The Best Sherpa Vest

Buying Guide

Weather extremes can be bad for the human body, with heat being the cause of many emergency room visits in the summer months. But chilly weather can be just as dangerous, leading to heart arrhythmia, damage to the extremities and even death.

As the weather turns cooler, warmer clothing can be more than a comfort issue. It can also help keep you safe. Even if you don’t spend much time outdoors, you never know when you might end up stranded in subzero temperatures. You’ll need a good coat, along with proper foot and hand protection.

There’s a reason those last two safeties are important. Your extremities can be at higher risk in dangerously low temperatures. Your blood circulates to your torso to protect your vital organs as a protective measure. That means a lessened blood flow to your extremities. This can put your fingers and toes at risk if your body temperature drops too low for too long.

For short time periods spent outdoors, a vest can be a great way to keep your torso warm without constricting your arms as a coat might do. This can also make a vest great for those who work outdoors in chilly but not freezing weather, offering the warmth you need while also giving you freedom of movement.

The material of your vest can also contribute to keeping you warm. Wool is a longstanding favorite, but some find it uncomfortable. In recent years, though, manufactured fabrics like polyester have become popular for imitating the benefits of warmer fabrics without the scratchiness.

Sherpa is a cold-weather favorite. Named after the Sherpa people in Nepal, it’s a fabric similar to wool. Using materials like cotton and polyester, manufacturers can make sherpa clothing without using animals. With sherpa, you’ll get a garment that’s bumpy and fleece-like on one side, with a smooth material of another type on the other. The sherpa will typically become the interior lining while the outside will be cotton or polyester to repel moisture and dirt.

• Most sherpa vests feature a zipper closure, so if you prefer a vest with buttons, you might have to look around. The zipper can make it quicker to slip your vest off and on as you’re entering and exiting buildings.
• Pockets are a valuable feature in any outerwear, and that includes a vest. Many have pockets on the outside, ideal for keeping your hands warm or storing gloves and other items. But a few include interior pockets that are great for securing valuables.
• Not all sherpa garments are machine washable. Pay attention to this if you want to be able to occasionally toss your vest in the washer. It’s probably best to line dry your sherpa vest and machine wash it only on cold.
• Sherpa imitations can vary in quality, which means some are softer than others. If you’re looking for an extra-comfortable option, look for one that promises high-quality sherpa.
• The hem of your vest plays a role in how warm it keeps you. One that forms a secure seal when zipped will help keep air from getting inside.
• Some sherpa vests are reversible, which means you can change up your look. The sherpa on these is attractive in design, and the non-sherpa side looks great, as well.
• You can find sherpa vests in a variety of patterns and colors. While neutrals seem to be the go-to color, you can find other colors, including bold, vibrant reds and blues.
• Although a sherpa vest can be great for moderately chilly days, if you’ll be outside for an extended period of time when temperatures are low, you’ll likely need not only a full coat, but also a good pair of gloves and a scarf for neck protection.