Sherpa, borg and teddy are all names for the same thing: a thick, fluffy fleece with a curly or bouclé pile that looks like sheep's wool. Most is made from soft polyester. It traps warm air, which makes it brilliantly warm for its weight. On women's outerwear it comes in three main shapes. A sherpa vest or borg gilet keeps your core warm with arms free. A teddy coat is the full cocoon. A sherpa jacket sits in between. This guide explains how to choose each, how to style it so it looks chic rather than sleepy, and how to keep it fluffy.
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Quick Picks: Sherpa, Borg and Teddy at Fashionfitz
- Best borg gilet: Country Borg Fleece Gilet, £29.99. 100% polyester borg fleece, sizes S–XL.
- Best sherpa vest: Sherpa Fleece Vest, Khaki Check, £39.99, with snap buttons.
- Best budget gilet: Paisley Sherpa Gilet, £20. A beige western-style vest.
- Best teddy coat: Cosy Blue Teddy Coat, £36.99. Also in beige, sizes S–2XL.
- Best teddy puffer: Teddy Puffer Jacket, £66.70, jungle green.
- Best statement vest: Pink Plush Sherpa Vest with Varsity Stripe, £44.99.
Sherpa vs Borg vs Teddy: Is There a Difference?
- Sherpa: usually a smooth knit back with a fluffy pile on one side. It's often used as a lining or on collars.
- Borg: the UK high-street name for the same fluffy fleece, used all over a garment.
- Teddy: a denser, curlier, more bouclé pile that feels like a teddy bear. It's most common on coats.
In practice the terms overlap. What matters is the pile density (denser is warmer and stays fluffier) and the cut.
Sherpa Vests and Borg Gilets
A sleeveless sherpa vest is the easiest way into the trend. It's warm at the core, easy to move in, and the ideal layer over a knit or hoodie. Check patterns like the Sherpa Check Vest (£30.69) or the Black Check Sherpa Vest (£30.95) look great with plain jeans. A neutral like the Beige Fuzzy Fleece Gilet (£25) goes with everything. Want a puffier gilet? See our puffer vest guide.
Teddy Coats and Sherpa Jackets
A teddy coat is a statement and a hug at the same time. Blue and beige are the classic shades. Both of our Cosy Teddy Coats are made from high-stretch 100% polyester sherpa and come in sizes up to 2XL. For a shorter, sportier option, try the Zip-Up Sherpa Hoodie Jacket (£35) or the Corduroy Sherpa Jacket (£49.99).
How to Style Sherpa and Teddy (Without Looking Like a Duvet)
- Balance volume: pair fluffy outerwear with slim bottoms such as straight jeans, leggings or a midi skirt with boots.
- Contrast textures: sherpa looks smartest against sleek fabrics like leather-look trousers, satin skirts or fine knits.
- Gilet over hoodie: a borg gilet, grey hoodie, leggings and trainers for weekends and dog walks.
- Gilet over a shacket: layer a sherpa vest over a plaid shirt jacket. See our shacket guide.
- Teddy coat and denim: a blue teddy coat with light jeans and white trainers. Fresh and playful.
- Teddy coat dressed up: a beige teddy coat over a black knit dress with knee boots.
- Tonal neutrals: a cream borg gilet, oatmeal knit and beige trousers.
How to Keep Sherpa Fluffy
- Wash cold on a gentle cycle, inside out, with no fabric conditioner. It flattens the pile.
- Avoid washing with towels or anything with zips or Velcro.
- Air dry. Heat can melt and mat polyester fibres.
- Once dry, gently brush the pile with a soft brush or wide-tooth comb to bring the fluff back.
Quick Questions
Is a sherpa vest the same as a borg gilet?
Essentially, yes. Sherpa and borg both describe a fluffy, fleece-like pile, and vest and gilet are US and UK names for the same sleeveless layer.
Are teddy coats warm?
Yes. The dense pile traps warm air. On very cold, wet days, layer a knit underneath, as most teddy coats aren't waterproof.
Do teddy coats suit curvy women?
Yes. Choose a longer, straight-cut teddy coat worn open over a dark, fitted outfit to create a long line.
How do you stop sherpa from matting?
Wash cold and gentle, skip conditioner, air dry and brush the pile once dry.
Shop Cosy Outerwear at Fashionfitz
Find your fluffy layer in our outerwear collection, or compare coats in our puffer jackets guide.
