What’s the Difference Between Sheepskin and Shearling?

When it comes to luxurious, warm, and durable materials for clothing and accessories, both sheepskin and shearling are top contenders. These materials are often associated with high-end fashion, especially in jackets, coats, and winter footwear. However, despite their similarities, there are distinct differences between sheepskin and shearling. This guide will explore what sets them apart, their uses, benefits, and how to care for them, helping you make an informed choice when purchasing or caring for these materials.

1. Understanding Sheepskin and Shearling

Before diving into the differences, it’s important to understand what sheepskin and shearling are. Both materials come from sheep, but their processing methods and characteristics differ.

1.1. What is Sheepskin?

• Definition: Sheepskin comes from the hide of a sheep with the wool still attached. Tanners process it with the wool intact, resulting in a material that combines leather and fur. People know sheepskin for its softness, warmth, and durability.
• Structure: Sheepskin consists of two main parts—the leather side, which is smooth and supple, and the wool side, which is plush and insulating. The wool can vary in length, depending on how the sheepskin is processed.

1.2. What is Shearling?

• Definition: Shearling refers specifically to sheepskin that has been sheared, meaning the wool has been trimmed to a uniform length. The term “shearling” is often used to describe the material after the sheep’s first shearing, typically when the wool is softer and less coarse.
• Structure: Shearling retains the same dual-sided nature as sheepskin, with one side being soft leather and the other a trimmed wool surface. The key difference lies in the shearing process, which gives shearling a more uniform texture and appearance.

2. Key Differences Between Sheepskin and Shearling

While sheepskin and shearling share many similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that differentiate them.

2.1. Processing

• Sheepskin: Sheepskin is tanned with the wool still on, but the wool is not necessarily trimmed to a uniform length. The wool on sheepskin can vary, creating a more natural and varied texture.
• Shearling: Shearling undergoes an additional step where the wool is sheared or trimmed to a consistent length. This process gives shearling a more uniform look and feel, often considered more refined and luxurious.

2.2. Texture and Appearance

• Sheepskin: The texture of sheepskin is more varied due to the natural length of the wool. It can be plush and fluffy or more rugged, depending on how the wool has grown.
• Shearling: Shearling has a consistent, velvety texture due to the shearing process. The wool side of shearling is often shorter and denser, giving it a sleek, polished appearance.

2.3. Weight and Warmth

• Sheepskin: Sheepskin can be heavier and warmer due to the untrimmed wool. The thickness of the wool can vary, which might contribute to a bulkier feel.
• Shearling: Shearling, with its trimmed wool, tends to be lighter and less bulky while still providing excellent insulation. The uniform wool length helps retain heat evenly across the material.

2.4. Durability

• Sheepskin: Both sheepskin and shearling are durable, but the thickness and length of sheepskin wool can sometimes make it more susceptible to wear if not cared for properly.
• Shearling: The shearing process can enhance the durability of shearling by making it more uniform and resistant to matting and wear. This makes shearling a slightly more durable option, especially in garments designed for frequent use.

2.5. Cost

• Sheepskin: Sheepskin tends to be more affordable compared to shearling because it requires less processing. The cost can vary depending on the quality and thickness of the hide and wool.
• Shearling: Shearling is often more expensive due to the additional processing involved in shearing the wool. The uniformity and luxurious feel of shearling also contribute to its higher price point.

3. Uses of Sheepskin and Shearling

Both sheepskin and shearling are versatile materials used in a variety of products. However, their different characteristics make them more suitable for certain types of items.

3.1. Sheepskin Products

• Sheepskin coats and jackets are popular because people highly value sheepskin for its natural warmth and plush texture. These garments often feature the wool side on the interior, providing insulation, while the leather side faces outward.
• Sheepskin Rugs: Sheepskin rugs are popular for their softness and aesthetic appeal. People often use them as decorative pieces in homes, adding a touch of luxury to any room.
• Sheepskin Footwear: Sheepskin is also used in making slippers, boots, and insoles. The natural wool lining provides comfort and warmth, making sheepskin footwear a winter staple.

3.2. Shearling Products

• Shearling Jackets: Shearling jackets are prized for their lightweight feel and sleek appearance. The uniform wool side often faces inward, offering warmth without the bulk. Aviator and bomber jackets are popular styles made from shearling.
• People use shearling in a variety of accessories, including gloves, hats, and scarves. These items benefit from the material’s softness and warmth, making them ideal for cold weather.
• Similar to sheepskin, people use shearling in footwear like boots and slippers. The trimmed wool provides a snug fit and excellent insulation, perfect for keeping feet warm in winter.

4. Advantages of Sheepskin and Shearling

Each material offers its own set of advantages, making them highly sought after in the fashion and home décor industries.

4.1. Advantages of Sheepskin

• Warmth: Sheepskin’s natural wool provides exceptional warmth, making it ideal for winter clothing and accessories.
• Comfort: The plush texture of sheepskin is incredibly comfortable against the skin, offering a cozy feel in garments and footwear.
• Versatility: People can use sheepskin in a wide range of products, from coats and jackets to rugs and home décor items.
• Natural Insulation: Sheepskin is thermostatic, meaning it can regulate body temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.

4.2. Advantages of Shearling

• Lightweight Warmth: Shearling offers warmth without the bulk, making it ideal for garments that need to be both warm and sleek.
• Durability: The uniform texture of shearling makes it more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring longevity in clothing and accessories.
• Luxurious Feel: The trimmed wool of shearling provides a refined, luxurious texture that is highly desirable in fashion.
• Breathability: Shearling is breathable, allowing air circulation and moisture management, which enhances comfort during extended wear.

5. How to Care for Sheepskin and Shearling

Proper care is essential to maintain the appearance and longevity of sheepskin and shearling products. While both materials are durable, they require specific care routines.

5.1. Sheepskin Care

• Cleaning: Gently brush the wool side with a sheepskin brush to remove dirt and maintain the fluffiness of the wool. Use a damp cloth to clean the leather side and avoid soaking the material.
• Stain Removal: For minor stains, spot clean with a mixture of water and mild soap. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it. For oil-based stains, apply cornstarch or talcum powder and let it sit overnight before brushing it off.
• Storage: Store sheepskin items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a breathable cotton bag for storage to prevent moisture buildup, and hang larger items like coats on padded hangers to avoid creasing.

5.2. Shearling Care

• Cleaning: Shearling requires similar care to sheepskin. Brush the wool side gently and use a damp cloth to clean the leather side. Avoid getting shearling overly wet, as it can damage the material.
• Stain Removal: For spot cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap, and blot the area dry. For more stubborn stains, professional cleaning is recommended to avoid damaging the shearling.
• Storage: Store shearling in a cool, dry place, and avoid folding or compressing the material to prevent creasing. Use a padded hanger for jackets and coats, and a breathable storage bag to protect against dust and moisture.

6. Ethical Considerations

When purchasing sheepskin or shearling products, it’s important to consider the ethical implications. Both materials are natural and biodegradable, but their production involves animal byproducts.

6.1. Sourcing

• Animal Welfare: Look for products sourced from suppliers who prioritize animal welfare and use sheepskin and shearling as byproducts of the meat industry. Ethical sourcing practices ensure that the entire animal is used, minimizing waste.
• Sustainability: Sheepskin and shearling are durable materials that, when cared for properly, can last for many years. This longevity contributes to their sustainability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Conclusion

Sheepskin and shearling are both luxurious, warm, and durable materials, each with its own unique characteristics. Sheepskin provides a varied texture and weight, making it suitable for a wide range of products, while people highly value shearling’s uniform and lightweight feel in high-end fashion. Understanding the differences between these materials can help you make informed choices when purchasing or caring for sheepskin and shearling products, ensuring you get the most out of these timeless materials.