Sherpa Jackets for Women: Sherpa, Shearling and Faux Fur

A sherpa jacket is a coat made from a soft, curly synthetic pile that imitates the inside of a sheepskin; it is warm, light and easier to care for than real shearling, and the best women’s styles add structure with a collar, piping and a belt, like the new Kimia jackets in our jackets edit from SIMKHAI. You will also see it sold as a teddy jacket.

Key facts

• Sherpa is a synthetic pile, usually polyester, made to look like the fleece inside a sheepskin.
• Shearling is real sheepskin with the wool left on, heavier and warmer than sherpa.
• Teddy jacket is a common alternative name for a sherpa jacket.
• SIMKHAI cuts the Kimia Jacket in Raven oversized and suggests sizing down for a closer fit.

The name nods to the Sherpa people of the Himalaya, and the fabric started out in outdoor gear. Now it sits beside wool coats as a softer winter option.

Sherpa vs shearling vs faux fur

Sherpa is usually polyester, knitted with a looped, nubby pile on the outside. It is light, warm and machine friendly on many labels, though not all. Shearling is real sheepskin with the wool left on, so it has a leather side and a fleece side; it is heavier and warmer, and needs specialist cleaning. Faux fur is a longer, smoother pile that copies fur rather than fleece, so it looks glossier and more evening. If you want the cosy look with the least upkeep, choose sherpa. If you want something that lasts decades and you will pay for specialist care, choose shearling.

How to choose a sherpa jacket

• Length: hip length is the most versatile. It clears a waistband and works over trousers and short skirts.
• Waist definition: sherpa adds volume, so a tie belt and a wrap front stop it looking like a dressing gown.
• Collar: a shawl and fold-over collar frames the face and closes up against wind.
• Trim: piping and vegan leather edges give a sharper finish than all-over pile.
• Lining: a fully lined jacket slides on over knitwear without catching.
• Size: check the fit note. Some sherpa styles are cut oversized on purpose.

Our sherpa, shearling and faux fur picks

1. Kimia Jacket in Raven

New on Coveti: a cosy sherpa jacket with a shawl collar, contrast piping, large patch pockets and a tie at the waist. SIMKHAI cuts it oversized and suggests sizing down for a closer fit.

2. Kimia Tie Waist Jacket in Black

Also new to us: faux sherpa in black, wrapped into a hip-length jacket with a fold-over collar, a self-tie belt and vegan leather trim. Fully lined, and it fits true to size.

3. Cassia Shearling Jacket in Chocolate

The real thing. A cropped shearling jacket from Fall 2026 with a plush collar, a zip front and an aviator-style buckle tab at the neck.

4. Sudie Faux Fur Jacket in Dark Chocolate

If you want a longer, glossier pile, this Holiday 2026 faux fur jacket in dark chocolate has a high collar, a concealed front and side pockets.

5. Luma Faux Fur Vest in Black Chocolate Multi

A faux fur front with a cashmere-blend knit back and a ribbed turtleneck. Wear it over a fine knit when a full jacket is too much.

6. Kinsley Faux Fur Wool Coat in Black Chocolate Multi

For the coldest days, a longline melton wool coat with faux fur at the collar and cuffs and a self-tie belt.

7. Noah Shearling Lug Sole Zip Boot in Cacao Ecru

Shearling-lined lug sole zip boots, the natural partner to a sherpa jacket on a wet weekend.

How to wear a sherpa jacket

Treat it as a coat, not a fleece. Over denim and a cream knit, a belted sherpa jacket looks considered; wear it open with a long scarf when the weather is mild. For town, put it over slim black trousers and a fine turtleneck, closed with the belt, and add a leather boot. The volume of the pile means the rest of the outfit should be lean, so skip big knits underneath.

It can go dressier than you think. A black faux sherpa jacket with vegan leather trim over a knit midi dress works for a casual dinner; see our sweater dresses edit for that pairing. For a more formal winter layer, read our cape coats guide and the SIMKHAI jackets and coats round-up. Under any of them, a cashmere turtleneck is the simplest base.

Sizing and care

SIMKHAI cuts dresses in US sizes, and its own chart sets US 00 as a UK 4, so a US 2 is a UK 8 and a US 6 is a UK 12. Tops, knitwear and outerwear run in letters from XS to XL. Most pieces fit true to size; read the fit note on each product page, and see our SIMKHAI size guide for the full table. For sherpa, check the model’s height and size on each page; the Kimia in Raven is cut oversized. Brush pile gently with a soft brush to keep the loops from matting, and follow the care label.

More brands to browse

For more winter outerwear, browse Max Mara, Magda Butrym and KHAITE. Our coats edit has the longer lengths.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between sherpa and shearling?

Sherpa is a synthetic pile, usually polyester, made to look like fleece. Shearling is real sheepskin with the wool still attached, so it is heavier and needs specialist cleaning.

Is a teddy jacket the same as a sherpa jacket?

Mostly yes. Teddy jacket usually means a sherpa and a faux fleece jacket with a plush, bear-like pile.

Are sherpa jackets warm enough for winter?

A lined sherpa jacket is warm for cold, dry days. For freezing wind, choose real shearling and a long wool coat.

Should you size down in a sherpa jacket?

Only when the brand says so. SIMKHAI suggests sizing down in the oversized Kimia Jacket in Raven, while the Kimia Tie Waist Jacket fits true to size.

Read next: SIMKHAI jackets and coats, Cape coats for women, Winter wedding guest dresses.

By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 21 October 2026.