Sheepskin is a natural pelt featuring suede leather on one side and soft, plush wool. Lightweight and luxuriously supple, sheepskin is one of nature’s most significant sources of insulation. Its soft wool fibers are naturally thermostatic, wicking away moisture for year-round comfort and breathability. Shearling is simply sheepskin with the wool shorn slightly to create a uniform look and feel. A quality shearling sheepskin jacket can last a lifetime when cared for properly. Follow the simple cleaning and care rules detailed below to enjoy years of comfort and style.
Caring for Shearling Sheepskin Coats
A high-quality sheepskin coat will provide years of enjoyment when treated with care. Here are a few tips to help you maximize the longevity and beauty of your coat.
STORAGE
To preserve the shape of your sheepskin shearling coat, use a large, curved hanger with broad ends when hanging, storing, or drying it. Always keep your coat in a breathable garment bag of cotton or woven fabric. Plastic dry-cleaning bags and PEVA or vinyl bags do not allow air to circulate, which can cause discoloration and damage the integrity of your coat.
Be sure to hang your coat away from direct light sources of all kinds to avoid fading.
DRYING
While you can wear sheepskin in the rain or snow, it’s best not to saturate it with moisture fully. If your coat gets wet, shake off the excess water or snow, blot dry with a clean towel, and hang your coat to dry at room temperature, making sure to avoid any direct heat sources.
Do not vigorously rub your sheepskin coat, as that will force the moisture deep into the leather and damage the garment.
After your coat is thoroughly dry, use a suede brush to brush the nap of your coat’s exterior—unless it has a Nappa finish, in which case it’s best to rub the coat lightly with a soft towel. You can fluff the inside wool lightly with a wire brush.
CLEANING
To clean up small spills on your sheepskin coat, wipe with a damp cloth, and gently pluck any debris or dirt stains from the suede with tweezers. You can also use a scouring pad to lightly rejuvenate the suede and remove dirt marks at the same time.
To treat liquid spots on your sheepskin coat from grease, drinks, etc., sprinkle a layer of corn starch directly onto the spot and let it sit for a day or two (the more significant the stain, the longer you should let the corn starch sit). When you’re ready, dust off the corn starch and brush the nap of the suede with a suede brush. If your coat has a Nappa finish, do not use a suede brush; instead, rub lightly with a soft towel.
We do not suggest having your sheepskin coat dry cleaned, as it can remove the garment’s natural oils. In case of extreme soiling or stains, contact a leather and sheepskin specialty cleaner. We recommend Arrow Fabricare in Kansas City, MO, at (800) 542-7769.
