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There is nothing better than putting on a super soft, ultra-warm, and cozy piece of clothing when the weather starts to cool off.
Below are some great sherpa vests that are the perfect representation of this cozy, fleece-like material and stylish to boot. These vests can all be dressed up or down and make ideal layering pieces when you need something lightweight to take the edge off during inclement weather.
These vests have full-length zippers, stand-up collars, and side pockets for warmth. Also included are some very convenient reversible vest options that give you double the styling options and essentially double the number of outerwear pieces from which to choose.
Premier Sherpa Vests in Detail
MEROKEETY Vest — Best Overall
This cozy sherpa vest is a standout piece no matter the type of climate you live in. It has a flattering slim fit and looks great layered over any long or short sleeve tees, warm thermal tops, and even sweatshirts. And, when teamed up with jeans or leggings, it makes for the perfect casual and comfortable look. This vest also has a full zipper front and can go from a coffee run to a casual date night with ease.
Pros
- This vest has two side pockets
Cons
- The material is made such that it may get caught in the zipper
Amazon Essentials Vest — Runner Up
This sherpa vest is another great option and will keep you super warm with its polar fleece lining. This vest features a full zip front, side zippered pockets, and can be worn as either your main outerwear piece when it's slightly cold outside and is slim enough to serve as a comfy base layer when it's time to bundle up.
Pros
- This vest comes in six great color options
Cons
- If you prefer a longer length vest another option might be better
LOMON Vest — Honorable Mention
Similar to our other options, this relaxed-fitting, soft sherpa fuzzy vest was designed to keep you warm and comfortable. This vest is very simple in design and makes a fast and easy layering piece when running out the door and will keep you warm without feeling too bulky or hot.
Pros
- Side zippered pockets will keep your hands warm and makes for easy storage
Cons
- Read the size chart to ensure the correct sizing
The North Face Reversible Vest — Editor's Pick
This sherpa vest is slightly different than our other options as it not only has the sherpa fleece material on the inside but is fully reversible to a woven outer shell. This vest sports a more active feel for numerous outdoor activities and its woven side has a durable water repellent finish. It also has side zip pockets on the outer shell to keep your hands warm and valuables secure.
Pros
- The outer shell is made from recyclable materials
Cons
- This vest has no stretch
OTS NFL Vest — Best for Football Fans
If you are an NFL fan or just love to dress up for the games, this soft sherpa vest is a great option. It is an officially licensed product of the NFL and all you have to do is simply pick your favorite team to represent and the name will be emblazoned on the upper left side. This vest is also made from 100% cotton, will keep you warm, and can be as fitted or as loose as you like, simply size up or down.
Pros
- This vest is very warm
Cons
- There is only one color option
BTFBM Vest — Also Consider
Another reversible sherpa option, this vest reverses to a quilted cotton and polyester fabric for double the styling power. This vest also features a stand-up collar for extra warmth, full front zip closure, and two snap front pockets for comfort. This vest also has a relaxed, easy fit making it comfortable for layering and suitable for year-round wear.
Pros
- This comes in a few fun and stylish patterns and color options
Cons
- The pockets are only on the non-sherpa side
Buying Guide: Sherpa Vests
What Is Sherpa Fabric?
Sherpa fabric is a popular winter fabric that appears fuzzy on one side and is flat on the other side. The material gets its name from the fuzzy, wool lining fabric worn by the ethnic class Sherpa residing in the Tibetan mountain of Nepal. Sherpa material is often referred to as faux-sheepskin or faux-shearling.
The Sherpa material is an affordable and animal-friendly alternative to wool and retains similar properties, particularly the texture. It is made from pure blended cotton and synthetic fiber like polyester and acrylic, or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers.
Are Sherpa Vests Worth Buying?
Sherpa Vests are an excellent choice for winter clothing and absolutely must-haves. Here are some of the reasons for investing in a sherpa vest.
Warmth
Sherpa vests provide a high degree of insulation and offer an even better weight to warmth ratio than pure wool. Wool remains the warmest type of fabric, but sherpa comes pretty close in terms of warmth and is considerably lighter than wool.
Perfect for the outdoors
Despite being warm, Sherpa vests are considerably lightweight. They are heavier than cotton but lighter than sheepskin. Thus, a sherpa vest is a perfect option for outdoor activities as it does not weigh down or restrict movement.
Soft and fuzzy
Sherpa is considered the softest among all winter materials. It is believed to be even more delicate than genuine shearling. Thus, it gives the wearer a super soft, cozy, and luxurious feel.
Moisture-wicking
Due to the presence of synthetic fibers, sherpa vests have moisture-wicking properties. Due to the hydrophobic or water-repellent nature of sherpa, fabrics can be extensively used in areas with frequent rains and snow.
Ease of maintenance
Sherpa fabrics are easy to maintain and do not require extensive maintenance like wool. The material is washable; however, strict precautions must be taken to prevent shedding and piling.
Animal-friendly alternative
Pure wool and fleece are highly sought-after products due to their superior properties and durability. Sherpa vests offer the same properties through synthetic material and thus are a more animal-friendly alternative.
Tips for Buying Sherpa Vests
Here are a few tips that will prove to be instrumental in buying the finest sherpa vest.
- Warmth is the most crucial consideration while buying a sherpa vest. Check the tag for the weight to warmth ratio to be sure about the warmth.
- Choose a sherpa vest with interior and exterior pockets with adequate closure to safely store essential items like wallets, keys, cards, and phones.
- Sherpa vests are moisture-wicking, and thus it is ideal to purchase a vest with a lining over the zip to prevent damage or rust due to moisture exposure.
- A well-fitted sherpa jacket is ideal from a functional perspective. Oversized sherpa jackets are neither ideal from a practical point of view nor an aesthetic perspective.
- Investing in a reversible sherpa vest is a wise choice from the functional and monetary perspectives. You get to enjoy two vests for the price of one.
Price of Sherpa Vests
Sherpa vests are a cost-effective replacement for genuine sheepskin and shearling, priced exorbitantly high due to their animal origins. Despite being a lot cheaper than shearling, sherpa vests are more expensive than similar winter fabrics due to their superior properties.
Good quality sherpa vests are available in the range of $30 to $50. However, reversible and high-end branded sherpa vests are much more expensive, and the price range lies between $100 to $150.
How to Ensure Longevity of Sherpa Vests?
With adequate care and maintenance, sherpa vests last a lifetime. They are relatively easy to maintain once you get the hang of the maintenance protocols. Sherpa vests can be either hand washed or machine washed. Both options work fine, but hand washing is preferable. It is recommended to use cold water to wash sherpa vests as water with a higher temperature can damage the fabric's fibers. Moreover, a mild, liquid detergent should be used. A fabric softener must never be used for sherpa vests.
Furthermore, the vests must not be wrung violently. A light shake will be sufficient to shake off the excess water. It is best to air dry sherpa vests. It is also advised to fluff up the fibers while the vest is still wet to ensure retention of the texture. Following these tips helps enhance the longevity of sherpa vests and saves you from the hassle of purchasing one frequently.
