Material: Corduroy should be made from high-quality cotton, but there’s nothing wrong with a bit of stretch with elastane added to the blend. Unlike wool, sherpa is a type of synthetic fleece made from cotton, a synthetic fiber like polyester, or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers that mimics the bumpy texture of natural wool fleece. Named after the Sherpa people of Nepal, sherpa is very insulating, plush, and lightweight. It's a popular alternative to wool fleece, which is collected through the process of shearing the fluffy coat of sheep and other mammals, which is then processed into cloth. Also called faux-sheepskin or faux-shearling, not only is sherpa a more animal-friendly fabric, but it's also a lot cheaper than genuine wool—and just as cozy.