Seeing as we are in the dead of winter, it’s clear the mercury has been steadily dropping for a while now. That probably means, especially if you spend any time outside, you’ve done away with your shorts and t-shirts in favor of thicker, warmer clothing. However, if you’re in need of a stylish and new winter-ready jacket, you might want to consider picking up a classic Sherpa jacket to keep you warm and cozy.
The Sherpa's Start
A Brief History Lesson
While the term “Sherpa” does originate from the indigenous Himalayan people, the modern definition comes from the fashion world — describing a thick, deep-pile polyester fleece that serves as a lightweight-yet-toasty alternative to sheep’s wool. That said, when you account for its enigmatic history, it’s hard to overlook the prominence of Levi’s sherpa-lined Type 3 Jacket that hit the scene in the late ‘60s. Ultimately, it became a quintessential element in winter-ready outerwear, especially here in the U S of A. Typical wear for blue-collar workers, this material has also found renewed popularity in the style world — sometimes found as a liner on denim jackets and other times used as the primary internal and/or external fabric of a coat.
Sherpa vs. Shearling
What's The Difference?
The only genuine difference between shearling and sherpa is, well, genuineness. Synthetic shearling fur, often made from a blend of polyester fleece, cotton, and acrylic, is traditionally referred to as sherpa. While the popular, far-more obtainable textile tends to have more of a shine than legitimate shearling lamb or sheep skin, it is obviously not as soft as the latter. Still, it serves as an eco-cognizant and (somewhat) wallet-friendly alternative to genuine material, and it’s been keeping people warm since its popularization in the early ’60s. Whether you want something timeless and versatile or more modern and outdoorsy, you’ll find the perfect pick in our collection of the best sherpa jackets.
Levi’s Sherpa-Lined Faux Suede Trucker
The Safest Bet: Levi’s is a veritable shoo-in when it comes to the best sherpa jackets — as evidenced by their Sherpa-Lined Faux Suede Trucker Jacket you see before you. It might come as a surprise, but this jacket is actually made from 100% polyester — meaning it doesn’t have a denim exterior. What that does mean, besides the obvious warmth provided by the sherpa lining, is that the exterior is both durable and sleek, it’s completely machine-washable, and it’s a touch more unique than much of its competition — after all, the texture of suede is hard to ignore, whether it’s genuine or not.
Recap
Levi’s Sherpa-Lined Faux Suede Trucker
The sherpa that started it all.
Pros
- An absolute icon
- The look of a traditional trucker jacket met by a touch of extra warmth
- Sustainable suede construction
Cons
- Fits a bit tight
- Prone to shedding, but you get what you pay for
Flint and Tinder Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Trucker Jacket
The Upgrade: Adept at crafting virtually any piece of classic outerwear, it’s no surprise to see Flint and Tinder design a great jacket in this category. Moreover, the Huckberry house brand’s Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Trucker Jacket is delivered in two shades — Grey and Earth (light brown) — that operate well with just about any outfit you had in mind, but style isn’t the only thing to consider here. The corduroy construction is made of cotton and a hint of spandex to deliver just the right amount of stretchiness. At the same time, its cozy lining is serviced from a wool and polyester blend that ensures it’ll hold up longer than the average option. Round that out with a quartet of pockets to hold your gear, and you have a jacket built to last across the board.
Recap
Flint and Tinder Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Trucker Jacket
A corduroy-crafted step-up from Levi’s classic piece.
Pros
- Waxed contrast fabric on the collar
- F&T’s sherpa lining is composed of a polyester/wool blend
- Touch of spandex makes for the perfect stretch
Cons
- Fits a bit small, consider sizing up
Patagonia Retro-X Jacket
The Best Full-Fleece Sherpa Jacket: This iconic piece from Patagonia has practically become the Carhartt Detroit Jacket of fleeces — take that as you will. Sure, it’s pretty hot right now, and it’s grown ubiquitous in winter weather, but can you really blame anyone for loving the Retro-X? In contrast to many of the trucker-inspired silhouettes you’ll find on our guide, this trail-ready one is equipped with a water-resistant chest pocket to protect your valuables from whatever Mother Nature throws their way. As far as fit goes, the Retro-X has a Y-joint sleeve construction to provide optimal freedom of movement, so your arms are never restricted in this bad boy. Best of all, the jacket is made of partially recycled materials, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, accounting for Patagonia’s endless strive towards sustainability.
Recap
Patagonia Retro-X Jacket
The Carhartt Detroit Jacket of fleece jackets.
Pros
- Zippered chest pocket for gear safety
- Stylish, outdoor appeal
- Made of partially recycled polyester
Cons
- Getting a bit too trendy for our liking, but it’s still an iconic piece
Todd Snyder Italian Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Dylan Jacket
The Best Corduroy Sherpa Jacket: While the previous corduroy-crafted pick from Flint & Tinder serves as a significant upgrade to Levi’s traditional trucker jacket, this voguish piece from Todd Snyder outdoes it by a tad. The brand’s famous Dylan silhouette is by far one of its most quintessential designs, and this particular iteration’s corduroy fabric is courtesy of Duca Visconti, an Italian mill that’s been crafting the material for nearly two centuries. In addition to its undeniable warmth, a bevy of functional pockets, and true-to-size fit, the sherpa-lined Dylan is constructed with a touch of elastane, paving the way for optimal freedom of movement.
Recap
Todd Snyder Italian Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Dylan Jacket
The perfect blend of Americana and Italian materials.
Pros
- Made of Italian corduroy
- A touch of elastane for freedom of movement
Cons
- Fits a bit short depending on your height
- On the pricier side
A.P.C. New Ben Jacket
The Most Stylish Sherpa Jacket: A.P.C’s New Ben Jacket is definitely too expensive to be considered anything other than a holy grail of sorts, but the investment will be well worth it to those who understand the value they’re getting out of this pilot-style jacket. It boasts top-level Parisian craftsmanship that we’ve become accustomed to seeing from the premier clothier. To no surprise, it’s constructed using exceptional materials, including genuine wool, polyester, and more, and a high-fashion appearance, unlike all its more wallet-friendly peers. If you’re the type who only accepts the best of the best, this is it.
Recap
A.P.C. New Ben Jacket
A testament to top-tier craftsmanship and exceptional style.
Pros
- High-end take on the classic pilot jacket design
- Composed of a genuine wool blend
Cons
- Pricey
Best of the Rest
Our Other Favorite Fleeces
L.L.Bean Hi-Pile Fleece Full-Zip
Back in 1990, a group of explorers summited the tallest mountain in the world for the Mount Everest International Peace Climb — and one American was photographed wearing a thick L.L. Bean sherpa jacket. Obsessed with that image, the brand’s designers set out to recreated it and ended up with the Hi-Pile Fleece you see before you. Available in eight different colors, this American-made jacket is perfect for those that appreciate retro styling, plenty of warmth, and L.L. Bean’s signature quality.
Roark Hebrides Jacket
Available in a handful of colors, Roark’s Hebrides Jacket has the right option for any way you’re dressing. The sturdy shirt jacket has a bevy of pockets and a set of reinforced elbow panels for maximum sturdiness. And while those elements are bound to come in handy, the cotton twill construction and fuzzy sherpa lining are light enough to rock all year long, allowing you to achieve this fall-ready style once spring and summer breezes roll around.
TOPO Designs Sherpa Jacket
For those that are in the know, it’s probably not even a remote shock to discover that the craftsmen at Topo Designs, one of our favorite outdoor apparel and gear brands, just happen to have built on of the best sherpa jackets available. Simultaneously both classic in its appearance and marked by a number of modern touches, this jacket is actually reversible — making it a good deal more stylistically versatile than any of the others on our list. And that’s going to be enough for some to set their sights squarely on this option.
Taylor Stitch Timberline Jacket
Taylor Stitch’s take on this fuzzy essential is delivered in the form of its Timberline Jacket, a stark piece of outerwear that is as ready for a black-tie event as it is a weekday at home. Plus, the eco-conscious brand uses a blend of polyester sherpa, organic cotton, and recycled nylon to compose this sustainable pick, all of which are still sturdy enough to take on a day in the harsh outdoors. It’s finished with a set of custom-branded YKK snaps and a quartet of pockets just where you’d expect them to be.
Filson Sprague Sherpa Fleece Jacket
It should come as no surprise that Filson, one of the USA’s all-time best heritage outdoor brands, has crafted one of the most exceptional sherpa jackets in their aptly-named Sherpa Fleece. It’s crafted using Polartec Thermal Pro polyester fleece for an utterly-warm, incredibly lightweight style essential that also happens to be handily machine-washable. Whether you need a warm and soft internal layer for a long day out on the ranch or you just need something to keep you toasty while you go grab something out of your car, you can’t go wrong with this Filson offering.
The Best Fleece Jackets for Men
If you’re looking to find a full-on fleece jacket, our guide to the space’s best is here to keep you warm inside and out.
