Sheepskin has been used for many years as one of the softest and warmest materials around. Sheepskin is often used to manufacture jackets, hats, shoes, seat covers, rugs and more. It’s stripped from the hide of the sheep and usually a tan color. It also will have the fleece attached and this combo is the reason it’s so warm! In this guide I’ll discuss sheepskin jackets. It will cover different styles, prices, a brief history and where to purchase some of my favorite sheepskin jackets on the market.
For several reasons, it’s become harder and harder to find sheepskin jackets these days. One company that really made a name for sheepskin jackets is Alpha Industries. This company manufactures a Men’s Sheepskin jacket, which is a bomber sheepskin jacket. It’s called the B-3 Vintage Sheepskin Bomber. This jacket is extremely well-known as it’s the style jacket the US Army supplied in the 1930s. To this day, many companies have come out with their own style of this sheepskin jacket and if you’re into vintage fashion, this is a must have! Expect to pay $500 and up if it’s made with authentic sheepskin.
Another company that has made a name for them more recently is UGG Australia. UGG boots have become huge all across the USA and worldwide. They use the highest quality sheepskin available and keep their prices more affordable than many competitors. The type of sheepskin they use is called twin-face sheepskin and they treat it on both sides to guarantee the softness from the skin and the fleece. This is what has made them so popular! They’re extremely warm as well, since sheepskin is a thermostatic, which means it keeps your skin close to natural body temperature. Their sheepskin jackets start at $500 and up, while their classic boots start at $140 and up.
If you’re looking for high end quality, always make sure to purchase grade-A sheepskin. There are definitely noticeable differences between grade-A sheepskin and synthetics. Even lesser quality sheepskin has a difference as well. The biggest difference is that grade-A is more durable and it’s more comfortable. If you’re spending this type of money on a jacket, spend a bit extra on the high-quality so it lasts longer. The cheaper quality can also be scratchy and it provides less breathing room. What’s so amazing about grade-A sheepskin is that it sends the moisture away while it breathes. This is why a quality jacket can be used even on warmer days (not hot, but warmer than winter!)
So if you have any sheepskin jackets or you’re planning on purchasing a sheepskin jacket, it’s extremely important you take great care of it. Always keep sheepskin jackets in a cool place and do not expose to the sun for long periods of time. Never machine wash it, either dry-clean it or hand wash in warm water and specialty soap made for sheepskin. Then rinse with cool water and let it dry naturally. Make sure to stretch the skin out during this process as well. Make sure to bring the fleece back to its fluffy state by brushing with a pet brush.
If you’re looking to stay warm and cozy, sheepskin jackets will sure do the trick! Good luck shopping!