Among outdoor garments, fleece jacket plays a pivotal role and hold an unwavering position in the outdoor apparel system, as outdoor enthusiasts may encounter harsh weather conditions at any time. Being well-prepared for wind, and rain, and staying warm are crucial. But when shopping for a fleece jacket, you've likely seen both sherpa and polar options among the sea of choices. Sherpa and polar look quite similar in pictures and in person, which makes choosing between one or the other even more baffling. If you've ever asked "What is a sherpa?" while trying to decide between sherpa vs. polar options, then keep reading because we may have the answer to how to pick the right warm, comforting fabric for you.
The standout feature of a fleece jacket is its exceptional warmth retention even when exposed to rain or moisture. They serve as versatile garments, suitable for standalone wear in hot conditions, such as quick-drying inner layers or as intermediate insulation layers in cold weather. Additionally, they can be paired with windproof membranes to function as outer wind jackets.
Fleece jacket, commonly called sherpa or fleece, are primarily made from polyester. The fleece fabric is created by converting ultra-fine synthetic fibers into yarn, weaving it into fabric, and then brushing and shearing the surface to produce the characteristic texture.
Current advancements in fleece technology result in high-end fleece jackets that not only provide warmth but also incorporate various professional outdoor features such as wind resistance, breathability, waterproofing, antistatic properties, and compressibility.
In the market, many fleece jackets claim to be made of sherpa or polar, causing confusion among consumers.
Today, I will introduce the differences between sherpa and polar.
1. Fleece Material
Top-tier fleece jacket materials include Patagonia's Synchilla, Polartec's Polartec Thermal Pro, Polartec Power Stretch, and Marmot's Radiant P-825 fabrics. Common fleece materials include polyester and polyester fiber, with most domestic brands opting for these two.
2. Source of Sherpa and Polar
In 1979, Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, dissatisfied with available insulation fabrics, collaborated with Malden Mills to develop a more efficient fleece fabric, giving rise to the precursor of sherpa. Lamb's wool, although less rich in history, was initially developed during World War II as an exclusive fabric for pilot jackets.
3. Differences Between Sherpa and Polar
Sherpa fleece is 100% synthetic polyester, known for its excellent warmth retention and cost-effectiveness. It undergoes a complex process involving dyeing, brushing, shearing, and shaking to create the characteristic texture. On the other hand, polar is a blend of 70% polyester and 30% acrylic, offering similar fluffiness and softness to natural wool but with enhanced durability and cost-effectiveness.
Both sherpa and polar are synthetic fabrics with good insulation properties, and the main differences lie in their texture and appearance.
1. Recommended Sherpa Fleece Jackets
- Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover Fleece Jacket: A classic Patagonia design with excellent insulation and durability.
- ARC'TERYX Delta LT Men's Fleece Jacket: High warmth-to-weight ratio with Polartec Classic 100 micro-grid fabric.
- Houdini Power Houdi Fleece Jacket: A hooded fleece jacket made with Polartec Power Stretch Pro fabric, offering excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties.
2. Recommended Polar Fleece Jackets
- Patagonia Retro Pile Men's Fleece Jacket: Comfortable and breathable with a detachable fleece-lined collar.
- Patagonia Retro-X Lamb's Wool Fleece Jacket: A classic retro-style jacket with polyester fiber material and wind-resistant membrane.
- Marmot Groundhog Sonora Women's Lamb's Wool Jacket: A thick lamb's wool jacket with two chest pockets for a stylish and practical look.
Choosing the right fleece jacket depends on personal preferences and intended use. Whether you opt for the synthetic warmth of sherpa or the cost-effective durability of polar, both provide reliable insulation for various outdoor activities.
