How to Care for a Shearling Jacket at Home

A real shearling jacket is one of the few jackets that gets better with age, as long as you look after it. The good news is that care is simple. Most damage comes from three things: too much water, too much heat and bad storage. Here is how to avoid all three.

What shearling actually is

Shearling is sheepskin with the wool still attached. The outside is soft suede and the inside is thick natural wool. That is why it needs different care from regular leather or a wool coat. If you are not sure your jacket is the real thing, read our guide on how to tell real shearling first.

Everyday care

A little habit goes a long way. Brush the suede lightly with a soft suede brush every few wears, always in one direction. Let the jacket breathe after you take it off instead of throwing it in a bag or on a chair. Put on perfume and hairspray before you wear it, not after. Rubbing from a heavy backpack strap will wear the suede faster, so switch shoulders or use a tote when you can.

How to handle stains

Act fast, but stay gentle.

• Fresh spills: blot with a clean dry cloth. Never rub, because rubbing pushes the stain deeper.
• Dry mud: let it dry fully, then brush it off.
• Grease or oil: sprinkle cornstarch on the spot, leave it for a few hours, then brush it away.
• Water marks: lightly dampen the whole panel with a barely wet sponge so no ring forms, then let it dry naturally.

Test any method on a hidden spot first, like the inside of the hem. Skip household cleaners, bleach and stain removers. They can strip the colour and harden the suede.

If your jacket gets wet

Shake off the water and hang the jacket on a wide hanger at room temperature. Keep it away from radiators, heaters and hair dryers, because direct heat makes suede stiff and can shrink the skin. Open the jacket so the wool lining can breathe. Give it a full day or two to dry. When it is dry, brush the suede gently and fluff the wool with your fingers.

Washing and dry cleaning

Never put a shearling jacket in the washing machine. For a deep clean, take it to a cleaner who works with suede and shearling, not a standard dry cleaner. Tell them it is shearling when you hand it over. Once a year at the end of the season is plenty for most people.

How to store it

Good storage keeps the shape and stops the smell. Use a wide shoulder hanger so the weight spreads out. Keep the jacket in a breathable cotton garment bag, never plastic, which traps moisture. Choose a cool dry closet away from sunlight. Do not squash it under other clothes. A few cedar blocks in the closet help keep moths away.

Protect it before winter

A suede protector spray made for shearling or suede adds a layer against light rain and dirt. Spray in thin even coats from a short distance, let it dry fully, and test on a hidden spot first. Repeat once at the start of each season.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Drying with a hair dryer or heater
• Storing it in a plastic cover
• Leaving it in a hot car
• Rubbing stains instead of blotting
• Wearing it in heavy rain over and over

Quick answers

Can I wear shearling in the rain? Light drizzle is fine, especially after a protector spray. Heavy rain is not. If it gets soaked, dry it slowly as described above.

How often should I clean it? Spot clean when needed and do a professional clean once a year at most.

Will the wool lining go flat? It can after a lot of wear. Fluff it gently with your fingers and let the jacket hang open between wears.

Ready for a jacket worth caring for?

Browse our shearling jackets for men and shearling jackets for women. Not sure about care for a jacket you already own? Contact us and we will help.