When it comes to keeping warm for winter, many of us turn to high-quality natural fibres such as leather, merino wool and cashmere. Organic materials are often favoured due to their ability to regulate body temperature, keeping the wearer warm in cold conditions while allowing their skin to breathe. However, when selecting your new Autumn-to-Winter jacket, you may want to consider a certain spectacular fabric that you’ve possibly overlooked.
Shearling or sheepskin, by definition, falls between the categories of wool and lambskin, a combination that creates an exceptionally flexible and insulating fabric used for a variety of garments. A popular choice for outerwear, shearling could be the perfect fabric for your winter wardrobe.
The use of sheepskin for clothing can be dated back to the Stone Age; however, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that shearling was embraced by the masses. Made famous by 1950s Hollywood A-listers, the stylish functionality of shearling was made a staple fabric choice for jackets, hats, gloves and more. Since then, each decade has seen a resurgence of this fabric in one guise or another, including the prominent Uggs trend of the 90s and early 2000s.
Made from the hide of a sheep or lamb, shearling is tanned with the wool still intact. Shearling pelts undergo the ancient, intricate technique of tanning - considered both an art and a science - involving soaking, fleshing, scouring, pickling, dying, stretching and drying. This lengthy process transforms raw Merino pelts into a luxury fabric with one side sueded and the other with intact fleece, lending itself to various purposes.
The most obvious choice for a shearling garment is a classic aviator jacket - a staple of both men’s and women’s autumn/winter fashion collections. Thick, insulating and timeless, the shearling aviator jacket is a strong contender for the ideal, chic and flattering cool-weather outer layer.
Many find that traditional shearling jackets have a relatively masculine aesthetic; however, women’s shearling coats come in various designs, including elegant, feminine swing coats and stylish reversible capes.
In terms of accessories, shearling gloves with a durable yet supple suede exterior and soft fleece lining can offer excellent protection against harsh winds and plummeting temperatures. Complete your chic, sophisticated outfit with a matching shearling hat for maximum comfort and cosiness. Shearling-lined shoes can also offer the same level of insulation. A great deal of core body temperature is lost through the extremities, so keeping your hands and feet warm is vital during the colder months. Avoid frosty toes with thermal socks and thick-sole shearling boots, perfect for keeping you safe and warm whilst navigating snowy and icy conditions.
Shearling has an imposter by the name of sherpa. For those keen to abstain from animal-derived fabrics, this alternative may be a viable option; however, in terms of quality, sherpa falls seriously short. The price of genuine shearling garments may be a little off-putting to some, but the phrase “you get what you pay for” springs to mind. Investing in quality materials and better craftsmanship ensures durable, sustainable garments that, when cared for correctly, will last for years, saving you money in the long run.
To promote longevity, shearling garments must be treated with care and respect. Only hand wash or spot clean with a gentle detergent or shampoo. Wool is a hygroscopic fibre, meaning it has the ability to absorb humidity from the environment. Therefore, shearling should be stored in a cool area with low humidity to avoid the risk of mildew.
Although shearling is naturally water-resistant to an extent, like most leather, it is inadvisable to allow it to become completely saturated - this may cause it to become stiff and misshapen. If you’re caught in heavy precipitation whilst wearing your shearling coat, allow it to dry at room temperature and brush off any water stains with a lint brush.
Once the weather begins to heat up, and your shearling coat takes a back seat for summer, use a cleaning brush to gently scour off any stains and store on an appropriate hanger, away from direct sunlight, to circumvent fading.