Which Is Lighter and Easier to Move In?
Fleece wins here. It is thinner, it stretches with your dog, and it layers easily under a coat. Sweaters are usually less warm than jackets, which makes them more comfortable for dogs to wear inside the house, according to the AKC's suggestions to dog sweater. If you like a knit look, our Knitted Dog Sweater is made of 100% polyester, which keep it thermal and warm.
Fleece Picks for Everyday Wear
For more choice, browse all fleece dog clothes, from hoodies to pajamas.
Which Is Better For Wet or Windy Walks?
Neither fabric keeps rain out on its own, so for wet walks look for a coat with an outer shell. The Color Block Sherpa Dog Coatis designed to be waterproof and windproof, with a smooth light blue side and a soft sherpa-style side on the other.
You can also browse more dog coats, or pick up the Waterproof Reversible Galaxy/Penguin Winter Coat, which has a quilted, padded fabric outer layer and a sherpa lining crafted in 100% polyester.
How to Choose
There is no single temperature that is too cold for every dog, the AKCnotes, but small and short-haired dogs struggle most in the cold. Choose sherpa if your dog is tiny, short-haired, older or always cold. Choose fleece for indoor wear, layering and dogs who run warm. Large, healthy dogs with thick coats may not need a sweater at all and could even overheat in one. If your dog wears clothes indoors for hours at a time, a lighter fleece layer is usually easier to live with than a thick sherpa sweater.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sherpa and Fleece
Can I put sherpa in the dryer?
Check the care label first. Air drying flat keeps the pile from flattening. Our guide to washing winter dog clothes without shrinkage covers sherpa, wool-like blend, fleece and knits sweater.
Is fleece warm enough for winter?
For cool days and indoor wear, yes. On colder days, choose a thicker layer or put a coat on top.
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