What Is Shearling? Sheepskin vs Shearling Explained
Top Guru Jackets
Short answer: shearling is a sheepskin or lambskin that has been tanned with the wool left on and sheared to an even length, so it has soft leather on one side and wool on the other. Sheepskin is the hide of a sheep, and the word is used in two ways: for the whole hide with the wool on, and for sheepskin leather with the wool removed. So all shearling is sheepskin, but not all sheepskin is shearling.
What Is Shearling?
Shearling is a material made from the hide of a sheep or lamb that has been tanned with its wool still attached. After tanning, the wool is sheared to an even depth, which gives it a uniform, soft feel. Many makers use the word specifically for skins from young sheep or lambs, which tend to have shorter, finer wool and lighter leather. In a jacket, the wool side faces in as the lining and shows at the collar and cuffs, while the skin side becomes the outside as suede or smooth leather.
What Is Sheepskin?
Sheepskin simply means the skin of a sheep, and you will see it used in two ways:
- Sheepskin with the wool on: the whole hide, as used for rugs, slippers and boots, and for shearling garments.
- Sheepskin leather: the hide with the wool removed, tanned into a soft, lightweight leather used for jackets, shirts and gloves.
When a product description on our store says "genuine sheepskin," it means the leather itself, the second meaning above.
Shop the Men's Slim Fit Black Sheepskin Leather Formal Shirt →
Sheepskin vs Shearling at a Glance
| Sheepskin leather | Shearling | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Sheep hide tanned with the wool removed | Sheep or lamb hide tanned with the wool on, then sheared even |
| Wool | None | Yes, on the inside |
| Feel | Smooth, soft, light leather | Leather or suede outside, plush wool inside |
| Warmth | Light to medium, depending on the lining | High, because the wool is part of the hide |
| Weight | Light | Heavier and thicker |
| Typical uses | Leather jackets, shirts, gloves | Flight jackets, winter coats, vests, collars and trims |
How Each Is Used in Jackets
Many winter jackets combine the two: a sheepskin leather outer with a shearling collar and lining. A plain sheepskin leather jacket is lighter and better for mild weather, while a full shearling jacket, such as a B-3 flight jacket, is built for cold. For how shearling jackets are made and where the style comes from, see our shearling jacket guide. For winter coats sorted by length, browse our men's sheepskin coats.
Shop the Women's Brown Shearling Sheepskin Leather Vest →
Shearling vs Sherpa and Faux Shearling
Sherpa is a synthetic fleece, usually polyester, made to look like shearling. Faux shearling works the same way. Both are lighter and cheaper than real shearling, and the easiest way to tell them apart is the back: real shearling has a skin side, while faux has a fabric backing. Our guide to real vs faux shearling covers this in more detail.
What You Get at Top Guru Jackets
Our jackets and coats are made to order in real leather unless the product title says faux, and "genuine sheepskin" refers to that leather. The shearling collars, linings and trims are faux by default, and real shearling is available on request, so mention it when you order. Most styles come in sizes XS to 4XL or 5XL, with custom sizing available.
Caring for Sheepskin and Shearling
- Sheepskin leather: wipe with a soft dry cloth, condition with a leather product now and then, and keep it away from direct heat.
- Shearling: never machine wash it; let it dry naturally if it gets wet, brush the wool gently, and use a specialist cleaner for stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shearling the same as sheepskin?
Shearling is a type of sheepskin: a sheep or lamb hide with the wool left on and sheared even. Sheepskin can also mean leather with the wool removed, which is not shearling.
What is shearling material made of?
A real sheep or lamb hide with its wool attached. Faux shearling and sherpa are synthetic fabrics made to look like it.
Is a sheepskin leather jacket warm?
Sheepskin leather on its own is light. The warmth depends on the lining, so a sheepskin jacket with a shearling or shearling-style lining is much warmer than an unlined one.
What does "genuine sheepskin" mean on your products?
It means the leather is real sheepskin. Shearling collars, linings and trims are faux by default, with real shearling available on request.