Faux Rabbit Fur vs Sherpa vs Flannel: Choosing a Throw Fabric
Flannel fleece is a dense, smooth, short-pile polyester fleece that prints well and suits printed and mass-market throws. Faux rabbit fur is a very soft, dense plush with a fine, silky pile for premium throws and cushions. Sherpa is a curly, lamb-like pile, usually the warm reverse of a double-layer throw. Tulip makes all three in 100% polyester in Nantong, China, and combines them — faux fur or flannel with sherpa, for example — to reach a target look and price.
Comparison
The Three Main Throw Fabrics Side by Side
All three are 100% polyester. Which one fits depends on the hand feel you want and your target retail price.
| Faux rabbit fur | Sherpa | Flannel fleece | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Very soft, dense plush made to mimic rex / rabbit fur, with a fine, silky pile | Curly, lamb-like pile — usually one side of a double-layer blanket | Dense, smooth, velvety fleece with a short, even pile |
| Hand feel | Silky and plush | Curly, lofty and cozy | Smooth and velvety |
| Typical constructions | Printed, carved, channel-cut or jacquard | Paired with a fleece, flannel, suede or printed face | Printed; 100% polyester, commonly 180–350 GSM |
| Shedding to manage | Needs the most attention — controlled with a higher-density fabric and, where needed, a light backing coating | Loose fibres possible when new; controlled the same way | Short, even pile — the least prone of the three |
| Best for | Premium throws, cushions and coordinated soft-home collections | Warm winter throws, reversible blankets and cozy gifting | Printed throws, promotional blankets and mass-market programs |
| Retail position | Premium | Value-added as a warm reverse layer | Mass-market and promotional |
Final GSM, pile and construction are set per program.
Combining Fabrics
Double-Layer and Reversible Throws
Two finished fabrics are joined into one blanket, usually stitched around the edge — faux fur + flannel or fleece + sherpa are the common pairs. The result is added warmth, a richer hand feel and a contrasting face and back; a reversible throw gives two looks in one.
Also Available
Other Throw Fabrics We Make
| Fabric | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece | Soft knitted synthetic with a brushed or raised surface | Value retail, everyday comfort, travel and gifting |
| Teddy & bouclé | Looped or nubby surface with a soft, cozy texture | Modern neutral décor, kids, gifting and winter ranges |
| Jacquard | Pattern built into the knit or weave rather than printed on | More premium, durable patterns and texture-led collections |
FAQ
Buyer Questions
Which is warmer, sherpa or flannel?
Sherpa is usually chosen for warmth — its lofty, curly pile is why it is the typical reverse on winter throws — while flannel fleece is smoother and prints better. Many programs combine the two: a printed flannel face with a sherpa reverse.
Is faux rabbit fur real fur?
No. Faux rabbit fur is a 100% polyester plush engineered to mimic rex / rabbit fur. No animal fur is used.
Do faux fur throws shed?
Plush fabrics can shed a little, especially when new. We reduce shedding significantly with a higher-density fabric construction and, where needed, a light backing coating that does not noticeably change the hand feel.
Which fabric is best for printed throws?
Flannel fleece has the richest printability and is the usual choice for printed, promotional and licensed-graphic throws. Faux rabbit fur can also be printed, carved or made in jacquard for a more premium printed look.
Are these fabrics OEKO-TEX certified?
Our 100% polyester blankets — faux rabbit fur, sherpa and flannel included — are covered by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate SHHO 075738, product class I. You can verify the number on the OEKO-TEX Label Check.
Send your size, fabric and target price