Shearling Jacket for Winter in Chicago: A Practical Guide

If you are shopping for a shearling jacket for winter in Chicago, it helps to start with the real numbers. The National Weather Service normals for O’Hare, covering 1991 to 2020, put the average January high at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low near 19. A typical year brings around 38 inches of snow, and about 11 of those inches usually fall in January. That is serious cold, and it is exactly the weather shearling was made for.

Why Shearling Works in a Chicago Winter

Shearling is sheepskin that has been tanned with the wool left on. The leather side faces out and the dense wool sits against you, which traps warm air close to the body. If you want the plain definition, the Shearling page on Wikipedia covers it. In practice this means a good shearling jacket gives you warmth without the puffy, bulky look, and it breathes better than many synthetic linings, so you are less likely to overheat on a heated train or in a shop.

It is not magic, though. On a day when the wind picks up and the temperature falls toward zero, a jacket alone will not do everything. Think of it as the main layer, then add a sweater, a scarf and proper gloves.

What to Look For in a Shearling Jacket for Winter

Length

A hip length jacket is easy to move in and works well for commuting. If you walk a lot outside, a longer cut that covers the upper thigh keeps more heat in. Our winter coats for men guide compares the lengths in more detail.

Collar and cuffs

A wide collar that turns up helps against wind. Check that the cuffs sit snugly, because that is where cold air usually gets in.

Fit over a sweater

Most people wear a jacket over a sweater in winter, so pick a size that still moves comfortably with a knit underneath. Our shearling jacket size guide shows how to measure, and standard sizes run from XS to 3XL.

Styles That Suit Chicago

The flight jacket styles are popular for a reason. The B3 shearling jacket has a big collar and a roomy cut that sits well over layers, and our B3 bomber guide explains the history. The B6 RAF aviator jacket is a little more fitted, which some people prefer for the city. You can read about it in our B6 bomber guide. If you want a longer piece, browse the coats collection.

Slush, Salt and Wet Snow

Chicago winters are not only dry cold. Wet snow and salted sidewalks are normal, and shearling is not waterproof. Our guide to whether shearling jackets are waterproof goes through it in detail. The short version is simple. Brush off snow before you come inside, wipe off salt marks with a barely damp cloth, and let the jacket dry slowly at room temperature, away from radiators and hair dryers. Our shearling jacket care guide has the full routine, and the storage guide helps when winter ends.

Ordering From Us

We ship worldwide for free, and standard sizes arrive about 7 to 14 days after your order is confirmed. If you want a fit that is different from the chart, custom measurements are available. You can read the details on our shipping policy page or browse the full shop.

Wind, Wet Snow and What It Really Feels Like

The figures above are averages. A real Chicago winter day can feel very different from the number on the forecast, because wind makes cold air feel sharper and a damp day feels colder than a dry one. This is why a shearling jacket for winter is worth the money here. The wool lining keeps working when the air is cold and still, and the leather outside does a good job of blocking the wind. On a bright, dry January day you may find that a shearling jacket and a light sweater are all you need. On a wet, windy one, you will want more around your neck and hands.

Shearling Jacket for Winter or a Parka?

Many people in cold cities own a parka as well. A parka is built for deep cold and heavy snow, and it often has a hood and a long cut. A shearling jacket is better for everyday life in town. It looks smarter, it breathes well and it ages nicely. Plenty of people end up with both, using the parka for the worst days and the shearling jacket for the rest. If you are comparing styles, our winter coats for men guide sets out the main choices.

Color and Finish for a Salted City

Salt and slush leave marks, and lighter colors show them more. Dark brown, black and deeper tan hide small marks better than cream or pale suede. A smooth leather outside is also easier to wipe than a soft suede finish. If you love a lighter color, accept that it needs a little more attention through the season. Our shearling jacket colors guide goes through the options.

A Simple Winter Checklist

• A shearling jacket for winter in the right size, with room for a sweater.
• A warm hat that covers your ears.
• Gloves lined with wool or fleece.
• Boots with good grip for icy sidewalks.
• A wool scarf to close the gap at the collar.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

The first mistake is buying a size that is too small. A jacket that pulls across the back feels stiff and lets in cold air. The second is choosing by price alone. A very low price for a so called shearling jacket for winter is a reason to ask questions, because real shearling is costly to make. Our guide on how to tell real shearling shows what to check. The third is forgetting about care. Plan where you will hang the jacket and keep it away from radiators.

A final thought: a shearling jacket for winter is an investment in comfort, so choose the size and style you will want to wear every cold day. Check the collar, the closure and the lining, and a shearling jacket for winter will keep you warm for many seasons. When you compare options, picture the cold days ahead and pick the shearling jacket for winter that you would reach for first.

Further reading: Shearling on Wikipedia.

Quick Questions

Is a shearling jacket for winter warm enough in Chicago?

For most days, yes, especially with a sweater under it. On the coldest, windiest days add a scarf, gloves and a hat.

Can I wear shearling in snow?

Light snow is fine if you shake it off. Avoid standing out in heavy wet snow for long, and dry the jacket slowly afterward.

Should I size up?

If you plan to wear thick knitwear, check the chest and sleeve measurements on the size guide and choose the size that still lets you move.