How to Tell if Shearling Is Real: 6 Quick Checks

Real shearling is expensive to make, so fakes are everywhere. Some look good in photos but feel very different in your hands. If you want to tell if shearling is real, these six quick checks will help you before you buy.

What is shearling

Shearling is sheepskin that has been tanned with the wool still attached. The wool is trimmed to an even length, so one side is soft wool and the other side is leather or suede. That is what makes it so warm.

1. Part the wool and look at the base

Push the wool aside with your fingers. On real shearling you will see skin at the base of the fibres. On fake shearling you will see a woven or knitted fabric backing.

2. Check the outer side

The outside of real shearling is suede or leather. It has small natural marks, grain and slight colour changes. If it looks perfectly even and feels like plastic, be careful.

3. Look at the edges and seams

At cut edges, real shearling shows the skin layer under the wool. Fake shearling shows a fabric edge that can fray.

4. Feel the weight

Real shearling is heavy. A full jacket made from real sheepskin feels solid when you lift it. A very light jacket with a thick looking pile is usually fabric.

5. Trust your nose

Real leather has a natural smell. A strong chemical or plastic smell is a warning sign.

6. Read the label and the price

The label should say sheepskin or shearling. Words like faux, sherpa or synthetic mean fabric. Also think about the price. Real shearling takes a lot of material and work, so a jacket that costs very little is rarely real.

Shearling vs sherpa

Sherpa is a fabric made to look like shearling. It can be cosy, but it is not sheepskin and it does not give the same warmth or last as long.

How to keep real shearling looking good

• Keep it away from direct heat.
• Let it dry slowly if it gets wet.
• Brush the suede side lightly.
• Do not machine wash it. Use a cleaner that handles sheepskin.

Shop real shearling

Every jacket in our shearling jackets collection is made from real sheepskin shearling. New to the style? Start with our B3 bomber jacket guide, or browse the men and women sections.

Quick questions

Does real shearling smell? It has a mild leather smell that fades with airing.

Can I wash a shearling jacket at home? No. Water and heat can harden the skin. Use a professional cleaner.

Is real shearling worth the price? It is heavy, very warm and can last for many years, so most people find it worth it.