All About Our Blankets
Detailed Overview of our Blanket Types
When selecting a blanket, various factors such as material, plushness, durability, weight, type of fiber, and washing care come into play. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of different types of blankets we sell based on these criteria.
When comparing Sherpa, Fleece, and Velveteen blankets, the key differences lie in their texture, warmth, material, and overall feel. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Sorted by Plushness (from most plush to least)
Sherpa – Extremely plush with a high-pile, fluffy texture.
Velveteen – Luxuriously soft with a smooth, velvety texture and a subtle sheen.
Fleece – Soft but not as plush as Sherpa or Velveteen; brushed smooth texture.
2. Sorted by Durability (from most durable to least)
Fleece – Highly durable, resistant to pilling, and easy to maintain.
Sherpa – Durable, but the fluffy texture can pill or shed with regular use.
Velveteen – Less durable, may show wear over time, especially with frequent washing.
3. Sorted by Warmth (from warmest to least warm)
Sherpa – Thick and insulating, provides the highest warmth.
Velveteen – Heavy, dense fabric offers good warmth but is not as insulating as Sherpa.
Fleece – Lightweight but still warm, best for moderate climates or layering.
4. Sorted by Weight (from heaviest to lightest)
Sherpa – Generally the heaviest due to its thick, fluffy texture.
Velveteen – Heavier than fleece, dense and substantial.
Fleece – The lightest, providing warmth without much weight.
Each blanket type excels in different areas, with Sherpa being the warmest and most plush, fleece being the lightest and most durable, and velveteen offering luxurious softness with a bit more weight.
1. Material and Construction
Sherpa:
Made from synthetic fibers (typically polyester), Sherpa blankets feature a high-pile texture on one side that mimics the feel of sheepskin or wool. The other side is usually a smooth, soft fabric, often fleece or cotton.
Feel: Fluffy, plush, and cozy.
Fleece:
Fleece is made from synthetic polyester fibers that are brushed to create a soft, smooth, and lightweight fabric. It’s commonly knitted, making it very flexible and breathable.
Feel: Soft, lightweight, and cloud-like.
Velveteen:
Velveteen is typically made from synthetic polyester and spandex and has a short, smooth pile that mimics velvet’s luxurious texture. It’s woven, not knitted like fleece.”Feel: Silky, smooth, and dense with a subtle sheen.
2. Warmth
Sherpa:
Sherpa blankets are generally thicker and provide more insulation, making them great for colder weather. The plush texture traps warmth, giving a cozy, snug feel. Best for: Cold climates, winter use, or for a heavy, warm feel.
Fleece:
Fleece is lightweight but still offers good warmth, especially considering its thinness. It’s more breathable than Sherpa, so it’s ideal for moderate temperatures or layering. Best for: Everyday use, casual comfort, or mild to moderate climates.
Velveteen:
Velveteen blankets tend to be heavier than fleece but not as thick as Sherpa. They provide good warmth, but their main appeal is their luxurious feel and elegant look. Best for: Moderate to cool weather, or when you want a plush, upscale experience.
3. Texture and Feel
Sherpa:
Sherpa blankets have a fluffy, high-pile texture on one side, providing a very soft, plush feel that mimics the warmth and comfort of sheepskin. The other side is usually a smooth fabric like fleece or cotton. Feel: Warm, cuddly, and very soft, with a tactile, fluffy texture.
Fleece:
Fleece is known for its smooth, brushed texture that’s soft but not as fluffy as Sherpa. It’s lightweight and very cozy, with a smooth finish that feels gentle against the skin. Feel: Soft, light, and comforting, but without the plushness of Sherpa.
Velveteen:
Velveteen has a dense, smooth texture with a subtle shiny finish that gives it a velvety feel. It’s soft but with a refined, silky touch that feels rich and sophisticated. Feel: Luxurious, elegant, and smooth, with a slight sheen.
4. Durability and Care
Sherpa:
Sherpa is fairly durable and easy to care for, typically machine washable. However, the high-pile texture can sometimes shed or pill with frequent use, especially if it's not cared for properly. Care: Machine washable, but may require gentle handling to prevent shedding.
Fleece:
Fleece is durable, resistant to pilling, and easy to maintain. It tends to dry quickly and withstands regular washing without losing its softness. Care: Machine washable, low maintenance, and durable.
Velveteen:
Velveteen requires a bit more care due to its delicate nature. It may show wear over time and requires gentle washing to maintain its texture and sheen. Care: Machine washable, but should be washed carefully (gentle cycle, cold water) to preserve its softness and appearance.
5. Appearance
Sherpa:
Sherpa blankets have a casual, cozy appearance, with their fluffy texture making them ideal for a relaxed, homey look. They often come in solid colors or simple patterns. Look: Cozy, casual, and inviting.
Fleece:
Fleece blankets are versatile and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, often used in outdoor or sporty settings due to their practical, casual nature. Look: Casual, functional, and available in many styles.
Velveteen:
Velveteen has a refined, elegant appearance due to its smooth, shiny texture. It’s perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your bedding or living room décor. Look: Luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated.
Summary Comparison:
Feature |
Sherpa |
Fleece |
Velveteen |
---|---|---|---|
Material |
Synthetic (polyester), high-pile |
Synthetic (polyester), brushed |
Polyester and Spandex |
Texture |
Fluffy, plush, high-pile |
Soft, smooth, lightweight |
Silky, smooth, dense with sheen |
Warmth |
Heavy, very warm, great for cold |
Light, breathable, good for mild temps |
Moderate warmth, cozy feel |
Best For |
Cold weather, cozy comfort |
Everyday use, layering |
Elegant decor, moderate climates |
Care |
Machine washable, may shed |
Machine washable, low maintenance |
Machine washable, gentle care needed |
Durability |
Durable, but may pill |
Highly durable, resistant to pilling |
Delicate, can show wear over time |
Appearance |
Casual, cozy, homey |
Casual, sporty, practical |
Luxurious, refined, sophisticated |
In summary, Sherpa blankets are ideal for those seeking thick, fluffy warmth and a cozy, cuddly feel, making them perfect for cold weather. Fleece blankets are lightweight, durable, and great for everyday warmth and versatility, while Velveteen blankets offer a more luxurious, smooth, and elegant texture, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your home.