Fleece Blanket: Microfleece vs Polar Fleece vs Sherpa, Washing and How to Stop Pilling

A fleece blanket is a soft synthetic blanket with a fuzzy surface. Microfleece is lightweight and compact, polar fleece is thicker and warmer, and sherpa is the fluffiest, with distinct tufts. Wash fleece in cold water on a gentle cycle, skip fabric softener and air dry, because friction and heat cause pilling and shrinking.

This article is part of our bedding guide, where you can compare related options.

Fleece is the blanket people reach for on the couch, in the car and in a child’s room. It is warm for its weight, cheap and easy to wash. It also has weak spots, such as pilling, static and a tendency to feel less breathable than natural fibers.

Fleece is a knit synthetic fabric, usually polyester, with a brushed, soft surface. This guide explains the three main types, how to wash and dry a fleece blanket, how to prevent and fix pilling and how to choose. A TODAY article quoting a Tide scientist concerns fleece clothing, not blankets. Check the care label on your blanket.

Close-up of a fluffy pink fleece blanket showcasing its soft texture

What are the types of fleece blankets?

Microfleece is the lightweight, compact option, known for providing impressive warmth for its weight. Polar fleece is heavier, and one source describes it as thicker and warmer than microfleece, offering substantial insulation. Sherpa is the fluffiest. It is generally thick and has distinct fluffy tufts. All sherpa is fleece, but not all fleece is sherpa. Wikipedia explains the history of polar fleece, and Lazada has a guide on which fleece fabric suits different projects.

Pick microfleece for travel and layering, polar fleece for cold rooms and sherpa for the coziest feel.

How warm is a fleece blanket?

Fleece traps air in its fuzzy surface and feels warm quickly. It is warm for its weight, but it is not as breathable as cotton or wool, so some people feel clammy under it. One source asks whether sherpa is warm enough for winter. It is warm, but your room, your clothes and your other layers matter too. I found no independent warmth test, so treat comparisons as general.

How do you wash a fleece blanket?

One suggests washing fleece in cold water on a gentle cycle to protect its insulation. Another advises a gentle detergent and a cold or lukewarm setting. Avoid fabric softener, which one source says can reduce the natural softness of fleece. Washing in a mesh bag or alone helps.

Always follow the care label. Blanket care can differ from clothing care.

How do you dry it?

Air drying is the usual recommendation. For microfleece, one source says a blanket should be air dried to help prevent shrinking or pilling. If you use a dryer, choose a low or no-heat setting, as the label allows. High heat can melt or flatten the fibers, since fleece is plastic-based.

Why does fleece pill and how do you prevent it?

Agitation and friction are the main causes. One source notes that the agitation in washing machines can lead to pilling, especially if microfleece is washed with rougher fabrics. Avoid washing a fleece blanket with towels, jeans or anything with zippers. A mesh bag helps, and cleaning polar fleece in a net bag is recommended to limit pilling.

If pills do form, a fabric shaver can fix it, according to one source, and Hunker has a guide on removing lint balls from a microfleece blanket.

How should you care for sherpa?

Care guidance is less consistent. One retailer says most sherpa blankets are machine washable and need no special handling. A care table from another site lists sherpa fleece as wash in cold water, air dry and avoid ironing. Because sherpa’s pile is more delicate, following the care label is the safest approach.

How do fleece blankets compare with other blankets?

Fleece is lighter and cheaper than most wool or down alternatives, and easier to wash than a heavy comforter. It is less breathable than cotton or linen. Our best comforter, linen bedding and comfort blanket guides cover other options. For a bed, fleece works best as a top layer or a throw, not a full replacement for bedding.

What should you look for when buying?

Check the type of fleece, the weight or size and the care label. Larger sizes suit beds, and smaller throws suit sofas. Read reviews about pilling and shedding. Check whether the edges are bound or hemmed, because raw edges can fray. Consider washability, color and whether the blanket will be used by a child or pet.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Do not use fabric softener. Do not wash with rough fabrics. Do not dry on high heat. Do not iron fleece. And do not assume sherpa and fleece follow the same care rules without checking the label.

Is fleece safe for kids and pets?

Fleece is common in kids’ rooms and pet beds because it is soft and washable. Check that the blanket has no loose trims or buttons, and keep blankets away from babies’ sleep spaces, as pediatric safe-sleep guidance advises. Wash pet blankets often. Fleece can trap pet hair, so a lint roller or a quick shake outside helps. Our comfort blanket guide covers other cozy options.

How do you store a fleece blanket?

Fold it and keep it in a dry spot, away from direct heat. Avoid storing it in damp places, which can cause odors. A breathable bag keeps dust out. If the blanket loses its loft, fluff it by hand and air it out.

What sizes do fleece blankets come in?

Throws suit sofas and chairs, and larger sizes cover twin to king beds. Check the listed dimensions, since fleece can shrink slightly. A blanket that drapes over the sides of your bed feels warmer than one that stops at the mattress edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between microfleece and polar fleece?

Microfleece is lighter and more compact. Polar fleece is thicker and warmer.

What is sherpa?

A fluffy fleece with distinct tufts, the coziest of the three.

How do I wash a fleece blanket?

Cold water, a gentle cycle, mild detergent, no softener, air dry.

Why does fleece pill?

Friction and agitation, especially when washed with rough fabrics.

Can I use a dryer?

Air drying is usually recommended. Use low or no heat if you must.

Conclusion

A fleece blanket is a cheap, cozy choice. Pick microfleece for light warmth, polar fleece for more insulation and sherpa for fluffy comfort, and wash it gently in cold water.

Because care can vary, follow the label on your blanket. A well-cared-for fleece stays soft for years.