What’s the Difference Between Faux Fur Blanket, Sherpa Blanket, Fleece Blanket and Cooling Blanket?

Faux fur, sherpa, fleece, and cooling blankets each offer different benefits, but understanding their specific qualities isn't always obvious. This guide breaks down the key differences in materials, warmth, texture, and care requirements between these four popular blanket types to help you select the best option for your comfort needs.

At-a-Glance Guide: Blanket Type Comparison

Feature	Faux Fur	Sherpa	Fleece	Cooling
Materials	Synthetic (acrylic, polyester) with long fibers	Dual-sided: smooth fabric on one side, fluffy polyester "wool-like" texture on the other	100% polyester in various densities (polar, micro, coral, plush)	Bamboo-derived fabrics, engineered synthetics, or specialized cotton weaves
Warmth Level	Very high	High	Medium to high	Low (designed to prevent heat buildup)
Breathability	Low	Medium	Medium to high	Very high
Best For	Cold weather, decorative use, luxury feel	Cold nights, versatile use with two texture options	Everyday use, travel, versatility	Hot sleepers, warm climates, night sweats
Care	Delicate wash, air dry or no-heat drying	Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, low-heat dry	Easy care, machine washable, may pill over time	Varies by material, avoid fabric softeners
Price Range	Medium to high	Medium	Low to medium	Medium to high
Weight	Heavy	Medium to heavy	Light to medium	Light

Faux Fur: Luxurious Warmth and Style

It's hard to miss faux fur blankets because they look and feel so luxurious. They instantly add a touch of class and rich texture to any room.

Materials

These blankets are made from man-made fibers like polyester and acrylic that are meant to look like real animal fur but don't come from animals. They feel soft and fluffy because they are made of long, soft fibers. Different goods have different levels of quality. The better ones look and feel more like real fur.

Warmth and Breathability

Because their fibers are thick and dense, faux fur blankets keep you very warm. They're great for cold nights because of this, but they don't breathe as well as natural fiber blankets. Since they don't wick away wetness or let out extra heat well, they might be too warm for people who get hot easily to sleep in.

Uses and Appearance

Faux fur blankets are mostly used to keep warm, but they can also be used for decoration. You can drape them over chairs or put them at the foot of beds to make the room look more stylish. They add texture and a fancy touch.

Care Instructions

Care must be taken with these blankets. Clean up small spills by putting something on the spot. A lot of them can be washed in a machine with cold water and mild detergent on the gentle mode. When drying, you should never use heat because it can damage the fibers and make them melt or mat. Set your dryer to air dry or no-heat to dry your clothes. Some high-end or delicate fake fur blankets may only be able to be cleaned by dry cleaning. They can stay soft and pretty for years if you take good care of them.

Sherpa Blankets: The Best of Both Worlds in Cozy Comfort

Sherpa blankets have gained immense popularity for their unique dual-sided construction that offers a delightful combination of textures and excellent warmth.

Materials and Texture

Sherpa is a polyester fabric that looks and feels similar to sheep's wool. These blankets have two different sides: one side is smooth (usually microfleece or printed polyester) and the other side is the sherpa material, which is thick, fluffy, and wool-like. This two-sided design lets you choose which texture you want against your skin.

Warmth and Breathability

Sherpa blankets are very warm. The fluffy side traps heat well, with the fiber structure creating small air pockets that provide good insulation. This makes them ideal for cold weather and people who get cold easily. They have medium breathability - not as breathable as natural fibers like cotton, but they allow some air flow, more than most faux fur blankets.

Common Uses

People love sherpa blankets because they're both warm and soft. They're great for watching TV on the couch, adding extra warmth to your bed in winter, or bringing to outdoor events on cool days. The contrast between the smooth and fluffy sides also looks nice in your home.

Care Instructions

Sherpa blankets are fairly easy to care for. Most can be machine washed in cold or lukewarm water with mild detergent. The main challenge is keeping the sherpa side fluffy. Avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners as these can damage the fibers. Dry on low heat or air dry when possible. Too much heat can make the sherpa side less soft and more likely to clump together.

Fleece Blankets: Versatile, Lightweight Warmth for Every Occasion

Fleece blankets are ubiquitous, valued for their practicality, lightweight nature, and reliable warmth. They represent a versatile and often budget-friendly option. Fleece blankets are common, affordable options that offer good warmth without much weight.

Materials and Types

Most fleece blankets are made from 100% polyester. There are several different types:

• Polar Fleece:The original type - thick, durable and warm. Often used in outdoor clothing and heavier blankets.
• Microfleece:Thinner and lighter than polar fleece, with a smooth surface. Good for layering or milder weather.
• Coral Fleece:Softer and fuzzier than regular fleece, with a velvety feel on both sides.
• Plush Fleece (Minky):Has longer fibers than other types, making it very soft and somewhat similar to faux fur, but not as thick.

Warmth and Breathability

Fleece provides good warmth for its weight. Even thin fleece blankets can keep you surprisingly warm because the fabric surface traps air that insulates well. Fleece is also fairly breathable - it allows moisture to escape, which helps prevent sweating and clamminess. This makes fleece comfortable in various temperatures and activities.

Everyday Uses

Fleece blankets are very practical. They're light and easy to carry, making them great for travel, picnics, or keeping in your car. At home, they work well as throws on furniture, extra layers on beds, or wraps for children. They come in many colors, patterns, and sizes, and are both durable and easy to care for.

Care and Durability

Fleece blankets are simple to maintain. Most can be machine washed in cool or warm water and tumble dried on low heat. They dry quickly too. The main issue with fleece, especially lower-quality types, is pilling (those small balls of fiber that form on the surface). A fabric shaver can remove these pills. Good quality fleece is durable and will last through many uses and washes.

Cooling Blankets: Engineered for a Restful, Temperature-Regulated Sleep

Cooling blankets are a more recent innovation in the bedding market, specifically designed to address the issue of sleeping hot and to promote a more comfortable and uninterrupted night's rest.

Materials

Unlike regular blankets meant to keep you warm, cooling blankets use materials that help move heat and moisture away from your body:

• Bamboo-based fabrics (like viscose, rayon, or Tencel):These natural fibers breathe well, wick moisture, and feel cool to the touch. They're good at pulling heat and sweat away from your body.
• Special synthetic fabrics:Some use advanced polyester or nylon designed for better airflow. Some even include materials like jade particles in the fabric or use specific weaving patterns to help cooling.
• Certain cotton weaves:While regular cotton can trap heat, specific weaves like percale (crisp and light) or linen (very breathable) work well for cooling blankets.

Feel and Temperature

Cooling blankets either feel cool against your skin or at least don't trap heat. They're not meant to provide much warmth - their job is to help regulate your body temperature. They're highly breathable, allowing air to flow through and carry away excess heat and moisture. These blankets are typically lightweight and don't stick to your skin, making them more comfortable for people who overheat.

Who They're Best For

Cooling blankets work best for "hot sleepers," people with night sweats, or those living in warm climates where regular blankets would be too hot. They help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night, which can improve sleep quality by helping you fall asleep faster, wake up less during the night, and feel more rested in the morning.

Care Instructions

Care requirements vary depending on the materials. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to maintain the cooling properties. Most can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air drying or low-heat drying is usually recommended to protect the special fibers. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can leave residue that reduces the blanket's ability to wick moisture.

Attain Your Ideal Comfort Level!

Finding the right blanket comes down to what feels comfortable to you, the temperature of your home, and your personal style. Each type has its own benefits: faux fur is luxurious and very warm, sherpa offers two different textures, fleece is lightweight and practical, and cooling blankets help prevent overheating. Understanding the materials, feel, and warmth level of each option will help you pick the one that best improves your comfort whether you're sleeping or relaxing.