Plush vs Sherpa Blanket: A Scored Comparison
Both are cozy throws, but they feel and behave differently. To make the choice easier, we scored two blankets from our shop on seven criteria, from 1 to 5 points each. The scores are our own judgment based on the listed specs, so treat them as a guide, not a lab test. Prices are as listed at the time of writing.
The two contenders
- Plush: the Better Days Are Coming velveteen plush blanket. Medium heavy-weight polyester (a polyester and spandex option is also listed), one-sided print, double-needle topstitching on all seams. $25.99 to $51.99.
- Sherpa: the Take The Day As It Comes sherpa blanket. 100% polyester fleece with a thick, fluffy texture on both sides, one-sided print, hemmed edges. $54.13 to $65.03.
The scorecard
| Criterion | Plush | Sherpa |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 5 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Size choice | 5 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Warmth | 4 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Softness | 4 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Weight and drape | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Easy care | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Color options | 2 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Total | 28 / 35 | 27 / 35 |
A one-point gap is a tie in practice. The right pick depends on which rows matter to you, so here is the reasoning behind each score.
Round 1: Price (plush 5, sherpa 3)
Here are the listed sizes side by side.
| Size | Plush | Sherpa |
|---|---|---|
| 30 x 40 in | $25.99 | Not offered |
| 50 x 60 in | $41.99 | $54.13 |
| 60 x 80 in | $51.99 | $65.03 |
At the same size, the sherpa costs $12.14 more at 50 x 60 and $13.04 more at 60 x 80. The plush also has the only entry-level price.
Round 2: Size choice (plush 5, sherpa 3)
The plush comes in three sizes, from a small 30 x 40 in lap throw to a 60 x 80 in blanket. The sherpa comes in two. Not sure which size to pick? Measure the sofa or bed you will use it on, and use the larger size if two people will share it.
Round 3: Warmth (plush 4, sherpa 5)
The sherpa has a thick, fluffy texture on both sides, which traps more warmth. The plush is medium heavy-weight and still warm, but it has a flatter surface.
Round 4: Softness (plush 4, sherpa 5)
The plush has an extra-soft hand, a smooth feel against the skin. The sherpa feels fluffier. If you like a smooth surface, you may prefer the plush, so treat this row as personal taste.
Round 5: Weight and drape (plush 4, sherpa 3)
Medium heavy-weight fabric drapes down over a sofa arm or the foot of a bed. The sherpa is described as lightweight but plush, so it puffs up more and drapes less.
Round 6: Easy care (plush 4, sherpa 4)
Both are polyester, so both dry fast and keep their shape. The plush listing says machine wash cold, tumble dry low, and that hand washing will extend its life. The sherpa listing says to wash cold on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and to wash it separately. Neither should be bleached, ironed or dry-cleaned. For step-by-step help, read how to wash a plush blanket.
Round 7: Color options (plush 2, sherpa 4)
The sherpa is offered in grey and beige. The plush listing has one colorway. If your room is neutral, both work, and the sherpa gives you a choice.
Who should pick which
| If you want… | Pick |
|---|---|
| The lowest price | Plush, 30 x 40 in |
| A blanket for two on the sofa | Plush or sherpa, 60 x 80 in |
| Maximum warmth in winter | Sherpa |
| A smooth, draping feel | Plush |
| A choice of color | Sherpa |
| A gift under $30 | Plush, 30 x 40 in |
Our verdict
Choose the plush for value, size choice and a smooth feel. Choose the sherpa when warmth and fluff matter most and you do not mind paying more. Because our blankets are made to order, we cannot accept returns or exchanges for wrong size or change of mind, so pick the size carefully. Production takes 3 to 5 business days, then 3 to 6 business days of shipping within the United States. Use the delivery date estimator to check the date, or compare products side by side.