What Is Shearling? Real Sheepskin Explained
What Is Shearling? Real Sheepskin Explained
That cosy, fleece-lined collar on an aviator jacket? That's shearling — and it's the reason shearling-lined leather is the warmest outerwear you can wear. But what exactly is shearling, is it real sheepskin, and how do you look after it? Here's everything explained.
What is shearling?
Genuine shearling is sheepskin (or lambskin) tanned with the wool still attached. So it's a single piece of hide with two sides: a suede or smooth leather surface on one side, and the soft, insulating wool fleece on the other. Jackets are often made with the leather facing out and the wool facing in (against you, for warmth), or with the fleece showing at the collar and cuffs.
It's a natural material — the wool and the skin are one and the same hide, not stitched together.
Why is shearling so warm?
The wool is the secret. Sheep's wool is naturally excellent at trapping heat while still breathing, which is exactly why shearling was used for WWII flight jackets worn at freezing high altitudes. That natural insulation makes shearling the warmest option for a leather jacket — the reason it features on aviator jackets and dedicated shearling styles. It also has natural moisture-wicking and odour-resisting properties, as wool does.
Real shearling vs faux shearling
Not everything called "shearling" is the real thing, so it's worth knowing the difference:
- Real (genuine) shearling — actual sheepskin with natural wool. Warmer, more breathable, and longer-lasting, but heavier and pricier.
- Faux shearling — a synthetic imitation, with a fabric backing and artificial fleece. Lighter and cheaper, and animal-free, but not as warm or breathable, and less durable.
Always check the label or product description to know which you're getting — the warmth, weight and price all differ. (The same real-vs-synthetic principle applies across leather; see Real Leather vs Faux Leather.)
How to care for shearling
Shearling needs a little specific care, because of the wool:
- Brush the fleece regularly with a suede/shearling brush to keep it soft and fluffy.
- Keep it dry — let it air-dry naturally if it gets wet, never near direct heat.
- Store it well — on a wide hanger, in a breathable cover, away from damp. See How to Care for Leather.
- Use a specialist for deep cleaning rather than risking it at home.
Is shearling worth it?
For winter warmth, genuine shearling is hard to beat — it's cosy, breathable and rugged, with real heritage. If maximum warmth and natural materials matter to you, it's a brilliant choice; if you want something lighter or animal-free, faux shearling or a lined jacket may suit better. For the full range of materials, see Types of Leather Explained.
Explore our shearling jackets and aviator jackets.
FAQs
Is shearling real sheepskin? Genuine shearling is real sheepskin tanned with the wool still attached, giving a leather side and a wool-fleece side. "Faux shearling" is a synthetic imitation, so always check the label.
Why is shearling so warm? The natural wool fleece is excellent at trapping heat while breathing, which is why shearling was used for high-altitude flight jackets. It's the warmest option for a leather jacket.
What's the difference between real and faux shearling? Real shearling is natural sheepskin with wool — warmer, more breathable and longer-lasting but heavier and pricier. Faux shearling is a lighter, cheaper synthetic that's animal-free but less warm and durable.
How do you care for a shearling jacket? Brush the fleece to keep it soft, keep it dry (air-dry away from heat), store it on a hanger in a breathable cover, and use a specialist for deep cleaning.