Sheepskin Leather: Warm, Soft and Surprisingly Versatile
"Sheepskin" is used in two ways, which can be confusing. It can mean leather made from sheep with the wool removed, or a hide tanned with the wool left on. Both are soft, comfortable and warm.
Sheepskin at a glance
| Comes from | Sheep |
|---|---|
| Feel | Soft and light (leather) or woolly (wool-on) |
| Weight | Light to medium |
| Durability | ●●●●● |
| Break-in | Very short |
| Best for | Winter jackets, B-3 bombers, lining |
| At White Buraq | Yes, see our shearling and sheepskin jackets |
What is sheepskin?
Sheepskin is the skin of an adult sheep. When the wool is removed, it becomes a soft, lightweight leather similar to lambskin, though often a little looser in texture. When the wool is kept, the hide is tanned as a whole, giving leather or suede on one side and dense wool on the other. That wool-on version is usually called shearling.
How sheepskin looks and feels
Sheepskin leather is soft and pliable with a fine grain. Wool-on sheepskin is thick and plush, and because wool traps air, it is exceptionally warm while still letting your body breathe.
Pros and cons
- Pros: soft and comfortable, very warm when the wool is kept, breathable, lightweight for its warmth.
- Cons: less abrasion resistant than cattle leathers; wool-on garments are bulky and need careful cleaning.
What sheepskin is best for
Winter jackets and coats, B-3 bombers and aviator jackets, collars and linings, slippers, gloves and rugs.
How to care for sheepskin
For smooth sheepskin, care for it like lambskin. For wool-on pieces, brush the wool gently with a wide-toothed brush, spot-clean the leather side, let it air-dry away from heat, and store it somewhere cool and dry. Avoid washing machines unless the maker says otherwise.
Sheepskin vs lambskin
Lambskin comes from younger animals and is usually finer and softer. Sheepskin comes from adult sheep and is often used with the wool on for warmth.
Sheepskin at White Buraq
We make sheepskin styles such as B-3 bombers and coats. See our shearling and fur jackets.
Frequently asked questions
Is sheepskin the same as shearling?
Shearling is sheepskin tanned with the wool left on. Sheepskin can also mean the leather with the wool removed.
Is sheepskin warm?
Wool-on sheepskin is one of the warmest natural materials for jackets and coats.
Is sheepskin real leather?
Yes. It is genuine leather from sheep.
Related leather types
- Shearling: Shearling is sheepskin or lambskin tanned with its wool still attached.
- Lambskin: Lambskin is buttery soft and light, and comfortable from the first day.
- Suede: Suede has a soft, velvety nap and deep, rich colour.
- Goatskin: Goatskin is light yet surprisingly strong, with a natural pebbled grain.
Explore all 30 leathers in our leather types guide, see our leather care guide, or contact us for help choosing a jacket.