Sherpa Fleece Blankets Vs. Fleece Blankets

A cozy blanket is more than just comfort — it’s a winter essential and a personal favorite in every American home. From family movie nights to thoughtful gifts, custom blankets have become a go-to way to add warmth with a personal touch. 

But when it comes to designing your personalized blanket, one question often pops up: Should you choose fleece or sherpa fleece? Both are soft, stylish, and perfect for custom photo blankets, but they feel and perform differently. 

In this guide, we’ll uncover what sets these two fabrics apart — so you can pick the right one for your next custom blanket design at CanvasChamp.

What Is a Fleece Blanket?

A fleece blanket is made from soft, lightweight synthetic fibers—usually polyester—that feel smooth and warm without being too heavy. It’s designed to trap heat while staying breathable, making it a favorite for year-round comfort.

Because fleece has a flat, even texture, it’s perfect for creating custom blankets with photos. The smooth surface helps photo prints look sharp, colorful, and detailed, which is why many people choose fleece for their personalized photo blankets or custom printed blankets.

At CanvasChamp, each custom fleece blanket is crafted to deliver bright photo clarity, soft texture, and lasting comfort—ideal for gifting or personal use. Whether you’re making a custom blanket with pictures for family or designing your own custom image blanket, fleece gives you a clean, vibrant finish that feels as good as it looks.

What Is a Sherpa Fleece Blanket?

A sherpa fleece blanket combines two cozy textures in one. One side has a soft, smooth fleece surface, and the other has a fluffy, wool-like layer that feels extra warm and plush. This dual design makes sherpa blankets thicker and more insulating than standard fleece.

Because of their luxurious feel, personalized sherpa blankets are popular for colder regions and winter gifting. The sherpa side adds a premium look and extra comfort, while the fleece side offers a flat base that’s great for high-quality printing.

At CanvasChamp, each customized blanket is designed to highlight both comfort and personal style. You can easily create a custom blanket with photos that feels soft to the touch and keeps you cozy through chilly nights. Sherpa fleece is especially loved by those who want a custom blanket photo with added texture and warmth.

Sherpa vs Fleece: Quick Comparison Table

Trying to decide between sherpa and fleece blankets? Here’s a simple side-by-side look at how they differ in warmth, texture, and print quality — especially when designing custom blankets with CanvasChamp.

Feature	Fleece Blanket	Sherpa Fleece Blanket
Texture	Smooth and soft on both sides	One side smooth, one side fluffy and wool-like
Warmth Level	Light to medium warmth	Very warm, ideal for colder climates
Weight / Thickness	Lightweight and breathable	Thicker and heavier for added insulation
Photo Printing Surface	Smooth, allows sharper image prints	Fluffy texture softens photo details slightly
Best For	All-season use, travel, or layering	Winter comfort and cozy indoor settings
Care & Maintenance	Easy to wash and dry	Needs gentle wash and air drying
Look & Feel	Sleek, modern finish	Plush, premium appearance
Perfect Choice For	Custom blanket with pictures that need bright detail	Personalized blanket with a luxurious, warm feel

Both fabrics make excellent choices for custom blankets with photos — it just depends on the texture and warmth you prefer.

Which Blanket Works Best by U.S. Climate

Not every blanket feels the same across the country. The right choice often depends on where you live and how cold your winters get. Here’s how to pick between fleece and sherpa fleece blankets based on your region and comfort needs.

Cold States (Minnesota, New York, Michigan)

If you’re dealing with freezing temperatures and long winters, a sherpa fleece blanket is your best friend. Its fluffy texture and heavy insulation lock in warmth, making it perfect for snuggling indoors. Many customers in colder areas prefer personalized sherpa blankets for their cozy, wool-like feel and luxurious look.

Moderate Climates (California, Oregon, Washington)

In areas with mild winters or cool evenings, fleece blankets offer the right balance of warmth and breathability. They’re lightweight, easy to care for, and great for designing custom blankets with photos that look vibrant and feel soft year-round.

Warm or Humid Regions (Florida, Texas, Arizona)

For southern states or humid weather, fleece remains the more comfortable choice. It keeps you cozy without overheating and dries quickly after washing. If you want to make your own blanket for daily use or gifting, fleece is ideal for lighter, custom blanket designs.

Whether you live in snowy mountains or coastal warmth, CanvasChamp makes it easy to create a custom blanket that fits your lifestyle — soft, durable, and personalized for every season.

Which One Is Better for Photo Printing

When designing a custom photo blanket, fabric texture plays a big role in how your pictures look once printed. Both fleece and sherpa offer excellent results, but they create slightly different finishes.

Fleece Blankets – Sharp and Vibrant Prints

Fleece has a smooth surface that allows every image detail to appear clearly. It’s ideal for high-resolution photos, bright colors, and designs that need sharp definition. That’s why most custom blankets with photos and personalized photo blankets use fleece fabric — the print looks crisp and true to color.

If you’re creating a custom blanket design for travel, everyday use, or gifting, fleece is the top pick for photo clarity.

Sherpa Fleece Blankets – Soft and Cozy Look

Sherpa fleece offers a fluffier, textured surface. While it gives prints a softer, more diffused appearance, it adds a premium, cozy charm that makes your personalized blanket with pictures feel warm and luxurious. Sherpa is perfect for family portraits, pet blankets, or sentimental gifts that focus on comfort and feel.

At CanvasChamp, every custom printed blanket is crafted using advanced printing technology to ensure your pictures stay bright, detailed, and long-lasting — whether you prefer the smooth touch of fleece or the plush warmth of sherpa.

Durability & Long-Term Comfort

A good blanket should feel cozy today — and just as soft years from now. Both fleece and sherpa fabrics are built to last, but they wear differently over time depending on how you use and care for them.

Fleece Blankets: Long-Lasting and Easy to Maintain

Fleece is known for its durability. It holds its color well, resists shrinking, and stays smooth even after multiple washes. This makes it a great option for custom blankets with photos that you plan to use every day. Because the fibers don’t fray easily, your personalized blanket will keep its printed images sharp and bright for seasons to come.

Sherpa Fleece Blankets: Soft but Needs Gentle Care

Sherpa fleece offers a luxurious texture but needs a little more care to stay fluffy. Over time, the pile can flatten slightly — especially if it’s washed in hot water or dried on high heat. With gentle washing and air drying, though, your customized blanket will maintain its plush look and feel.

Many people choose sherpa for custom made blankets that are meant for special occasions or cozy winter nights rather than everyday wear.

Care & Maintenance Tips

Proper care keeps your custom blankets soft, vibrant, and photo-perfect for years. Whether you have a fleece or sherpa blanket, following a few simple steps can make a big difference in how it looks and feels over time.

How to Wash Your Custom Blanket

• Use cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent fiber damage.
• Add mild detergent — avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.
• For personalized photo blankets, turn the printed side inward before washing to protect the design.

Drying & Storing

• Air dry whenever possible. If using a dryer, choose low heat to keep fleece smooth and sherpa fluffy.
• Avoid fabric softeners — they can coat fibers and reduce softness.
• Store your custom blanket with pictures in a cool, dry space to maintain color and texture.

Quick Care Tips

• Brush the sherpa side lightly to revive fluffiness.
• Spot-clean small stains instead of frequent washing.
• Keep your customized blanket away from direct sunlight for long periods to prevent fading.

Each CanvasChamp custom blanket is made with durable materials and photo-safe inks, but gentle care ensures your personalized blanket remains as soft and colorful as the day it arrived.

Choosing the Right Blanket for You

Both fleece and sherpa fleece make wonderful choices for custom blankets, but the best one depends on how and where you plan to use it. Here’s a quick way to decide which fabric fits your comfort and style.

Choose Fleece If You Want

• A lightweight blanket that’s perfect for year-round use.
• Bright, detailed photo prints on a smooth surface.
• Easy maintenance — toss it in the washer and it’s ready to go.
• A practical gift idea for family, friends, or everyday lounging.

Fleece is a smart choice for personalized photo blankets that you’ll use often. The material keeps images sharp and colors vivid, making it ideal for travel, home décor, or thoughtful gifts.

Choose Sherpa If You Prefer

• A thick, plush blanket that adds instant warmth in cold weather.
• A soft, luxurious texture that feels premium and cozy.
• A stylish winter gift that combines comfort and personal meaning.

Sherpa works beautifully for custom made blankets meant for colder climates, special occasions, or gifting during the holidays.

At CanvasChamp, you can design both fleece and sherpa styles in minutes. Upload your favorite photos, choose a layout, and we’ll create a custom blanket design that’s soft, durable, and ready to gift or enjoy at home.

FAQs

Q1. Can I tumble dry a sherpa blanket?

Yes. Use the low-heat or air-dry setting to keep your sherpa blanket soft and fluffy. High heat can flatten the fibers and reduce its plush feel.

Q2. Will a fleece blanket shrink after washing?

No. Fleece blankets are made from polyester, which resists shrinking. Always wash in cold water and avoid hot drying cycles to maintain shape and softness.

Q3. Which fabric is better for printing photos — fleece or sherpa?

Fleece offers sharper and brighter photo results because of its smooth surface. Sherpa gives a soft, cozy look with slightly muted tones, perfect for custom blankets with photos made for gifting or winter use.

Q4. Are both fabrics safe for sensitive skin?

Yes. Both fleece and sherpa are hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making them great for kids and families.

Q5. How can I order a personalized blanket online?

You can easily design a custom photo blanket at CanvasChamp. Upload your favorite pictures, choose between fleece or sherpa, and preview your custom blanket design before placing the order.

Q6. How do I keep my personalized blanket looking new?

Wash it in cold water, avoid bleach or softeners, and air dry when possible. These simple steps help your customized blanket with pictures stay soft and vibrant for years.

Final Thoughts

Both fleece and sherpa fleece blankets bring comfort in their own way — one is smooth and vibrant, the other is plush and ultra-cozy. When it comes to designing your own custom blanket with photos, the choice depends on your personal style and how you plan to use it.

If you love lightweight softness and clear photo prints, fleece is the perfect match. If you prefer a thicker, premium feel that keeps you warm on chilly nights, sherpa will be your favorite companion.

At CanvasChamp, you can create a personalized photo blanket that’s as unique as your memories. Simply upload your pictures, customize your design, and we’ll craft a custom made blanket that’s warm, durable, and delivered right to your door.

Create your custom blanket today — and wrap yourself in comfort that’s truly personal.