How to tell real shearling from imitations.
Understanding What Genuine Sheepskin Really Is
Genuine sheepskin, often called shearling, is a natural double faced material made from a single hide. The wool remains attached to the skin, with the suede forming the outer surface and the fleece lining the inside.
This matters because many products described as shearling or sheepskin are not made this way. In imitation products, the suede and lining are separate materials bonded together. They may look similar at first, but they behave very differently over time.
Real sheepskin is not coated, laminated or layered. Its performance comes from its natural structure.
Sheepskin, Shearling and Suede Explained
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
- Genuine sheepskin is a full hide with the wool still attached
- Shearling is another name for genuine sheepskin
- Suede is the inner side of a hide, often split away
- Faux shearling is made from synthetic fibres bonded to fabric
Care advice written for suede shoes or fashion leather does not apply to real shearling. This is one of the most common causes of damage.
How Real Sheepskin Behaves in Use
Genuine sheepskin changes with wear, but in a positive way.
- The suede softens rather than cracks
- The wool compresses slightly but stays springy
- The skin remains flexible when cared for correctly
Imitation materials tend to do the opposite. They stiffen, peel or flatten permanently because the fibres are not natural and cannot recover.
The Role of Wool and Lanolin
Wool in genuine sheepskin contains lanolin, a natural substance that helps regulate temperature, repel light dirt and moisture, reduce odours and limit bacterial growth.
This is why real sheepskin gloves and slippers remain comfortable even with regular use. Over cleaning removes lanolin and shortens the life of the product.
How to Tell If Sheepskin Is Genuine
There are several reliable ways to identify real shearling.
Look at the edge
On genuine sheepskin, the wool and suede are part of the same piece. There is no fabric backing or glue line.
Feel the weight
Real sheepskin feels substantial. Faux versions often feel lighter and thinner.
Check the wool
Natural wool varies slightly in length and texture. Synthetic fibres are uniform and spring back unnaturally.
Smell the material
Genuine sheepskin has a mild leather scent. Imitations often smell chemical or plastic.
Why Imitation Shearling Is Different
Faux shearling is designed to look similar, not perform the same.
- Synthetic linings trap heat rather than regulate it
- They hold odours instead of releasing them
- They cannot be restored once flattened or damaged
This is why imitation products often need replacing after a few seasons, while genuine sheepskin items last for decades.
Care Differences That Matter
Understanding the material changes how it should be treated.
- Genuine sheepskin should never be machine washed
- Imitation shearling is often machine washable
- Genuine sheepskin improves with careful use
- Imitation materials degrade with wear
Applying the wrong care method is one of the fastest ways to damage real sheepskin.
Why Genuine Sheepskin Costs More
The price difference reflects material quality rather than branding.
Genuine sheepskin is a natural by product that requires skilled processing. Each hide behaves slightly differently, and finishing, cutting and stitching take time.
Synthetic alternatives are mass produced and uniform, which makes them cheaper to manufacture. The cost difference is matched by lifespan.
How This Affects Gloves, Slippers and Accessories
Items that sit close to the body benefit most from genuine shearling.
- Sheepskin gloves regulate heat without overheating
- Slippers stay warm without trapping moisture
- Hats insulate without bulk or stiffness
Why Correct Identification Matters
Buying genuine sheepskin only makes sense if it is cared for correctly. Knowing the difference helps avoid damage caused by incorrect washing, cleaning or storage.
Real shearling is an investment material. It rewards understanding and restraint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is genuine sheepskin?
Genuine sheepskin, also known as shearling, is a natural double faced material where the wool remains attached to the hide. The suede forms the outer surface and the fleece lines the inside.
Is shearling the same as sheepskin?
Yes. Shearling is another term for genuine sheepskin. Both describe a full hide with the wool still attached.
How is genuine sheepskin different from suede?
Suede is usually a split layer of a hide. Genuine sheepskin includes both suede and wool as one piece.
How can you tell if sheepskin is real?
Real sheepskin has wool and suede that are part of the same hide, natural variation in the fleece, a substantial weight and a mild leather scent.
What is faux shearling?
Faux shearling is a synthetic material designed to look like sheepskin. It is made by bonding artificial fibres to fabric.
Does genuine sheepskin last longer than imitation shearling?
Yes. Genuine sheepskin can last for decades with correct care. Imitation materials tend to degrade after a few seasons.
Why does sheepskin regulate temperature so well?
The wool fibres trap warm air in cold conditions and release excess heat when temperatures change.
What is lanolin and why does it matter?
Wool in genuine sheepskin contains lanolin, a natural substance that helps regulate temperature, repel light dirt and moisture, reduce odours and limit bacterial growth.
Can genuine sheepskin be machine washed?
No. Machine washing damages the leather, strips lanolin from the wool and causes irreversible shrinkage.
Why does genuine sheepskin cost more than faux versions?
Genuine sheepskin requires skilled processing and natural variation between hides. Synthetic alternatives are mass produced.
Why is it important to identify real sheepskin before caring for it?
Using the wrong cleaning or washing methods can permanently damage genuine sheepskin.