Is a Shearling Coat Worth It? What to Know Before You Buy

The short answer: yes, if you live somewhere with real winters. A shearling coat is naturally warm, breathable and water resistant, and a well-made one lasts for decades, which makes the cost per wear low. Shop all shearling coats from Yves Salomon, Toteme and Nour Hammour, browse fur coats, and see every designer coat for women at Coveti.

Shearling is sheepskin tanned with the fleece left on. You wear the fleece side in, which traps warm air, and the suede side out, which blocks wind. Here is what to know before you buy.

Shearling: the pros and cons

How warm is a shearling coat?

Very. For its weight, down is warmer, but shearling is warmer than wool and blocks wind well, so a long shearling coat is comfortable well below freezing in dry cold.

Our picks: designer shearling coats worth buying

1. Yves Salomon Long Reversible Toscana Lambskin Shearling Coat in Camel

Long and reversible, from the Paris furrier working since 1920.

2. Yves Salomon Curly Merino Lambskin Shearling Pea Coat in Khaki

A shorter pea coat in curly merino, for city wear.

3. Toteme Shearling Wrap Coat in Dark Brown

Toteme’s minimal wrap shape in shearling.

4. Toteme Structured Shearling Coat in Black

A more tailored black shearling.

5. Nour Hammour Astoria Shearling Coat in Black Brown

The statement shearling. Read our guide to Nour Hammour shearling coats.

6. Brunello Cucinelli Reversible Shearling Coat in Brown

A reversible coat with Brunello Cucinelli’s soft finish.

How to care for a shearling coat

• Brush the suede with a soft suede brush after wearing.
• Shake off rain and snow and let the coat dry at room temperature, away from heat.
• Store it on a broad hanger in a breathable cover over the summer.
• Have it cleaned by a leather specialist, never in a washing machine.

For the look without sheepskin, see faux fur and teddy coats, and read our guide to shearling coats and jackets.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a shearling coat last?

With good care, decades. Shearling softens and improves with wear.

Is shearling warmer than wool?

Yes. Shearling traps more warm air and blocks wind better than wool.

Can you wear shearling in the rain?

Light rain and snow are fine; avoid heavy rain and let the coat dry naturally.

What is the difference between shearling and faux shearling?

Real shearling is sheepskin with the fleece on; faux shearling is a synthetic pile that copies the look but is less warm and less breathable.

How should a shearling coat fit?

Choose your usual size and check you can move your arms freely; shearling does not need room for a thick knit underneath.