Sherpa (fabric) facts for kids

Sherpa is a special kind of fabric that feels super soft and fluffy on one side, almost like a sheep's wool! The other side is usually flat. It's often used to make cozy jackets, warm linings for coats, and other comfy items for both kids and adults.

What is Sherpa Fabric?

Sherpa fabric is known for its unique texture. One side has a soft, curly "pile," which means it has many tiny loops or strands that stand up, making it feel fuzzy. This fabric is usually made from man-made materials like acrylic or polyester. These synthetic yarns are spun and then knitted together to create the fabric. The knitting process gives Sherpa its stretchy and warm qualities, making it perfect for keeping you snug in cold weather.

The Soft and Fluffy Texture

Imagine the softest blanket or a fluffy cloud; that's how Sherpa often feels! Its texture is designed to mimic the warmth and feel of natural wool or sheepskin without using animal products. This makes it a popular choice for many types of clothing.

Where Does the Name Sherpa Come From?

The name "Sherpa" was originally a special brand name, or trademark, owned by an American company called Collins & Aikman. This company was known for making fabrics for homes and cars. They were the first to create and sell this particular type of fabric. Over time, the name became widely used to describe any fabric with this soft, piled look, even if it wasn't made by the original company.

How is Sherpa Fabric Made?

Making Sherpa fabric is a bit like magic, turning simple yarns into a fluffy, cozy material!

It all starts with synthetic fibers, usually polyester or acrylic. These fibers are spun into long, strong yarns, much like how cotton or wool is spun. Most Sherpa fabric is made using a knitting process. Imagine giant knitting machines creating a fabric with many tiny loops. These loops are what will eventually become the fluffy pile. Sometimes, it can also be woven. After the fabric is knitted, the magic happens! The loops on one side are carefully brushed and sometimes cut. This process lifts and separates the fibers, creating that distinctive, curly, and soft texture that makes Sherpa so recognizable and cuddly. It's this brushing that gives it its sheepskin-like appearance. The fabric then goes through various finishing processes to make it even softer, more durable, and to ensure it holds its shape and color well.

Sherpa vs. Other Fabrics: What's the Difference?

You might have heard of other warm fabrics like "polar fleece." How does Sherpa compare?

• Sherpa Fleece: This is a specific type of Sherpa fabric that is knitted and has that distinct fluffy, curly pile on one side, resembling sheep's wool. It's known for its excellent warmth and soft texture.
• Polar Fleece: While also warm and often made from polyester, polar fleece usually has a smooth, brushed surface on both sides. It doesn't have the curly, textured pile that Sherpa does. Both are great for warmth, but Sherpa offers a unique look and feel that's more like natural sheepskin.

How is Sherpa Fabric Used?

Sherpa fabric is super versatile! You'll often find it used as the lining inside winter coats and jackets. It adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Besides linings, Sherpa is also used to make:

• Cozy sweaters and hoodies
• Warm blankets and throws
• Soft hats, gloves, and scarves
• Comfortable slippers and loungewear

Its ability to trap air within its fluffy fibers makes it excellent for insulation, helping you stay warm when it's chilly outside.

Caring for Your Sherpa Items

To keep your Sherpa fabric items soft and fluffy, it's important to care for them properly. Usually, you can wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and then tumble dry on low heat. Avoiding high heat helps keep the fibers from getting matted or losing their softness. Always check the care label on your specific item for the best instructions!

See also

• Polar fleece