How to Care for Your Shearling Jacket to Keep It Soft and Fluffy

A shearling jacket is more than just a stylish winter wardrobe staple—it’s a luxurious piece of outerwear that provides warmth, comfort, and timeless appeal. To ensure your shearling jacket remains as soft, fluffy, and vibrant as the day you bought it, proper care is essential. With the right maintenance, you can keep your shearling jacket looking and feeling like new for many seasons to come. Here’s a guide on how to care for your shearling jacket to preserve its softness and durability.

1. Regular Brushing

One of the best ways to maintain the fluffiness of your shearling jacket is to brush it regularly. Shearling, especially when it’s made from genuine sheepskin, can attract dust, dirt, and debris over time. These particles can make the wool flatten and lose its softness.

How to Do It:

• Use a soft-bristle brush or a shearling brush (available at most leather goods stores) to gently brush the fleece side of your jacket.
• Always brush in the direction of the wool fibers to avoid matting.
• Regular brushing helps to revive the texture, keeping the wool fluffy and preventing tangling.

Aim to brush your shearling jacket after each wear, especially if it has been exposed to outdoor elements.

2. Proper Storage

Storing your shearling jacket correctly is key to maintaining its structure and softness. Improper storage can cause the jacket to become misshapen or dried out, which can impact its luxurious feel.

How to Store It:

• Hang it on a wide hanger: Use a padded or wide-shouldered hanger to avoid stretching or distorting the jacket’s shape. Avoid thin, metal hangers that can leave indentations in the wool.
• Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your shearling jacket in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, as sunlight can dry out the leather and wool, causing cracking or fading.
• Use a garment bag: When not in use, store your shearling jacket in a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust, dirt, and insects. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture, which can damage the material over time.

3. Spot Clean Stains Immediately

While shearling jackets are durable, they can still be prone to stains from spills, dirt, or other substances. The sooner you address stains, the easier they are to remove, and the better you’ll protect the integrity of the jacket.

How to Clean Stains:

• Use a damp cloth: For light stains, gently blot the affected area with a soft, damp cloth. Be sure not to rub the stain, as this could push it deeper into the fibers.
• Mild soap solution: For tougher stains, you can use a mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and blot the stain. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the soap won’t cause discoloration.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners on your shearling jacket, as they can damage the natural fibers of the wool and leather.

4. Drying and Airing Out

If your shearling jacket gets wet, it’s important to dry it properly to avoid damaging the leather and wool.

How to Dry Your Jacket:

• Air dry: After exposure to rain or snow, let your shearling jacket air dry naturally at room temperature. Never dry it on a radiator or use a blow dryer, as excessive heat can cause the material to shrink, crack, or lose its softness.
• Shape as it dries: While it’s drying, gently reshape the jacket by fluffing the wool and smoothing the leather. This will help the jacket maintain its original shape and ensure the wool stays fluffy.

If the jacket has been soaked through, it may take longer to dry, so be patient.

5. Conditioning the Leather

The leather side of your shearling jacket is just as important as the wool. Conditioning the leather regularly helps keep it soft and supple while preventing it from drying out, cracking, or becoming stiff.

How to Condition the Leather:

• Use a leather conditioner: Choose a high-quality conditioner specifically designed for sheepskin or lambskin leather. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the leather in a circular motion.
• Test before use: Before applying conditioner to the entire jacket, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
• Condition every few months: Depending on how often you wear the jacket, conditioning the leather every 2–3 months will help maintain its softness and prevent it from drying out.

6. Professional Cleaning and Restoration

For deep cleaning or when your shearling jacket requires more intensive care (such as stubborn stains or a loss of softness), it’s best to have it professionally cleaned. Dry cleaners that specialize in leather and sheepskin can provide a thorough cleaning and restore the jacket to its original condition.

When to Seek Professional Help:

• If your shearling jacket is heavily soiled or has tough stains that cannot be removed with home methods.
• If the wool has matted or lost its softness over time, a professional cleaning can help revitalize the fibers.
• For any repairs that may be necessary, such as leather cracking or stitching issues.

7. Regular Maintenance and Repairs

Like any high-quality investment piece, regular maintenance and care are essential to prolonging the life of your shearling jacket. Inspect your jacket for signs of wear, such as loose threads, torn seams, or worn-out leather patches. If any repairs are needed, take your jacket to a professional for mending.

Key Maintenance Tips:

• Check seams and stitching: Over time, the stitching on shearling jackets may loosen, especially in high-stress areas. Have any loose stitches repaired promptly to avoid further damage.
• Treat any leather scuffs: Small scuffs on the leather can be gently buffed out with a soft cloth. For deeper scratches, consult a professional leather repair service.

Conclusion

Caring for your shearling jacket may take a little extra attention, but the results are well worth the effort. By brushing it regularly, storing it correctly, cleaning stains promptly, and conditioning the leather, you can keep your shearling jacket soft, fluffy, and looking as good as new. With these simple maintenance practices, your shearling jacket will continue to provide warmth, style, and comfort for many winters to come.