Shearling vs Sheepskin: Key Differences and How to Choose the Best One

Characteristics of Sheepskin

• Leather Finish: Sheepskin leather has an exquisite, smooth surface perfect for jackets, gloves and upholstery applications.
• Wool Option: When left intact, sheepskin provides warmth and comfort that mimics shearling pelts.
• Durability: Sheepskin is lightweight yet robust - an ideal material to create stylish outerwear pieces from.

Identify the Difference Between Shearling and Sheepskin

At first look, shearling and sheepskin may look similar, yet their processing and uses vary considerably:

• Shearling: Always with both wool and leather intact and its edges carefully trimmed down so as to maintain uniformity of color across its entirety.
• Sheepskin: Depending on its application, sheepskin may or may not contain wool for added warmth.

For instance, in leather and sheepskin jackets smooth leather may replace wool for smooth finish, while a real sheepskin jacket features wool for extra insulation.

1. Appearance

• Shearling: Has a two-tone finish with soft wool on the inside and smooth leather on the outside. The wool is often cropped to create an even appearance.
• Sheepskin: If it has been treated so that the wool is no longer attached, it has a smooth, leather-like look. With the wool intact, it is similar in appearance to shearling but may look less uniform.

2. Texture and Feel

• Shearling: Soft, fluffy, and luxurious. The wool adds tremendous comfort, while the leather provides durability.
• Sheepskin: Smooth and light. If wool stays, it's as soft as shearling.

3. Warmth and Insulation

• Shearling: Insulates better than most because of the wool layer inside. This makes shearling ideal for cold areas.
• Sheepskin: Natural insulation, but the warmth would depend on whether wool is intact. The smooth sheepskin is less insulating.

4. Durability

• Shearling: The combination of leather and wool makes shearling highly durable, resistant to wear and tear, and capable of lasting for decades with proper care.
• Sheepskin: While durable, smooth sheepskin may be prone to scuffs and scratches. Wool-lined versions offer better longevity.

5. Weight

• Shearling: Slightly heavier due to the wool lining, but still comfortable to wear.
• Sheepskin: Generally lighter, especially when processed without wool.

6. Maintenance

• Shearling: Requires regular care to preserve both the leather and wool. Spot cleaning and conditioning are essential to maintain its luxurious appearance.
• Sheepskin: Easier to care for if processed without wool. Wool-lined versions need similar care to shearling.

1. Toscana Shearling

Toscana shearling comes from a specific type of sheep with long, soft wool. Jackets made from Toscana shearling are extremely warm and luxurious, often having a very shaggy look.

• Best For: High-fashion outerwear and extreme cold weather.

2. Merino Shearling

Merino shearling originates from Merino sheep, famous for producing fine soft wool. This shearling is also light, breathable, and suitable for high-end coats.

• Best For: Casual and versatile outerwear; perfect for women’s shearling leather jackets.

3. Curly Shearling

Curly shearling is characterized with short wool fibers that produce a characteristic texture and beauty. It is very resilient with high insulating properties, therefore it is often used for men's shearling leather jackets.

• Best For: Casual and practical outerwear.

4. Shearling-Lined Leather

Some leather jackets have shearling as a lining instead of the main material. This provides warmth without the bulk of the leather on the outside.

• Best For: Those who want a subtle shearling finish without the bulk.

1. Shearling

• What It Is: Shearling combines the natural wool of lambskin with tanned leather, offering a dual-textured material.
• Feel: Soft, plush wool with a durable leather backing.
• Insulation: Superior warmth thanks to the natural wool fibers and leather’s wind-resistant properties.
• Use: Found in high-quality jackets like real leather shearling jackets for men and women.

2. Wool

• What It Is: Wool is a textile fiber obtained from sheep and other animals, typically used for sweaters, coats, and blankets.
• Feel: Soft but less structured compared to shearling.
• Insulation: Provides excellent warmth but lacks the durability of shearling.
• Use: Mainly used for garments, scarves, and winter wear.

3. Fur

• What It Is: Fur refers to the animal pelt with the hair still intact. Unlike shearling, fur does not include tanned leather underneath.
• Feel: Luxurious and soft, but often more delicate than shearling.
• Insulation: Excellent warmth but less breathable than shearling.
• Use: Commonly used in coats, trims, and accessories.

Key Takeaway

While wool and fur give warmth, shearling, on the other hand, stands out for its softness, durability, and long-lasting quality. Jackets are the best option in cold climates.

1. Sheepskin

• Source: Comes from fully grown sheep.
• Texture: Thicker, tougher, and more durable.
• Feel: Slightly heavier but excellent for winter wear.
• Use: Popular in rugged leather and sheepskin jackets that require durability and warmth.

2. Lambskin

• Source: Sourced from young lambs.
• Texture: Softer, smoother, and more lightweight than sheepskin.
• Feel: Fragile and buttery to the touch.
• Use: Luxury shearling leather jackets for high-end dressing.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Sheepskin: If you want durability, insulation, and a rugged aesthetic. Perfect for cold climates.
• Choose Lambskin: If you like lightweight jackets with a sleek, luxurious feel.

1. Climate

• Shearling: Shearling provides ideal insulation in very cold climates.
• Sheepskin: Sheepskin is an excellent accessory if the wool is removed for a milder climate.

2. Style Preferences

• Shearling Jackets: These are stylish jackets with a plush interior that's a luxurious combination.
• Sheepskin Jackets: Give a more streamlined look without the bulk of wool; perfect for those on a budget who want comfort and style!

3. Budget

• Shearling jackets tend to be more costly, due to the added wool and processing. But this investment lasts decades! In comparison.
• Sheepskin jackets may be more affordable if processed without wool.

4. Weight

• Shearling jackets tend to be heavier but warmer than sheepskin coats.
• Sheepskin jackets are lightweight and comfortable choices for transitional weather conditions.

5. Usage

• For rugged wear and extreme weather, choose men’s shearling jackets.
• For everyday wear and versatility, real sheepskin jackets are ideal.

For Men

• Men’s Shearling Bomber Jacket: Experience optimal warmth during the cold months with rugged aesthetics combined with luxurious comfort.
• Aviator Shearling Jacket: It was inspired by the pilot jackets but has that warm look and feel.
• Bomber Aviator Jacket for Men: A men's bomber aviator jacket makes for amazing casual and smart-casual pieces.

For Women

• Shearling-Lined Leather Jacket: Best women's shearling jackets include a stylish leather finish with soft wool for the lining.
• Women’s Shearling Coat: These long-line coats are so long they can offer the utmost amount of warmth but are never clumsy. Then, there's a shearling jacket for women- that gives a feminist impression.
• Women’s Shearling Leather Jackets: Shearling jackets add stylish warmth, which fits beautifully into any outfit, and is the ultimate go-to garment when layering up in any weather!