People often compare genuine sheepskin with synthetic “shearling” or faux fur linings. They look similar in photos, but they behave differently in wear, care, comfort and lifespan.
This guide explains the practical differences so you can make a clear decision based on how you will use the item.
What counts as genuine sheepskin
Genuine sheepskin, also known as shearling, is a natural double faced material. The wool remains attached to the hide. T1he suede forms the outer surface.
Synthetic alternatives are usually plastic based fibres, often polyester, bonded to fabric backing. They are designed to imitate the look, not replicate the structure.
Comfort and temperature regulation
Sheepskin adapts to changes in temperature because of how wool fibres trap warm air and release heat as conditions change. Many people find this reduces the cycle of feeling too hot indoors and too cold outside.
Synthetic linings can feel warm, but they tend to hold heat and moisture differently. Some people experience a clammy feel during longer wear, especially in gloves and slippers.
A quick way to think about it
Sheepskin aims for stable comfort across changing conditions.
Synthetics often aim for immediate warmth at a lower cost.
Odour and freshness in everyday wear
Wool is widely discussed as more odour resistant than synthetics, largely because of moisture handling and the fibre structure. Lanolin is also often mentioned in discussions about wool and odour.
Synthetic fleece and linings tend to hold odours more readily, particularly when worn close to skin and exposed to perspiration.
What this means in real life
If you wear slippers every evening or gloves daily in winter, odour control matters. It affects comfort and how often you feel you need to “clean” the item.
Care and maintenance differences
This is one of the biggest decision points.
Sheepskin should not be machine washed. It relies on natural oils to keep the leather flexible. Aggressive washing strips those oils and can cause stiffness and shrinkage.
Many synthetic alternatives are marketed as easier to wash. That is a genuine convenience advantage for some households.
So the question becomes
Do you want a material that needs less washing because it stays comfortable and fresh with airing, or do you want a material that you can wash more often without worrying about leather structure.
Durability and lifespan
A key part of “worth it” is how long the item lasts.
Sheepskin can last for many years when cared for properly. The hide and wool are part of the same material, so there is no bonded lining to separate.
Synthetic alternatives can wear through faster, especially where there is repeated friction, like heels in slippers, palm areas in gloves, and hat edges. When synthetic fibres flatten or the backing degrades, the comfort and look can change quickly.
Environmental trade offs
This is where comparisons need nuance.
Synthetic textiles, including polyester, are linked to microplastic fibre release during washing and wear. Multiple peer reviewed papers discuss microfiber shedding from synthetic fabrics and washing as a major pathway.
Wool fibres also shed, but the key difference is biodegradation. Industry bodies highlight research suggesting wool biodegrades in marine environments while synthetic fibres do not.
However, wool can score poorly in some life cycle assessments because of methane emissions from sheep, which can raise the climate impact in common LCA models.
A balanced way to look at it
Synthetics raise concerns around plastic pollution and persistence.
Wool and sheepskin raise concerns around agricultural emissions in some assessments.
Longevity and how often an item is replaced can shift the real world impact either way.
Quick comparison table
| Factor | Genuine sheepskin | Synthetic alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature comfort | Regulates across changing conditions | Can feel warm but less adaptive |
| Odour handling | Often stays fresher with airing | Odours can build faster |
| Cleaning approach | Spot clean and air, avoid machine washing | Often marketed as machine washable |
| Lifespan potential | Often long lasting with correct care | Can flatten and wear sooner |
| Microplastic pollution | Natural fibre, biodegradation discussed | Synthetic fibres shed microplastics |
| Climate footprint debates | Can score higher in some lifecycle assessments | Often lower in some assessments but fossil based inputs are common |
So is sheepskin worth the investment
It often is, if you value:
- stable comfort rather than quick warmth
- natural breathability and freshness in daily wear
- a material that can last for years with simple care
- a non plastic fibre option, with different end of life behaviour
Synthetic alternatives can make sense if:
- you need low upfront cost
- you want the convenience of frequent machine washing
- you expect heavy wear and plan to replace more often
The most practical rule is this
If you plan to wear the item a lot, and you want it to stay comfortable over time, genuine sheepskin usually makes more sense as an investment.
FAQs
Is genuine sheepskin worth the extra cost over synthetic alternatives?
Yes, generally. The extra cost reflects the material's superior lifespan, natural temperature regulation, and durability. While synthetic alternatives are cheaper upfront, genuine sheepskin can last for decades with simple care, often making the long-term cost lower than continually replacing synthetic items.
What is the biggest advantage of sheepskin over faux shearling?
The biggest advantage is natural breathability and temperature regulation. Genuine wool fibers adapt to changes in temperature, providing stable comfort and preventing the clammy feeling often associated with synthetic linings, especially in close-fitting items like gloves and slippers.
Can I machine wash genuine sheepskin to make care easier?
No. Genuine sheepskin should never be machine washed. The aggressive washing process strips the natural oils (lanolin) from the leather, causing the hide to shrink, stiffen, and crack. It must be cleaned using gentle spot-cleaning and airing methods.
How much longer does real sheepskin last compared to imitation products?
With correct care, genuine sheepskin products can last for 10 to 20 years or more. Imitation materials, particularly those with bonded linings, often show significant degradation (flattening, peeling) after just a few seasons of regular wear.
Does sheepskin attract moths if stored for a long time?
Yes. As a natural fiber, wool is susceptible to moths and other pests. To protect your investment, always store sheepskin items completely dry, in a cool, dark place, using a breathable garment or dust bag. Avoid storing them in plastic containers.
Why does genuine sheepskin stay fresher than synthetic fleece?
Wool contains lanolin, a natural substance that helps repel dirt, manage moisture, and limit bacterial growth. This allows sheepskin to stay fresh with simple airing, whereas synthetic fleece often traps perspiration and develops odors more quickly.