Women’s shearling jackets are among the warmest and longest lasting jackets you can buy. They are made from sheepskin with the wool still attached, which means they keep you warm without looking bulky, and they get better with age. This guide covers the main styles, what to look for, how a women’s cut should fit and how to wear a shearling jacket through the colder months.
What Is a Women’s Shearling Jacket?
Shearling is the term for sheepskin or lambskin that has been tanned with the wool left on. On a jacket, the wool faces inward for warmth and the hide faces outward for protection. A women’s shearling jacket is cut to a women’s pattern, so the shoulders, bust, waist and sleeves are shaped to sit well on a woman’s frame and do not look boxy.
The Main Styles
Bomber and aviator jackets
These follow the pattern of classic flight jackets: a short body, a deep collar and fitted cuffs. They sit at the waist, so they work well with high waisted jeans and trousers. See our Women’s B6 bomber in dark brown shearling for an example.
Biker and cafe racer styles
A closer fit and a plain collar give these a sleeker look. Some are made in leather and some use shearling for the collar and lining. They suit people who like a sharper, more urban style.
Long coats
If you want maximum warmth, a long shearling coat covers you from shoulders to knees. These work well for deep winter, travel and cold commutes.
Vests
A shearling vest is a useful layer under a coat or over a knit. It keeps your core warm and leaves your arms free.
What to Look For When You Buy
- Real shearling. Check that the product page lists real sheepskin shearling and not a synthetic lining.
- A women’s cut. Look for a style line that says for women, so the shape fits properly.
- The collar. A deep wool collar adds warmth, while a flat collar gives a cleaner outline.
- Finish and colour. Black and brown are the easiest to wear. Lighter tones show off the texture.
- Stitching and zips. Heavy jackets need strong seams and a solid front zip.
How a Women’s Shearling Jacket Should Fit
The shoulder seams should sit on the edge of your shoulders and the sleeves should end at the wrist. You need room for a shirt or a thin knit, because the wool lining takes up some space. If you plan to wear thick sweaters underneath, choose one size up. Our size guide shows how to measure, and you can send us your measurements for a made to measure fit. Browse the full range of women’s jackets to compare styles.
How to Wear It
Keep the outfit simple. A fine knit, straight jeans and boots is a reliable combination. For a dressier look, wear the jacket over a dress or tailored trousers. In deep winter, add a scarf and gloves. Because shearling already has texture, plain colours underneath usually look best.
Looking After Your Jacket
Wipe the hide with a damp cloth, brush the wool lightly and let the jacket dry naturally if it gets wet. Hang it on a wide hanger away from heat and never put it in a washing machine. Shearling is not waterproof, so keep it out of heavy rain.
Common Questions
Are women’s shearling jackets too heavy for everyday wear?
No. The wool lining is part of the hide, so the jacket stays warm without extra padding and feels lighter than many padded coats.
Is shearling suitable for very cold weather?
Yes. Shearling is one of the warmest natural jacket materials. For deep cold, choose a coat length.
Can you make a women’s jacket to my size?
Yes. Send your chest, shoulder and sleeve measurements through our contact page and we will make the jacket to fit. Custom sizes cannot be returned or exchanged.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. We ship worldwide and accept returns on standard sizes within 30 days. See our FAQ for details.
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