It’s natural to default to your comfiest, coziest clothes in cold weather — we’re spending more time inside and on the couch, and, also, brr! If you’re looking to upgrade your assortment this season, you can’t go wrong with a sherpa jacket. The fleece styles are just a little fuzzier than the zip-up you likely have tucked in your closet, and the thicker pile has also earned them the moniker “teddy bear.”
The faux-shearling fabric comes in many forms, including sweatshirts and half-zips that feel like shirts, and are ideal for lounging at home, traveling, or running errands. There are also fully zippered layers and even denim jackets lined with the plush material that feel more substantial and akin to a coat. That’s all to say: There’s a sherpa topper for all outfits and occasions, whether a performance-minded piece perfect for an afternoon hike or one that feels appropriate over a dress and boots.
And while trendy, don’t let its current popularity prevent you from adding one to your wardrobe. They stand the test of time (they’ve been around since the ‘40s) and offer the perfect medium-weight amount of warmth. The best part? You don’t have to spend a ton to get a good one. Amazon has lots in its own fashion labels, including plenty that are reviewer-loved and come with the benefit of Prime shipping.
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Best for Winter Excursions
Core 10 by Reebok Cozy Quarter-Zip Oversized Sherpa Jacket
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Best for Winter Excursions
Core 10 by Reebok Cozy Quarter-Zip Oversized Sherpa Jacket
Picture this red and black sherpa quarter-zip with your favorite leggings, thick socks, and lined winter boots for an outdoor excursion — comfy and cute. That fashionable fitness look will work for a brisk walk around the neighborhood with dog and coffee cup in hand or a cabin weekend (ideally with a firepit and time to catch up with loved ones in the fresh air).
What reviewers are saying: “Super cozy, I like the long sleeves. The pockets are huge! I can put a lot of stuff in them! And it’s warm and cozy, great for fall and winter. Love love love this!”
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Most Versatile
Amazon Aware Recycled Polyester Sherpa Jacket
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Most Versatile
Amazon Aware Recycled Polyester Sherpa Jacket
The classic shape, roomy pockets, and hip-grazing length of this fuzzy find make it a sherpa iteration you can wear almost anywhere. The button closures make it worthy of a “real outfit” (try wearing it over a button-down with jeans and ankle boots) but it’s so soft that you’ll also love pulling it on with your sweats and leggings. It comes in a wide size range, too, extending from extra-extra-small to 7X.
What reviewers are saying: “I love this jacket. As opposed to the typical sherpa material that’s linty and gets matted down over time, this is a tighter weave that feels more durable and less prone to getting gross.”
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Best for Outdoor Workouts
Amazon Essentials Sherpa Long-Sleeve Mock Neck Full-Zip Jacket
Now 45% Off
The ultimate sherpa for getting outside? A pocketed silhouette like this full-zip version. The plushness will help keep you cozy during a chilly jog, walk, or bike ride, while the pockets are great for stashing a credit card and your keys. The vertical zip at the breast is ideal for holding your phone, especially if you have headphones plugged in.
What reviewers are saying: “This jacket is so adorable — absolutely love it. It’s not overwhelmingly hot like some fleeces can be, but definitely does keep you warm out in the cool! Love, love, love it.”
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Best with Jeans
Goodthreads Relaxed Fit Sherpa Long Sleeve Snap Front Coat
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Best with Jeans
Goodthreads Relaxed Fit Sherpa Long Sleeve Snap Front Coat
For when you want more of an “outfit,” scoop up a sherpa option that feels a bit more dressed up. The longer length of this beautiful cream version means extra coziness, while the ribbed wrists and collar and snap buttons provide an extra bit of polish.
What reviewers are saying: “I love this coat. It’s sherpa on the outside and super soft, smooth fleece on the inside. It’s thick and a heavier weight, perfect for slightly above freezing days — or even on below freezing days if you’re just going from the car to inside.”
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Best for Travel
Daily Ritual Teddy Bear Fleece Hooded Zip Jacket
Whether by air, train, or car, travel days call for practicality first and comfort second. This hooded jacket checks both boxes, featuring a loose, flowy fit without added bulk. It’s versatile for layering, too, working over a t-shirt or a sweater.
What reviewers are saying: “The perfect lightweight jacket. The fit is very flattering and the piece is super easy to wear. It is fitted but not tight, just the right amount of looseness. Instantly upgrades my usual t-shirt and jeans uniform.”
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Best with Athleisure
Amazon Essentials Teddy Faux Shearling Funnel Collar Jacket
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Best with Athleisure
Amazon Essentials Teddy Faux Shearling Funnel Collar Jacket
Whether you work from home in a leggings-and-t-shirt uniform or default to it on the weekends, a sherpa jacket is the cozy layer you’ll want on standby, like this stand collar zip-up style. At once modern and sporty, it makes even the most relaxed looks feel a bit cooler.
What reviewers are saying: “Puffy, lush, comfy, soft, and warm. What more could you want in a fleece?”
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.
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