For a very long time, humans have created coats and other garments from the skin of animals. They’re very warm and provide the protection needed during cold weather. Sheep are a popular choice when it comes to animal skins that provide warmth and are also fashionable. Shearling is made from the skin and coat of young lambs; this makes it very soft in comparison to using fully grown, older sheep.
What are the benefits of shearling?
Shearling makes incredibly strong, warm and lightweight jackets and other garments. This makes it ideal for creating coats and other outdoor clothing; it’s also water resistant and won’t be damaged by the rain. In addition, shearling is relatively easy to care for compared to other natural materials. Shearling is not damaged by moths or any insect, meaning it can be kept in storage for many years without any issues. Many people buy shearling coats and other shearling garments because they know they will keep them for the rest of their lives and pass them down to their children and grandchildren.
How to care for shearling
As already mentioned, as a material, shearling is relatively easy to care for and keeps in good condition. If shearling garments get wet from the rain or snow, you need to ensure they are dried at room temperature and aren’t put in the dryer or on a radiator. One issue that can occur with shearling is mould and mildew. To prevent this, you should always store shearling coats and other garments in dry conditions and not place them in areas that are likely to experience dampness. Cardboard is the best material for storing shearling; it can also be wrapped in paper; avoid using plastic wrapping as this won’t allow enough airflow for the material to breathe. You should keep all natural materials out of plastic to allow airflow to the garment.
You can follow these instructions if you need to clean your shearling coat, gloves, slippers or boots. Firstly you should remove any surface soil and dirt from the material using tweezers caught in the fibres. If the garment has a suede side, you can use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of any surface dirt. Any stains should be treated carefully and dealt with based on what’s been spilt on the garment. Oily stains can be soaked up with cornstarch and gently brushed away. Wet stains should be blotted and then treated with a suitable cleaning solution. For refreshing a jacket or another item, it should be washed by hand in lukewarm water with the right concentration of specially formulated washing solution that’s designed for wool. Then the garment should be dried flat between two towels to absorb the moisture. You don’t need to regularly wash shearling waistcoats or shearling coats because they’re most often worn on top of other clothing items and only on special occasions such as weddings or other important events.
Buying a shearling garment
Many people save up to buy a shearling garment; they’re fashionable, timeless and will last a lifetime if looked after properly. There are replicas and fake shearling garments on the market you can purchase for a fraction of the price. However, these can be poorly constructed and often use plastic-based materials that are bad for the environment. In addition, a faux shearling garment won’t be nearly as soft or warm as the real deal. Shealing is expensive because you’re purchasing a garment made from several animal pelts. Investing in a shearling garment is an excellent idea if you love the timeless look of the item and can imagine wearing it for many years to come.
You can find many different shearling sellers online. When choosing a company to purchase from, consider their sustainability principles and where they source their skins. For a more sustainable option, opt for a business that uses pelts that are a by-product of the meat industry rather than a company that breeds lambs purely for their skin. To ensure quality and genuine sheepskin, look at the company review, history and credentials. Be aware that there are many fakes out there that are pretending to sell real shearling. However, once you get your garment, it should be very obvious from the feel of the material.
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