Zella Sherpa Jacket – Cozy Fleece Outerwear for Every Day
We designed the Zella Sherpa Jacket for those chilly mornings when you need instant warmth without the bulk. The high-pile fleece exterior feels like your favorite blanket while delivering the performance features you expect from athletic outerwear.
Our sherpa fleece construction wraps you in softness from collar to hem, with a smooth jersey lining that glides over base layers and long sleeves. The relaxed fit allows room for movement whether you’re stretching at the studio or reaching for groceries, and the kangaroo pocket keeps your hands toasty while holding your essentials.
We built this jacket for real life—throwing it on after yoga, weekend coffee runs, or any day when comfort tops the list. The stand collar blocks drafts, and the full-zip front lets you adjust coverage as temperatures shift. Available in versatile neutral tones that pair with everything in your active wardrobe.
Fabric & fit details
Sherpa fleece construction & materials
We chose 100% polyester sherpa fleece for this jacket because it delivers exceptional warmth-to-weight performance while remaining easy to care for. The high-pile texture traps air between fibers to create insulation without adding pounds to your frame.
The jersey knit lining moves smoothly against your skin and prevents the outer fleece from clinging to base layers. This combination creates a jacket that feels luxurious but functions like true activewear—ready for movement and built to last through repeated washes. We reinforced the zipper tape and pocket openings with bar tacks at stress points to ensure durability season after season.
Sizing & fit guidance
Our Zella Sherpa Jacket runs true to size with a relaxed athletic fit. We designed the silhouette to skim your body without clinging, allowing space for a sports bra, tank, or lightweight hoodie underneath.
The shoulders sit naturally at your frame’s edge, and the sleeves provide full range of motion without excess fabric bunching at the wrists. If you prefer a closer fit or plan to wear only a thin base layer, consider sizing down. For maximum layering room or an oversized cozy look, we recommend sizing up one increment.
Care instructions for sherpa fleece
Machine wash your jacket in cold water on a gentle cycle with like colors. We recommend using liquid detergent rather than powder, which can settle into the fleece pile.
Tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry—high heat can damage the synthetic fibers and reduce the fleece’s soft texture over time. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which break down the polyester structure. The sherpa pile may flatten slightly after the first few washes but will regain loft once dry.
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Questions about your Sherpa jacket
Our Zella Sherpa Jacket provides excellent insulation for temperatures between 35-55°F when worn over a base layer. The high-pile fleece traps body heat effectively, making it ideal for cool mornings, crisp fall days, and mild winter conditions.
For temperatures below freezing, we recommend layering it under a windproof shell or pairing it with a heavier coat. Many customers wear it as a cozy midlayer on ski trips or winter hikes.
While this jacket is designed primarily for pre- and post-workout wear, the athletic fit and jersey lining make it suitable for low-intensity activities like walking, stretching, or casual hikes. The fleece breathes reasonably well but may feel too warm for high-output cardio.
We built it with mobility in mind—the relaxed cut and stretch cuffs won’t restrict your movement during yoga or barre classes. For intense training sessions, consider our technical shell jackets instead.
Our sherpa fleece is engineered to resist pilling when cared for properly. You may notice minimal shedding during the first 1-2 washes as loose fibers release, but this is normal and will stop quickly.
To maintain the fleece texture, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid washing with abrasive fabrics like denim or items with Velcro, which can damage the pile.
The main difference is the addition of an adjustable hood on the hooded version, which provides extra coverage for your head and ears in windy or rainy conditions. Both jackets feature the same high-pile sherpa fleece, jersey lining, and kangaroo pocket.
The hooded style adds approximately 2 ounces in weight. If you prefer a streamlined look or plan to wear hats frequently, the stand-collar version (this jacket) offers a cleaner silhouette.
If you plan to layer hoodies, sweatshirts, or bulky sweaters underneath, we recommend ordering one size up from your usual size. The relaxed fit accommodates thin to medium layers comfortably at your true size.
For reference, our fit model wears a size Small and is 5’7″ with a 34″ bust. She has room for a sports bra and tank at her true size, or a lightweight hoodie when she sizes up to Medium.
Yes, the kangaroo pocket is designed to hold essentials like your phone, keys, wallet, and even a small water bottle. The pocket opening is 9 inches wide and 7 inches deep, with a soft fleece interior lining.
We positioned the pocket high enough that items won’t bounce or shift when you’re walking or bending. Many customers use it as their primary storage for quick errands when they don’t want to carry a bag.
Yes, you can tumble dry this jacket on low heat. We recommend removing it promptly once dry to prevent wrinkles and maintain the fleece’s loft. High heat settings can damage the polyester fibers over time and cause the fabric to lose its soft texture.
If you prefer air drying, lay the jacket flat on a clean towel or hang it on a padded hanger. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors.