Are Shearling Jackets Waterproof? What to Do in Rain and Snow

Are shearling jackets waterproof? The short answer is no. Shearling is a natural material that handles light moisture well, but it is not made for heavy rain, slush or standing water. This guide explains why, what happens when your jacket gets wet, how to dry it properly and how to protect it so you can wear it with confidence in cold, damp weather.

Are Shearling Jackets Waterproof? Why They Are Not

Shearling is sheepskin with the wool left on one side. The outer face is leather or suede, and both are porous, so water can slowly soak through if the jacket stays wet. The wool inside also absorbs moisture. A few drops of rain will bead up or soak in without harm, but a long soaking is a different story.

Light Rain, Heavy Rain and Snow

Light rain and a few snowflakes are usually fine. Dry snow brushes off, and a short walk in drizzle will not damage a good jacket. Heavy rain, wet snow and slush are the problem, because the jacket stays damp for longer and the leather can lose its shape. If the forecast is bad, wear a waterproof coat instead and keep the shearling for dry, cold days.

What Happens When Shearling Gets Wet

The main risks are stiff leather, flattened or clumped wool and water marks on a suede surface. Most of the damage comes not from the water itself but from drying it the wrong way. Heat is the biggest enemy, because it can make the leather shrink and harden.

How to Dry a Wet Shearling Jacket

1. Blot the surface with a clean, dry towel. Press gently and do not rub, because rubbing pushes water deeper.
2. Shake off any loose water and reshape the jacket, especially the shoulders and collar.
3. Hang it on a wide hanger in a cool, airy room, away from heaters, radiators and direct sun.
4. Leave it for at least a day, longer if the lining feels damp.
5. When it is fully dry, brush the suede gently and fluff the wool with your fingers or a soft brush.

Never use a hairdryer, tumble dryer or radiator to speed things up.

Are Shearling Jackets Waterproof After Treatment?

You cannot make it fully waterproof, but you can add some protection. A protector spray made for suede or sheepskin helps the outer face repel light water and stains. Clean and dry the jacket first, test the spray on a hidden spot, then spray evenly from about 15 centimetres away and let it dry completely before wearing. Do not soak the jacket with spray, because too much can change the texture.

Signs Your Jacket Has Had Too Much Water

Watch for stiff or hard patches in the leather, dark water marks on the suede, wool that stays flat and clumped after drying and a musty smell. If you notice any of these, dry the jacket again slowly and take it to a specialist who works with shearling. Catching the problem early usually means it can be fixed.

Shearling Compared With Other Winter Coats in the Wet

A waterproof shell is the best choice for steady rain, and a puffer jacket with a water repellent finish copes with wet snow better than shearling does. Shearling wins on warmth and wind protection in cold, dry weather. Many people keep both and choose by the forecast, which is a sensible way to protect a jacket you love.

What to Avoid

• Wearing shearling in a downpour or through slush.
• Drying it near a heater, radiator or in direct sun.
• Wringing, rubbing or machine washing it.
• Storing it damp or in a plastic bag.
• Putting a wet jacket on a hot car seat or a damp surface.

Smart Ways to Wear Shearling in Wet Weather

So, are shearling jackets waterproof enough for a daily commute in the rain? Not on their own. Choose dry cold days for your best jacket, carry an umbrella if rain is possible and keep a second waterproof coat for the worst weather. Look for styles with a hood or a high collar for extra cover, such as the B3 bomber with a removable hood. If you are choosing between materials, our guide to shearling vs sheepskin vs lambskin explains the differences.

Storing It After a Wet Day

Once the jacket is fully dry, store it on a wide hanger in a breathable cover, not plastic. Our full guide on how to care for a shearling jacket covers cleaning, brushing and storage through the year.

Common Questions

Can I wear a shearling jacket in the rain?

In light rain, yes, for a short time. In heavy rain, no. Wear a waterproof coat instead.

Will rain ruin my shearling jacket?

A small amount of rain will not. Long soaking or fast drying with heat can cause damage, so always dry it slowly.

Are shearling jackets waterproof or just water resistant?

They are water resistant to a small degree, which means light rain will not harm them, but they are not waterproof. Treat them with care in wet weather.

Is sheepskin waterproof?

No. Sheepskin and shearling behave the same way. Both handle light moisture but are not waterproof.

Ready to choose a jacket for winter? Browse our shearling jackets for men and women, or the coats range for longer lengths.