How To Care For Your Shearling Coat

The ultimate winter wardrobe addition, shearling jackets are strong and soft, and are also warmer than duck or goose down. Most importantly, shearling jackets are easy to care for and can stand the test of time for generations to come. Below, we unpack all things shearling and share our ultimate tips to care for and maintain your shearling jacket all year round. 

What is shearling?

Shearling lambskin is also known as sheepskin, but true shearling comes from a young lamb (whereas sheepskin is obtained from grown sheep). Sheepskin is rougher to touch and not as soft as shearling, with shearling jackets being not only incredibly soft, but also amazingly warm. The combination of soft lamb leather on the outside and warm wool on the inside makes a shearling jacket ideal for the creation of garments that will withstand not only very cold temperatures and moisture, but also the test of time.

Where does shearling come from?

Shearling is supplied from all over the world and two of the biggest suppliers of shearling lambskin are Iceland and Spain. The best quality shearling comes from Spain (Merino, Tigrado, and Toscana are the top three shearlings). Merino shearling is very dense and soft. Tigrado has beautiful silky curls. The warmest however, is the long-haired Toscana. Merino, Tigrado and Toscana are used mostly in the creation of luxury garments. 

How do we make our shearling jackets?

Once our manufacture acquires the pelts, matching pelts is the first step. All the pelts are carefully selected to make it seem as through they have come from the same lamb. Then, patterns are cut by hand by our highly skilled craftsman. Finally, the pelts are sewn together to complete the jacket.

How to care for a shearling jacket

Dry cleaning isn't always necessary when caring for shearling. Most shearling jackets are also water resistant and won’t be damaged if cared for properly. If your jacket has become wet in rain or snow, it will need to be dried at room temperature. Once they are dry, water spots are simply brushed off. Never, ever, wash a shearling jacket in a washing machine and never put it in the dyer. It will most certainly ruin it.

Make sure you clean your shearling jacket before you store it away in the spring and never store your shearling with any stains. Instead, use a suede stone or cleaning brush to scour off dirty patches or scuff marks. The wool inside must also be brushed with a dry rag. Any tough stains in the wool lining should be tackled with a clean, damp rag. If rubbing with water is not enough, use a little wool cleaner in the water - this should get rid of harder-to-remove stains.

Then, let your shearling jacket air dry and turn it inside out if the wool lining is too wet. Never leave your jacket near a fire or heater so it can dry more quickly - the heat will damage the leather. 

How to store a shearling jacket

Whenever the jacket is not used, it must be stored in a dry place, as mildew may pose a problem. Shearling jackets must be wrapped in paper or stored in a cardboard box, but never in plastic. Always use a sturdy hanger and let it hang loose and naturally. Shearling jackets are not damaged by moths or any type of insect.

How sustainable is shearling?

Shearling is a by-product of the meat industry. Compared to faux or vegan shearling, which is mainly made from polyester, real shearling often a far more environmentally friendly option. Our shearling hides are imported mainly from Spain, Italy, Australia, Turkey, and handcrafted by experienced craftsmen. Each piece is made with love and care.