Men’s Shearling Jackets: Types, Faces, Lengths and Care

The best men’s shearling jacket is lambskin with the wool left on, chosen by wool type, face finish and length: curly Merino for a classic suede jacket, Toscana for a long, wild texture, Lacon for a glossy coat and pressed Merino for a flat collar. Yves Salomon, the Paris fur and leather house, works in all four, and you can shop them on the Yves Salomon brand page and in men’s jackets. Check fit first with the Yves Salomon men’s size guide.

By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 22 October 2026.

Key facts

• Shearling is lambskin tanned with its wool still attached, so it is sheepskin and not fur.
• Yves Salomon uses four main shearling types for men: Toscana, Lacon, curly Merino and pressed Merino.
• A suede face is brushed and matt; a nappa face is smooth and slightly sleeker.
• A reversible shearling jacket can be worn wool side out and leather side out.
• Yves Salomon men’s shearling runs from a 68 cm hoodie to a 120 cm coat.
• Shearling should be cleaned by a leather and fur specialist, not a standard dry cleaner.

What is shearling, and how is it different from fur?

Shearling is a single material with two faces: the skin of a lamb, tanned and finished on one side, with the wool kept on the other. Traditionally the wool sits inside for warmth and the leather sits outside. Fur comes from animals such as mink and fox and is a separate category; our guide to men’s fur coats covers it. If you want the furry look without fur, Toscana shearling is the answer, which is why pieces such as the Reversible Toscana Shearling Fur-Effect Parka are described as shearling rather than fur.

Which type of shearling should you choose?

The wool decides the look, the weight and how the piece wears. These are the four types in the Yves Salomon men’s collection.

There is also a straight, silky Merino. The Silky Straight-Wool Lambskin Shearling Hooded Coat uses it inside a leather face treated against the elements.

Suede face versus nappa face

Most shearling jackets show their leather side outside, so the finish of that leather sets the tone. A suede face is brushed to a soft, matt nap. It reads relaxed and rugged and suits brown, navy and beige; the Curly Merino Shearling Suede Hoodie in Navy is a good example. A nappa face is smooth and closer to a leather jacket. It looks sleeker under city light, and it is the reverse side on Toscana pieces such as the trapper hat and the reversible hoodie.

Suede marks more easily in rain; nappa wipes clean more readily. Neither is better, but if you live somewhere wet and walk a lot, nappa is the more forgiving face.

Is a reversible shearling jacket worth it?

A reversible shearling jacket gives you two pieces in one: wool side out for texture and warmth, leather side out for a cleaner line. Yves Salomon builds reversible zips and pulls so both faces close properly. The Reversible Toscana Lambskin Shearling Hoodie turns from a long-haired wool exterior to smooth nappa, and the 92 cm Reversible Toscana Shearling Parka does the same in a long shape. If you want one shearling piece that covers weekends and the office, reversible is the efficient choice.

Short jacket, hoodie, parka and long coat

Length follows use. Hoodies and short jackets, at 67 to 72 cm, are the easiest to wear with jeans and drive in comfortably. The Fine Curly Merino Lambskin Shearling Jacket is cut like a denim jacket at 67 cm. A shearling parka at 90 cm, such as the Curly Wool Suede Lambskin Shearling Parka, adds a visored hood and covers the thigh, which makes it the warmer daily option.

For anyone searching for a long men’s shearling coat, the Extra-Long Lacon Lambskin Shearling Coat runs to 120 cm with the glossy Lacon wool outside and a small collar and buttoned front. It is the most formal shearling in the line and works over tailoring.

How do you care for a shearling jacket?

Hang shearling on a broad hanger, give it space in the wardrobe and keep it away from radiators. If it gets wet, shake it out and let it dry at room temperature. Brush suede gently with a soft suede brush once dry. Store it in a breathable cotton cover for summer, and take it to a specialist for cleaning. The full routine is in how to care for fur and shearling.

Our picks

1. Curly Wool Suede Lambskin Shearling Jacket

The classic men’s shearling jacket: suede outside, curly wool inside and at the shirt collar, 72 cm long.

2. Reversible Toscana Lambskin Shearling Hoodie

The best men’s shearling hoodie for versatility, turning from wild-effect wool to smooth nappa.

3. Extra-Long Lacon Lambskin Shearling Coat

A 120 cm coat with glossy Lacon outside, light for its length thanks to supple Merino.

4. Reversible Toscana Shearling Fur-Effect Parka

The fur look in shearling, reversing to nappa, with a zipped front and low flap pockets.

5. Curly Merino Shearling Suede Hoodie in Beige and White

A zip hoodie rebuilt in curly Merino, thick and soft, in a light colourway.

6. Silky Straight-Wool Lambskin Shearling Hooded Coat

Parka codes in shearling at 90 cm, with a weather-treated leather face and silky Merino inside.

Frequently asked questions

Is shearling the same as fur?

No. Shearling is lambskin with the wool left on, which makes it sheepskin. Fur refers to pelts such as mink, fox and coyote.

What is Toscana shearling?

Toscana is a lambskin shearling with long, dense wool that gives a wild, fur-like texture. Yves Salomon uses it for parkas, hoodies and trapper hats.

What is the difference between suede and nappa shearling?

The wool is the same; the leather side differs. Suede is brushed and matt, while nappa is smooth and slightly sleeker.

How long is a long men’s shearling coat?

At Yves Salomon, the longest men’s shearling coat runs to 120 cm, which falls below the knee on most men.

Can you wear a shearling jacket in the rain?

Light rain is fine if you let the jacket dry naturally afterwards. Nappa faces and pieces treated against the elements handle wet weather better than suede.

Continue with our Yves Salomon menswear guide, men’s suede jackets and luxury leather jackets for men, then browse the Yves Salomon brand page.