Shearling Coats – What’s All the Fuss About?

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For a fashionista, it is a definite must to have a beautiful jacket or coat. And although there are some jacket and coats out there that are simply alluring, one should not value aesthetics more than durability. With the possibility of jackets being used again and again, especially if you live in a cold region, it only makes sense that you purchase one with high durability. One of the most popular choices in today’s world is shearling coats for women. The coats usually feature a wool interior while the leather is at the exterior of the coat; however, this may be the opposite for some. The wool and leather combination is very good at keeping you warm while still maintaining a great level of comfort. Although it does have a steep price to pay in order to purchase one, people still chase after this coat as it is a more practical choice in the long run.

The demand for these coats has stayed the same even though the styles have changed. Some countries even experience higher demand if you compare the market now to figures from previous years. Shearling coats come with a price range from $500 for the basic coats to a whopping $5000 for the supplest leather coats. The prices may leave many disheartened from purchasing these coats but it is worth the cost as the higher the price goes, its looks get better and its durability also rises.

The shearling is highly dependent on where it originated and how it was made. Shearling coats that come from Spain are the most expensive since they are undisputed on how supple the leather is and the quality is nearly unmatched. Coats coming from Argentina are at a close second from the coats made in Spain. Both countries are known to have the supplest leather available, and it is something that other countries can’t duplicate with their materials.

What separates shearling coats from the rest of the flock is their durability and flexibility. Lightness and flexibility are marks of quality and these are things that the manufacturers from Argentina and Spain have mastered. Heavy coats that will still reach the price range of hundreds of dollars are usually made in Australia and England. Just because they are not made from Spain or Argentina, that doesn’t mean that the quality isn’t good. These heavy coats have great quality and their weight fares better in insulating the wearer in extreme conditions.

Shearling coats are sheepskin. It is basically a hide of a fully matured sheep with the wool still intact. There are fake coats in the market that may be similar in terms of aesthetics to the original ones but a simple stroke of the wool and leather can draw the line and differentiate the two.

Shearling Coats 101

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For those who don’t know what a shearling coat is, there is no need to fret as this article will give you the information you need in order to know what they are, how they’re made and what they’re made of.

One of the most common observations people make with shearling coats is the price. Depending on the size, cut and quality of the coat, prices can range from $500 to $5000. Although there are “shearling coats” in the market available for a measly $50, with the price alone one can tell that it is obviously not a real shearling coat. The proper name for these coats that cost less is “faux” shearling coats; they bear an impressive resemblance to the real shearling coats to the point where it may even fool fans of the original material. Although in terms of appearance they may look the same, in terms of quality, well…you get what you pay for.

The amount of comfort is no contest between the two, and this includes the quality as well. The ridiculous gap in prices is true in online markets as well; if the price is too low for the coats then most probably it’s a faux. Another thing you may want to consider is the location of where you’re going to be purchasing your coat from. Spain is by far the best in manufacturing shearling coats for women, with those from Argentina coming in at a close second.

Shearling is basically sheepskin and has been around for quite some time now, used by people from Europe and Asia for protection against the elements and cold. High quality shearling is remarkably durable and needs an ample amount of maintenance in order to keep supple.

The hide of a sheep that is fully matured is what shearling makers use in order to create these comfortable coats. Wool is left in place, thus creating the so called “sheepskin.” Of course when the coats are manufactured, the wool is sheared to make the levels uniform, and it also makes it nice to touch. The wool is also bleached white for aesthetic purposes. The skin or hide is tanned and then turned into leather and, depending on the technique used to tan the hide, it may result in soft leather which is dyed to a desired color.

Typically the leather side of the coat is on the outside while the wool is inside but this doesn’t mean that this can’t be done in the opposite for some coats. Once you have touched a shearling coat, it is pretty easy to tell if it is original or a faux. Also note that you’ll be looking at the leather for comparison and not the wool, as faux coats may also have real wool.

What’s So Special about Shearling Coats?

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A beautiful coat or jacket is definitely a must have for any fashionista who knows her stuff. While it’s tempting to choose a jacket that’s simply fashionable, aesthetics should never be more important than durability. Seeing as how jackets are worn over and over again—a common occurrence if you live in a cold area—it makes complete sense to purchase something that will last. One of the most highly sought-after coats in the world today is shearling coats for women. These coats feature a sheared wool and leather lining that’s remarkably effective at keeping you both comfortable and toasty. The shearling is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after coats in the world, despite its often high price tag.

Shearling coats have changed styles over the years, but the demand has still remained the same—even increased in many countries—compared to previous years. Aside from styles, shearling coats come in a wide variety of quality, with basic coats fetching prices of around $500, to coats featuring the supplest leather being regularly sold at over $5,000. Those prices may be obscene to many, but the quality of a high quality shearling is very much worth its weight in gold. The higher the quality of a shearling coat, the better it looks and the longer it will last.

The quality of a shearling is often dependent on where it’s from and how it’s made.  Shearlings from Spain are prized for their suppleness and quality, which also explains why they are the most expensive. Argentinean shearling coats are just as good and are priced similarly. Shearlings that are produced in both of these countries are renowned for being very soft and supple—a feat which other countries can’t seem to emulate with their own materials. Whatever their secret is, it’s a known fact that both Spain and Argentina produce the world’s best and most expensive shearling coats.

Flexibility and durability are two other factors that separate high quality shearling from the rest. Flexibility and lightness is always a mark of quality, something which the shearers and tanners of Spain and Argentina have managed to perfect over the years. Heavier coats, which can still fetch prices in hundred dollar figures, are often made in England and Australia. Aside from the weight, the coats from these countries are of good quality too. For example, Uruguayan coats are known for being heavy due to the heavy sheepskin they are made from. However, the weight also translates to better protection and insulation in extremely cold weather.

What many people don’t know about shearling is that it is actually sheepskin, as in it is the hide of a fully grown sheep. Fakes often look the same, but one can really tell the difference between genuine shearling and a fake. It doesn’t even require a trained eye; just a familiarity with what real leather and wool feels.

Ladies Leather Jackets: A Classic That Belongs in Any Woman’s Wardrobe

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If there’s one piece of clothing that every woman should have aside from the quintessential little black dress, it’s a leather jacket. Even better is the fact that ladies’ leather jackets have proven to be highly versatile in an economic climate that’s definitely seen better days. With the number of countries struggling to uplift their respective economies, consumers shopping for fashion items have learned how to make smarter purchase decisions. This is evident in the spike of leather jacket sales for women, an item, when bought right, has the ability to look fashionable with virtually any type of garment in the wardrobe closet.

The demand for ladies’ leather jackets has gotten so big that many scrupulous retailers have taken advantage of this trend by offering leather jackets of questionable quality. To the untrained eye, these jackets look normal; perhaps even as good as the real thing. Buyers of such jackets may initially rejoice at the “bargain” they just made, only to find out that the stitches are coming off and worse, the “leather” itself is tearing apart. This is exactly why it’s important to be extra careful when buying leather jackets for women these days. The cheaper prices offered by some vendors may be tempting, but remember that the high price of authentic leather jackets is well justified. The hide used not only looks better than others, it also lasts much longer, ensuring that your money is well spent.

Ladies’ leather jackets were essentially made to provide them with protection, especially in potential high impact activities. In fact, motorcycle jackets for women are some of the most popular jackets of choice for the ladies, even if they don’t ride a bike. This trend was made famous by classic movies, eventually paving the way for other leather apparel.

Before buying ladies’ leather jackets, ask yourself some important questions such as:

  • What type of leather does the jacket make use of? Is it split hide, top grain?
  • What hide is the leather made from? Buffalo hide perhaps? Or cow?
  • Where was the jacket made?

Knowing what type of leather used is important, because some manufacturers, in an effort to reduce costs, make use of goat and pig leather which are notorious for their poor quality, as opposed to the richness and durability of real cow hide. Jackets made in Europe are definitely of better quality, but they’re also expensive too. Doing your homework is important because a leather jacket is an investment you don’t want to regret making. In today’s difficult times, every penny should be spent smartly. Visit a local specialist in leather jackets and goods and try to find a good deal. Going online can work, but again, you need to be extra careful.

Finding the Right Shearling Coat for You

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Quality matters. You know it and everyone around you knows it. When you look for a coat, you not only want it to look good, but you want it to feel good, too. For protection against the barbs of freezing winter, the natural solution is a shearling coat.

Made from processed sheepskin or lambskin, the “shearing” process used results in wool fibers of a uniform depth, look and feel. The pelts are tanned with the wool still on them. And who wouldn’t want to be wrapped in a comfortable and naturally lightweight fleece?

Frequently, shearling coats employ an insulated lining for added comfort. A finely crafted coat is nothing short of luxurious. But a word of caution: for higher quality, choose a lighter weight shearling.

Whether you’re in the market for shearling coats for women or a shearling jacket for guys, there is a large number of styles and colors from which to choose.

You can get a faux-shearling coat and save a ton of money, say in the price range of $60–200, but everyone is going to know the difference—most importantly, you will know the difference. And yet, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for that dreamy coat you’ve always wanted to snuggle into. If you shop around, there are places where you can get a top-quality shearling 3/4 or full-length coat for under a thousand dollars—that’s both men’s and women’s. Now, aren’t you excited?

Besides the 3/4 and full-length versions, the coats and jackets can come in hip length, waist length and as vests. While you’re at it, you might want to look into shearling hats and gloves, too. A matching set would be awesome. Options include suede and polished finishes, with hood and without. It wouldn’t be a righteous shearling without a sheepskin collar, but several styles come with sheepskin cuffs or sheepskin trim. And some coats are reversible.

There is a wide variety of colors, too, including black, several shades of brown and tan, and light gray. And there are an incredible number of cuts and styles.

With all of the styles and colors to choose from and with the rock-bottom deals that are available, wouldn’t you really prefer to get two coats? Think about it. A rugged outdoors type, waist-length would be perfect for the occasional trip downtown or out to the country. And for uptown and social gatherings, nothing else would do but the sophisticated full or 3/4 length. Ultimately the choice is yours. Just do what feels right.

How to Store a Shearling Coat

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If you’re going to invest in a shearling coat, you better make sure you learn to store it well to keep it looking great. Leather coats are very delicate garments that require a lot of care, and storing them right can ensure you enjoy them for a very long time.

Here we show you how to store your shearling coat to protect the leather:

  • You should store your coat in a dry and fresh place. Also, you have to ensure there are no moths around, since these damage the coat’s lining… but never store you leather piece near moth balls, unless you want to change perfumes.
  • We don’t recommend you store it in basements or garages, because they are very humid and unstable areas temperature wise, instead, look for a closet with ample room inside your home.
  • Keep your coat away from any odor source, because the skin will absorb it fairly easy.
  • Never leave your coat exposed to direct or indirect sunlight; otherwise its color will fade.
  • Leather is skin; so, it needs to breathe and shouldn’t be stored inside a plastic bag. If you want to store it in a bag, use the cloth kind.

In the same way, never store it in an airless or jam-packed space. Try to leave an inch or more between hangers.

  • You also have to make sure you use the right hanger to hang your coat, because the wrong kind will damage your leather piece. Discard wire hangers, these are weak and can perforate the coat. Use a wooden or padded hanger instead, which are strong and hold the garment without wrinkling it.
  • Make sure you take care of any repairs your coat requires before storing it away for the season; you don’t want to take it out again and realize you can’t wear it.

5 Steps to Make a Leather Jacket Softer

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If you have had a leather jacket you know that the more you wear it the better it looks. Its charm is evident only after it turns into something like a second skin, because when new, leather is very stiff and rigid.

There is no better feeling than the buttery soft texture a leather jacket gets after regular use, and we all wait for the day we wear our jacket and finally feel it has become smooth to the touch.

This process may take years, depending on how much you use it, but now you don’t have to wait that long. Here we show you 5 steps to get your leather jacket looking its best in weeks/months instead of years.

You will need: leather conditioner, a microfiber cloth, and a blow dryer.

1. Since your jacket is made of skin, you have to treat it like you treat your skin. Just as you apply body lotion to your skin every day, your jacket also needs moisturizing.

Take the microfiber cloth and rub it with firm strokes on your jacket with some leather conditioner. This conditioner is specially formulated to moisturize, protect, and soften the leather.

2. After the conditioner is well rubbed on the jacket, wrinkle the garment with your hands; press the leather from top to bottom to make sure the conditioner gets into every corner of the skin.

3. Next, repeat steps 1 and 2. Apply another coat of leather conditioner, and then wrinkle the jacket.

4. Put the blow dryer on medium heat¾the temperature is very important, the air can’t be too hot or too cold¾, and warm the jacket with it to seal the conditioner inside the skin. The dryer has to be at least 6 inches away from the garment, and never stop moving it around.

5. Take a clean microfiber cloth and rub it well against your jacket to make it shine.

You will immediately see a change in your jacket’s texture after the first time you follow this process, repeat it regularly until your jacket reaches your desired feel.