What Makes Shearling Material Coats So Special in 2025?

You have probably noticed stylish winter jackets with a soft, fluffy lining peeking out from the collar or cuffs. That cozy, luxurious interior? That’s shearling. But shearling isn’t just a fashion trend. It’s a premium article known for warmth, durability, and timeless appeal.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what shearling is, how it’s made, and why it continues to dominate cold-weather fashion. Whether you’re eyeing a shearling jacket or curious if it’s worth the investment, you’ll get all the answers here.

What Is Shearling?

Shearling is the skin of a lamb or sheep with the wool still attached. But it’s not just fur. It’s tanned, treated, and finished to create one of the coziest, most durable materials used in outerwear. 

Both sides of the hide are used. One is wool, the other is suede or leather. That double-face construction is what gives shearling its warmth without bulk.

It’s often mistaken for just fur or confused with faux shearling, which is synthetic. Although Fauxe is durable, real shearling has a weight, density, and breathability that fake materials simply can’t match.

What Material Is Shearling Made Of?

The base is natural sheepskin. But it’s not raw or untreated. During production, the wool side is kept intact, and the leather side is processed into a soft, wearable finish. This creates what is known as shearling leather.

It’s used in everything from jackets and coats to boots, gloves, and even bags. What sets it apart is its ability to regulate temperature. It keeps you warm when it’s cold and doesn’t overheat when it’s slightly warmer out.

How Is Shearling Made?

Shearling isn’t just another material off the rack. It takes time and precision to get it right.

1. It begins with carefully selected sheepskin from young lambs, chosen for softness and uniformity.
2. The skin is gently cleaned, ensuring both the wool and leather remain intact.
3. Tanning comes next, using mild treatments to preserve the natural texture on both sides.
4. The wool side is trimmed to a consistent length, brushed out for softness, and occasionally dyed.
5. The leather side is softened into suede or finished to a smooth grain, depending on how the jacket will be styled.

It’s that perfect mix of cozy warmth and crisp structure that makes shearling a favorite. Whether you’re dressing for a 90s-themed party or showing up sharp at a winter night Gen Z function.

Do Shearling Jackets Still Look Good in 2025?

Absolutely. If anything, shearling is having a moment right now.

Minimalist fashion is back. People are focusing more on quality, fewer pieces, and timeless looks. That makes shearling a smart choice. It works in a tailored leather jacket, in rugged aviator styles, and even in streetwear looks.

You’ll see it in cropped women’s leather jackets and longline men’s leather jackets alike.

In 2025, more brands are mixing shearling with other textures like full-grain leather, suede, and wool. Whether it’s a clean moto style or a heritage bomber, shearling adds depth to any silhouette.

And yes, it still pairs perfectly with denim, boots, or even just joggers and sneakers.

How to Care for a Shearling Jacket

Good shearling lasts for years, sometimes decades. But only if you take care of it.

• Store it in a cool, dry place (never plastic)
• Spot clean gently with a suede brush or damp cloth
• Use specialized leather or suede cleaners
• Never machine wash or dry clean unless labeled safe
• Air it out regularly

If it gets wet, don’t panic. Let it air dry naturally. Shearling is a natural insulator and handles moisture well, but it should never be force-dried.

You can also use leather conditioners on the leather side to keep it supple. But never apply oils or creams to the wool side.

Sheepskin vs. Shearling: What’s the Difference?

They sound similar, and sometimes people use them interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same.

• Sheepskin refers to the hide of the sheep. It may or may not include the wool.
• Shearling always means the hide with the wool still attached.

So technically, all shearling is sheepskin, but not all sheepskin is shearling.

If you’re shopping for a custom leather jacket and see both terms, ask the maker how the material is finished. 

A reputable jacketmaker like Leather Mates US will always clarify whether you’re getting real shearling or standard sheepskin lining.

Why Shearling Still Matters in Men’s and Women’s Outerwear

Shearling isn’t just warm. It’s practical. It wears in, not out. The more you use it, the more character it develops. For people who value both form and function, it’s hard to beat.

In custom leather jackets, shearling often lines the collars or interiors. It’s especially common in aviator styles and winter coats. In women’s styles, shearling is used to add softness without losing structure.

And if you’re after leather jacket styles that feel unique, shearling adds just enough variation in tone and texture to make it yours. No two hides are the same.

Faux Shearling vs. Real: Is It Worth It?

Feature	Real Shearling	Faux Shearling
Material Origin	Natural sheepskin with wool attached	Synthetic fibers
Breathability	High, regulates body temperature	Low, can trap heat and sweat
Insulation	Excellent, retains warmth efficiently	Moderate, less effective in cold
Comfort & Texture	Soft, plush, molds over time	Lighter feel, but less natural
Durability	Long-lasting with proper care	Prone to wear and shape loss
Care Requirements	Needs careful cleaning and conditioning	Easier to wash and maintain
Price	Higher upfront cost	Budget-friendly
Style Longevity	Ages beautifully with character	May look worn or dated quickly
Environmental Impact	Biodegradable (natural processing varies)	Often made from non-renewable plastics

If you’re investing in a tailored leather jacket that lasts and feels good through the years, real shearling still wins by a mile.

Who’s Making the Best Shearling Jackets in the US?

Leather Mates US has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, especially when it comes to shearling-lined jackets. We work with authentic materials, ensuring each piece has a natural feel and structure.

Whether you’re customizing a leather jacket from scratch or upgrading your wardrobe with classic men’s leather jackets or modern cuts for women, Leather Mates US gives you control over every detail.

From selecting real shearling lining to choosing the cut, color, and finish, the customization options are top-tier.

This isn’t about mass production. It’s about building something that fits you in every sense.

Common Questions About Shearling

Is shearling a fur or leather?
Shearling is both leather and fur in one material. The leather side is the tanned hide, and the fur is the wool that stays attached during the tanning process, making it a dual-surface fabric perfect for warmth and style.

Is shearling a good material?
Shearling is a resilient, high-performance material that handles cold weather exceptionally well. When cared for properly, it offers long-term value, both in how it feels and how it holds up over years of wear.

Is shearling hard to clean?
Shearling is fairly easy to maintain at home with the right approach. Light spot cleaning and regular brushing keep it fresh, and avoiding heavy treatments or machine washing preserves its natural softness.

Are sherpa and shearling the same?
Sherpa is a synthetic imitation of shearling made to resemble the look and texture of real wool. Real shearling comes from sheepskin and has natural breathability, warmth, and durability that synthetic versions can’t match.

What happens if shearling gets wet?
When shearling gets wet, it should be dried naturally in a well-ventilated space. Avoid heaters or sunlight, since high heat can stiffen the material or cause cracking on the leather side.

How long does a shearling coat last?
A quality shearling coat can last for decades. With proper storage and cleaning, it continues to deliver style, warmth, and comfort, season after season.

Final Thoughts

Shearling material isn’t going anywhere. It’s one of those things that feels better the more you wear it. Warm, breathable, and endlessly stylish, it’s become a staple in both men’s and women’s fashion.

If you’re ready to move beyond synthetic fillers and thin lining, real shearling gives your wardrobe an edge in both comfort and look.

And whether you’re drawn to classic bomber cuts, experimental textures, or something in between, shearling gives you the kind of confidence that doesn’t shout. It just fits.