Sherpa vs Fleece: What You’re Really Choosing Between

You’ve seen sherpa. You’ve worn fleece. But what’s the actual difference between these two cozy layers—and how do you choose the right one for mountain days or city downtime? Here’s what really matters when it comes to pile height, warmth, and function.

Fleece is a cold-season essential—warm, breathable, and easy to layer. But when people talk about sherpa vs fleece, they’re often comparing two types of the same material. The difference isn’t the fabric itself. It’s the pile height, and what kind of use it’s designed for.

This is how to choose the fleece that fits your day.

Sherpa: A Style, Not a Material

In most cases, “sherpa” refers to high-pile fleece—the thick, fluffy kind that mimics wool. It’s soft to the touch, full of texture, and built to hold warmth close.

At Elevenate, we don’t use the term “sherpa.” We prefer to call it what it is. High-pile fleece creates warmth by trapping air in its structure. It’s perfect for cold, dry days when movement is minimal. Think: morning coffee outside, quiet walks, layering after skiing.

Fleece: Built for Active Use

Not all fleece is lofty. Low-pile fleece is more compact, lighter, and smoother. It’s made for movement—layered under a shell, pulled on mid-tour, or worn over a base layer during cold climbs.

It regulates temperature, breathes well, and dries quickly. It stays out of your way, even when the pace picks up. If you’re skinning uphill, hiking long hours, or planning to stay moving, low-pile fleece is what you want against your skin.

Sherpa vs Fleece: Key Differences at a Glance

• Texture: High-pile fleece (often called sherpa) is soft and fluffy. Low-pile fleece is smooth and technical.
• Warmth: High-pile traps more heat in still conditions. Low-pile adapts better during activity.
• Breathability: Low-pile fleece is more breathable and dries faster.
• Use: High-pile for downtime and insulation. Low-pile for layering and movement.
• Fit: High-pile adds bulk. Low-pile fits cleanly under outerwear.

Elevenate’s Take on Fleece

We build fleece that performs in real-world conditions. From streamlined low-pile layers designed for ski touring and alpine use, to lofted high-pile fleece built for warmth when things slow down, our selection is designed to cover the full range.

Pullovers. Full-zips. Vests. Hooded options. We use premium materials and tested cuts—refined for comfort, durability, and clean Scandinavian function.

Which One Fits Your Day?

If your focus is performance—ski touring, climbing, or active layering—low-pile fleece gives you the mobility and control you need.

If it’s about keeping warm at the cabin, heading into town, or relaxing outdoors in cold conditions, high-pile fleece offers instant comfort and reliable heat retention.

Both belong in your kit. What matters is choosing the right one for the conditions ahead.

Find your next fleece for men and women—built for the mountains, ready for everything else.