Fleece vs Sherpa Photo Blanket: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between a fleece vs sherpa photo blanket? Here's the short answer: your photos print exactly the same on both. The difference is what's on the back. Fleece is light, smooth and easy to use all year. Sherpa adds a thick, fluffy backing that makes it heavier and noticeably warmer.
Below we compare the two side by side, so you can pick the right finish for the person you're shopping for. You can see every design in our personalized photo blankets collection, and each one comes in both finishes.
Fleece vs sherpa at a glance
- Feel: Fleece is smooth and soft on both sides. Sherpa has the same soft printed front with a thick, fluffy pile on the back.
- Warmth: Fleece is comfortable all year. Sherpa is noticeably warmer, best for cold evenings and winter.
- Weight: Fleece is lighter and easy to fold and carry. Sherpa is heavier and feels more substantial.
- Photo quality: The same. Photos and colors print identically on both finishes.
- Best for: Fleece for everyday use, kids and pets. Sherpa for a cozy gift that feels like a present.
What a fleece photo blanket is like
A fleece photo blanket has the same smooth, soft finish on both sides. It is lighter than sherpa, easy to fold, and easy to toss in a bag for the car, a picnic or a sleepover.
Because it is not too warm, fleece works year-round: on the sofa in spring, over your legs on a summer night, or in a dog bed. It is also the lower-cost finish at every size, which makes it a good pick when you are ordering several blankets for the whole family.
What a sherpa photo blanket is like
A sherpa photo blanket keeps the same printed front, then adds a thick, fluffy pile on the back. It is heavier and noticeably warmer, the kind of blanket you wrap all the way around yourself on a cold night.
Sherpa is the finish that feels most like a gift when it comes out of the box. It is a lovely choice for grandparents, for anyone who always feels the cold, and for winter birthdays and Christmas. Our Grandparents Sherpa Blanket, with the grandkids' names on vintage Christmas postcards, is made with exactly that cozy feel in mind.
Do photos look different on fleece or sherpa?
No. The printed side is the same on both, so your photos, names and colors look identical. You are only choosing the back of the blanket.
What does affect your photos is the size. Larger blankets enlarge every picture, so small or slightly soft photos look best on 30 × 40 or 50 × 60 inches. For the sharpest result, use the original file from your phone or camera rather than a screenshot or a photo saved from social media.
Which size should you choose?
- 30 × 40 in: a lap blanket, the stroller or a pet bed.
- 50 × 60 in: the sofa size, and the one most people choose.
- 60 × 80 in: covers a twin bed or two people sharing the sofa, and keeps faces large.
A multi-photo design like the Gold Leaf Family Photo Blanket shines at 50 × 60 or larger, where every photo has room to breathe.
Which finish is best for who?
For Grandma and Grandpa
Sherpa. It is warm, weighty and feels special. Pair it with names or family photos, and see more ideas in our guide to gifts for Grandma with the grandkids' names.
For kids and teens
Fleece. It is light enough to drag from the bedroom to the sofa and back, and comfortable all year.
For dog and cat lovers
Fleece for a blanket that goes in the pet bed or the car, sherpa for a keepsake on the owner's sofa. A collage like the 8-photo Heart Grid pet blanket works beautifully in either finish.
For a Christmas gift
Sherpa, if the person you are buying for loves to get cozy. Fleece, if the blanket will be used every day, all year long.
How to care for your photo blanket
Both finishes are cared for the same way: wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low, no bleach, and do not iron the print. The print won't crack, peel or fade with normal washing, so your photos stay bright for years.
FAQ
Is sherpa warmer than fleece?
Yes. Sherpa adds a thick, fluffy pile to the back of the blanket, so it is heavier and noticeably warmer. Fleece is lighter and comfortable all year.
Do photos look the same on fleece and sherpa?
Yes. The printed front is the same on both, so photos and colors look identical. Only the back changes.
Which blanket size is most popular?
50 × 60 inches, the sofa size. Choose 30 × 40 for a lap, stroller or pet bed, and 60 × 80 for a twin bed or two people.
Can I wash a photo blanket in the machine?
Yes. Wash cold on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low. Skip the bleach and don't iron the print.
Which is better for a pet?
Fleece is easier for a pet bed or the car because it is lighter and quick to wash. Sherpa makes a cozy keepsake for the owner.
Ready to choose? Pick a design, add your photos and names, then select fleece or sherpa and your size. Shop personalized photo blankets.