What Is Shearling?

What is Shearling made of

When learning what is shearling made of, just remember, it’s neither the wool itself nor the hide; in fact, shearling is both. Period. And no, they’re not joined together through the process, but they come naturally this way.

What happens after they’re taken from the source, be it sheep or lamb? The hide part is tanned, so all the impurities are removed from the material. This all happens while the wool is still attached to it, which is later trimmed. So what do you get? You get a strong leather on one side that withstands the test of time; the other side? It’s soft, mushy wool that lets you stay cozy.

These two are the perfect combo for when you want something stylish yet super comfortable when it’s freezing. Having a shearling means you have a clothing item that’s warm, offers the right amount of breathability, and that too without being too bulky.

Difference Between Shearling and Sheepskin

If you’re wondering about how there can be any difference between shearling and sheepskin because they’re both the same, that’s alright, because you’re not the only one. Many people still confuse the two and thus use them interchangeably. However, the truth is that sheepskin and shearling materials are related but distinct.

Sheepskin is also sourced from the lamb or sheep. However, it is tanned, treated, and the wool is removed to give it a sleek and smooth texture. Although it’s pretty warm for the cold season, it’s not as soft or flexible as shearling. But the way it’s obtained, you can’t doubt its quality and durability.

To recall, shearling is tanned to achieve the desired outcome and is used in clothing items without removing the wool. The softness and luxurious feel are remarkable when it comes to shearling. Thinking of getting a memorable piece of clothing? Check out the humongous collection of shearling jackets from TLC.

TLDR? Let’s keep it simple for you.

Shearling	Sheepskin
Tanned and treated with wool attached	Tanned and treated without wool
Softer and more insulated	Softer than cowhide but harder than shearling
Durable due to hair	It’s less durable since the wool is yanked out with its roots, loosening the surface and making it less long-lasting.
Warm due to dual layers: wool and leather	Warm but not as warm as shearling because of a single leather layer

Common Uses of Shearling

Shearling is used in many different items you see around, especially during those chilly days. This includes, but is not limited to:

Jackets and Coats 

When it comes to shearling material, the first thing that comes to mind is winter jackets and coats. And that’s true because this is where most of the shearling is used.

Shoes

Of course, your feet need to stay warm, too. So for that, shearling shoes and boots are available that are a snug fit for comfort and warm enough for the coldest weather, but not hot.

Shearling Hand wearables

They’re at best! These gloves and mittens are best for staying toasty and comfy in the chilliest conditions. They let your fingers move easily without feeling stiff. 

Hats and Scarves

The hat and scarf made of shearling give you utmost comfort when the weather drops and keep your head, ears, and neck feeling great.

Aside from the above, you’ll also find shearling rugs, upholstery, accessories, and so on.

Benefits of Shearling

So far, you are well-versed on “what is shearling”; now it’s time to see some benefits you can get out of shearling.

First up:

• Shearling is incredibly warm as it’s made of two layers: one is wool and the other is leather. The leather is naturally warm and sturdy, keeping the jacket or coat in good form.
• Wool is thick and prevents heat from escaping, thus keeping your body at the right temperature.
• Unlike other materials that get stretched and lose shape with time, shearling molds to your frame, almost giving off personalized upperwear.
• Shearling is tough. You can easily wear it daily without worrying about wear and tear. And can even be passed down to generations.
• It’s a versatile piece of clothing, so you can wear it to many different occasions, from ice skating to just grabbing a coffee.
• Shearling is classic; be it jacket, shoes, or coat, you don’t have to worry about looking out of style when you’re wearing it after a season.
• Unlike some material that doesn’t let air flow, leading to making you uncomfortable, real shearling does the opposite. It lets your body breathe.

How to Identify Real Shearling

Since there are several variations of shearling, including sherpa or faux, available these days, it gets really tricky to find out which one’s real and which one’s not. However, to make your life easier, we’ve outlined effective ways to identify the genuine shearling material below.  

• Run your finger through the shearling; if it’s real, it’s going to be really soft and kind of cool, like you could feel the luxuriousness. If it’s synthetic, it will be soft but feel plasticky.
• Smell is another technique in identifying the shearling. Real shearling will have a natural fragrance that won’t feel bad. However, the faux will have a plastic odor.
• This is one of the simplest ways to spot the difference. Sherpa has a fabric base, whereas shearling typically has a suede or leather base.
• Wear the jacket, if it gets warm quickly in no time, it is the real shearling as it offers utmost warmth
• Like natural hair, shearling has uneven hair. But the fake one will have evenly looking fur.

Easy right? 

How to Care for a Shearling Jacket

Up until now, you know pretty well what shearling is made of, which makes it super durable, it’s to see how you can take care of it. Besides, it’s one of those clothing items that lets you enjoy the plush and warmth season after season.

Here’s what you need to do:

• A shearling jacket may contain dirt and dust after use. So just gently clean it with a soft cloth or leather brush.
• Shearling has both wool and leather that are not good under wet conditions. So, avoid wearing the jacket in the rain.
• The leather outside of the jacket can dry out and crack if left unattended. So, apply leather conditioner every few months to keep it soft and flexible.
• In case the jacket gets wet, hang it on a sturdy hanger to air it out.
• Rotate the jacket to prolong its life.
• In case a sudden downpour hits your region, it’s best to apply water-resistant spray before leaving the house. 
• If it has stains or coffee spills, gently spot clean with a mixture of water and soft detergent. Note: Avoid machine washing.
• The shearling on the jacket may matte, so brush it regularly. This will help it stay fluffy and detangle as well.
• When storing, wrap in a breathable bag and hang on a wide, padded hanger to maintain its shape.
• For any major concerns, such as stubborn marks or loose threads, it’s best to contact the professional cleaners who know how to deal with them instead of DIY.