---
type: "fabric"
name: "Sherpa (Knit Pile)"
slug: "sherpa-knit-pile"
fabric_family: "pile_napped"
construction: "pile(cut)"
subtype: "pile(cut)"
typical_fibers:
  - "Polyester"
weight_gsm: "200–400 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sherpa-knit-pile"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:26:53.322903+00:00"
---

# Sherpa (Knit Pile)

Sherpa is a soft, plush knit pile fabric typically made from polyester, known for its warmth and cozy texture, resembling sheepskin.

- **Fabric Family**: Pile Napped
- **Construction**: Pile Cut
- **Subtype**: pile(cut)
- **Typical Fibers**: Polyester
- **Weight**: 200–400 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 5–10 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Sherpa (Knit Pile)

Sherpa is a type of knit pile fabric characterized by its soft, fluffy surface created by cut pile construction. It is predominantly made from polyester fibers, which provide durability and ease of care. The fabric is often used in outerwear, blankets, and linings due to its excellent insulation properties and comfort against the skin. Sherpa is lightweight yet warm, making it ideal for cold-weather applications.

## Knit Properties

- **Wales per Inch**: 8
- **Courses per Inch**: 10
- **Knit Gauge**: 12G

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 20%
- **Weft Stretch**: 30%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Spray Rating**: 0
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.15
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: plush
- **Hand & Drape**: Fluid

## Performance Features

- Moisture Wicking
- Wrinkle Resistance

## Common Finishes

- Anti Pilling
- Brushed
- DWR

## Common Applications

- Jackets
- Coats
- Blankets
- Linings
- Hats

## Common Uses in Detail

### Jackets & Coats

Its dense, insulating pile traps body heat effectively, making it a popular choice for outerwear linings and fleece-style jackets. The soft texture adds comfort against the skin, while the [Polyester](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester) construction resists moisture and maintains warmth even in cold, damp conditions.

### Blankets & Throws

The [Plush](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/plush), sheepskin-like surface creates an exceptionally cozy feel ideal for blankets and throws. Lightweight yet thermally efficient, it provides warmth without bulk, and its [Polyester](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester) base makes it easy to launder and resistant to pilling over repeated use.

### Hats & Cold Accessories

Used in beanies, ear flaps, and winter hats, its soft pile insulates the head and ears against frigid temperatures. The fabric's flexibility and stretch allow it to conform comfortably to the wearer's shape, while its cozy texture adds a stylish, casual aesthetic.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold with like colors. Tumble dry on low heat. Do not iron directly on the pile.

- Machine Wash Warm
- Do Not Bleach
- Tumble Dry Low
- Iron Low

## Additional Information

Sherpa fabric is often used as a lining in jackets and coats for added warmth and comfort. It is also popular in home textiles for throws and blankets.

- **Regional Names**: Sherpa fleece, Plush fleece
- **Sourcing Regions**: China, India, Turkey
- **Testing Standards**: Pilling (ASTM D4970), Colorfastness to wash (AATCC 61), Tear strength (ASTM D2261)

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Polyester](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Cuddle Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cuddle-fleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Flannelette](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flannelette.md) — Pile Napped
- [Microfleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/microfleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Polar Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/polar-fleece.md) — Pile Napped
- [Baize](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/baize.md) — Pile Napped

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*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sherpa-knit-pile) — HTML version of this page.*