A quality sheepskin coat feels like a second layer of skin – it effortlessly hugs and contours your form, gently caressing you and warming you up, almost like a luxurious blanket you don’t want to part with upon waking up in the morning. At this point, it’s much more than just a sheepskin coat, it’s now a really personal item, it appears!
Sheepskin has always had a specific kind of casual panache, elegance, and luxury to it, hasn’t it? It’s got such a timeless appeal across multiple countries and cultures, wouldn’t you agree?
If you’re not sure how to find a quality sheepskin coat that you can truly call yours, consider the following:
Choosing the perfect sheepskin coat
How to identify quality
One of the key things to know when it comes to finding a quality sheepskin coat that will last nearly a lifetime is the softness of the wool and fiber (the fur, so to speak) and the lightness of the skin.
High-quality skins in sheepskin coats tend to vary a little, however. For example, the leather may be thicker or the wool might be extra coarse, or you may even find a coat that’s longer or curlier and still feel very high quality.
The more you move up into the higher-quality sheepskins, the more beautiful you will find the tanning, where your coat will feel velvety soft to the touch, almost fur-like, if you will.
Fit – Tight and snug or loose and roomy?
This may come down to personal preference, although it may be wise to consider picking up a sheepskin coat that fits closely but not too tightly – offering just enough room to freely move your arms and shoulders because it is, after all, outerwear.
Chances are that you may be wearing layers in the colder months, perhaps, even a bulky sweater before slapping on your sheepskin coat.
But with that said, some people do prefer their coats to be tighter fitting and more tailored, often wearing a snugly-fitting cashmere underneath a double-faced shearling, for example, during the cold and bitter months.
What kind of style to wear?
Wow – this is a really, really subjective topic! It’s kind of like trying to tell somebody about the different kinds of food supplements they should try for strength and muscle building or bodyfat loss, just to give you an example off the top of our head!
Now, the kind of sheepskin coat you end up buying should be something that speaks to your personal style. You might come across some very dressy styles of sheepskin coats online, for instance, while others will cater to that “big city” black coat look that some people are after. For the most part, however, sheepskin coats can be very wide-ranging as they are a versatile kind of outerwear. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Also, on the subject of style, take your lifestyle and climate into account. Do you find yourself traveling to or living in a lot of cold places? Are you an urban dweller that finds themselves standing frequently on a train platform to get to work or travel between different towns and counties? If you face elements like these frequently, then you’d want a sheepskin coat that’s longer and covers more of you, allowing you to bundle up easily when the need arises.
On the other hand, it can be useful to have a shorter, more lightweight sheepskin coat which you can just grab off the coat stand on your way out to enjoy the mild weather outside. So, ideally, wear a short style through late fall/early spring and milder winters.
Does the sheepskin coat blend easily with other sheepskin or non-sheepskin outerwear?
Sheepskin coats can go with practically anything. This means boots and jeans and literally everything in between! Even your regular evening clothes. Fashion is a very personal thing as it’s a reflection of who you are.
So, you could be a rancher or farmer who wants to put on a rugged coat which can be worn to any place or venue. Or, you could be meeting friends for some skiing or dinner at a nice, upscale restaurant but don’t want to wear a bulky ski coat or evening coat – in that case, sheepskin is what you want to choose.
You’ll feel cosy, look incredibly elegant and timeless, and have a sense of sophistication around you that’s bound to turn heads. Sheepskin travels really well, no matter what the place or occasion.
Should I alter my sheepskin coat?
Most sheepskin coats can be altered, although your tailor would have to have a lot of experience in altering sheepskin coats in particular or you can easily ruin a perfectly good piece of garment!
Getting a wool blazer altered, for example, is fairly straightforward but when there’s leather and fur attached to your coat, that requires intricate expertise, knowhow, and experience.
By looking at this sizing chart, you can easily determine what size sheepskin coat to buy, so save yourself from the trouble of altering it and just enjoy the handmade quality which will make it last nearly a lifetime.
Why choose a sheepskin coat only?
- Initially gaining popularity in WWII, sheepskin coats were the go-to upper garment for keeping air crews warm. The material helps to naturally retain body heat, keeping you warm in cold months and even helping you wick away moisture in the milder months.
- High-quality sheepskin coats offer excellent durability – the kind which can make your coat last for decades while still retaining its velvety softness and original shape.
- Sheepskin coats offer multi-climate comfort. Sheepskin is renowned for having moisture-wicking properties and high breathability; this level of adaptability and versatility helps you stay comfortable from autumn through spring.
- The wool fibres in sheepskin coats have water-repellent layers which protect it from moisture. If you’re out in the rain or snow, all you need is a good shake, followed by some smoothening over using a soft brush.
Sheepers offers some of the highest-quality sheepskin coats on the market, made from 100% sheepskin and handmade to last.
