How to Wash Sherpa and Keep It Looking New

Short answer: Turn your sherpa jacket inside out and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent, then air dry, never in the dryer. High heat is the biggest cause of shrinkage and texture damage in sherpa and other cotton-blend fabrics. Reshape it while still damp and keep it out of direct sunlight while drying.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Sherpa Jacket
• Growing Up in Sherpa
• The Sample That Almost Didn't Make It
• Machine Washing Your Sherpa Jacket
• Drying Your Sherpa Jacket
• Spot Cleaning for Stains
• Preventing Future Stains
• Why Heat Is the Real Enemy Here
• FAQs

Understanding the Sherpa Jacket

Sherpa jackets are winter wardrobe essentials, providing unmatched warmth and comfort. To keep your sherpa jacket soft and comfy, proper care is essential. Before diving into care tips, it helps to understand what makes it special, and what makes MAKAI's version specifically different:

• Soft, textured exterior: resembling real sheep's wool, the outer layer provides a stylish and comfortable appearance.
• Dual-layer construction: ours adds comfort and structure on the inside while keeping the classic soft sherpa look on the outside, built specifically to be warm without feeling stiff or bulky.

Growing Up in Sherpa

Growing up in Utah, sherpa wasn't just a trend for Toni, it was everywhere once the weather turned cold. She wore sherpa jackets, pullovers, and even lived under sherpa blankets all winter because they were genuinely warm and comfortable. When MAKAI began expanding into loungewear, that personal experience became the starting point, but it wasn't the only thing that shaped the product.

Patt spent hours every week studying apparel manufacturing, fabric construction, and textile performance, reviewing countless fabric swatches and material palettes from manufacturers. Together, they learned why sherpa performs so well in cold weather, what actually separates high-quality sherpa from cheaper alternatives, and the common construction mistakes that cause sherpa garments to mat, shed, or lose their softness over time. That combination, real lived experience plus deliberate product research, is how MAKAI evaluates sherpa to this day.

One thing Toni knew from actually wearing sherpa through real Utah winters: it had to be more than warm, it had to be comfortable enough to wear all day. Some of the samples they reviewed felt incredibly cozy but were also stiff and bulky, the kind of thing you wouldn't actually want to wear around the house or while running errands. That became a real design priority. They wanted something warm without sacrificing movement, which is exactly why MAKAI's sherpa uses a dual-layer construction, comfort and structure on the inside, the classic soft look on the outside. The goal was never just another cozy jacket. It was one people would actually want to keep wearing.

The Sample That Almost Didn't Make It

Patt still remembers the day the first sample material came in. One of Toni's good friends was actually the first person to try it on, and the funny part is, Toni didn't like it at first at all. Patt already knew why: the fabric had been vacuum sealed for shipping, and it just needed time for air to get back into the sherpa pullover before it would feel the way it was supposed to.

Once it had a chance to breathe, they started taking it around to people without showing them the MAKAI branding on the front first. Without anyone asking or prompting them, people immediately assumed it was expensive and from a luxury store. That reaction, completely unprompted, was a big part of what told them they'd actually gotten the fabric right.

That combination, the real Utah winters, the sample that almost got written off because of packaging, and the blind reaction from strangers, is part of why this piece sold out almost immediately when MAKAI launched it.

Machine Washing Your Sherpa Jacket

If your sherpa jacket is machine washable, follow these steps for effective cleaning:

• Gentle cycle: opt for a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water to preserve the softness of the sherpa fabric.
• Mild detergent: choose a gentle, eco-friendly detergent to clean and preserve the quality of your jacket.
• Inside out: turn the jacket inside out before washing to protect the outer layer of the sherpa fabric.
• Avoid overloading: ensure your washing machine isn't overloaded, allowing the jacket to move freely.
• Extra rinse: run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent thoroughly.

Drying Your Sherpa Jacket

Proper drying is crucial for maintaining your sherpa jacket's texture:

• Air dry: hang the jacket on a sturdy hanger or lay it flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry.
• Reshape while damp: gently reshape the jacket to its original form while it's still damp to maintain its appearance.
• Avoid sunlight: prevent fading by avoiding direct sunlight during the drying process.

Spot Cleaning for Stains

For minor stains or spills, follow these spot cleaning steps:

• Gently blot: use a clean, white cloth to blot the stained area and absorb excess liquid.
• Use mild soap: create a soapy solution with mild liquid detergent and water.
• Spot clean: dab the stained area with the soapy solution using a clean cloth or sponge, avoiding scrubbing.
• Rinse and air dry: rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue, then air dry completely.

Preventing Future Stains

Take proactive measures to keep your sherpa jacket stain-free:

• Be mindful while wearing: avoid spills by paying attention while wearing your sherpa jacket, especially during meals.
• Use a scarf or bib: consider using a scarf or bib to protect your jacket during eating or drinking.
• Store properly: when not in use, store your sherpa jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, avoiding rough surfaces.

Why Heat Is the Real Enemy Here

If there's one thing worth taking most seriously in this whole guide, it's staying away from the dryer. We learned this lesson directly with our own loungewear line, our first collection taught us firsthand that repeated exposure to high dryer heat gradually affects cotton-blend fibers and contributes to shrinkage over time. The same principle applies to sherpa. Cold water, gentle cycles, and air drying aren't just gentle suggestions, they're the actual difference between a jacket that holds its texture for years and one that shrinks and flattens after a handful of washes. If you want the fuller version of that lesson, we go into it in more depth in is a loungewear set worth it.

FAQs

Can I put my sherpa jacket in the dryer?

No. High heat is the biggest cause of shrinkage and texture damage in sherpa. Always air dry instead.

What temperature water should I use to wash sherpa?

Cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle. Hot water can damage the fibers and cause the texture to flatten.

How do I get a stain out of my sherpa jacket without washing the whole thing?

Blot the area with a clean cloth, then dab with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and air dry completely, avoid scrubbing.

Should I wash my sherpa jacket inside out?

Yes, turning it inside out protects the outer textured layer from friction and pilling during the wash cycle.

How should I store my sherpa jacket between wears?

In a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, on a surface that won't rub or flatten the texture.

What makes MAKAI's sherpa different from other brands?

A dual-layer construction that adds comfort and structure on the inside while keeping the classic soft sherpa look on the outside, built specifically so it feels warm without being stiff or bulky.

Your Cozy Companion Deserves the Best

Your sherpa jacket isn't just clothing, it's a warm companion during colder months. By following these care steps, you'll maintain its plush texture, ensuring it remains inviting for years to come. Sherpa layers fit right into the athleisure rotation too, so if you're still figuring out how to mix cozy and active pieces, what is athleisure breaks it down. And if you want a simple, laid-back pairing to build around your freshly washed sherpa, here's how to style grey sweatpants.

Shop the Sherpa Jacket.