Shearling Jacket, Coat, or Vest - What's in a Name?

A shearling garment is simply one that is made from sheepskin which comes from a sheep that has been shorn once, then allowed to have re-growth of the wool. The fur on a shearling garment is therefore very short and soft - perfect for making into a fall or winter garment.

If you are interested in a shearling garment for yourself or as a gift for someone else, you will need to decide upon the style of the garment you will buy. While there are a lot of variations on each style, here are some basics that you should know first.

The Many Names for Jacket

Fashion researchers looking into the history of Western fashion over the past 300-400 years have found an amazing number of different names to describe garments meant to be worn for the purposes of keeping warm, looking elegant, or both. In fact, one researcher found over 70 names, including some that most people have never heard of. Have you ever heard of these, for example: canezou, capuchin, cardinal, dolman, donkey, djellabah, Eisenhower, maxi, mantua, redingote, pelisse, reefer, swing and Zouave jacket?

Each of these refers to a slightly different cut or style of upper body garment. While many of these styles have gone out of fashion completely over the years, some occasionally will make comebacks, being designed by modern designers for today's fashion buyers.

However, when you are looking for a shearling upper body garment, the most common name for what you are looking for will be jacket, coat or vest.

What is the Difference Between Shearling Jackets, Coats and Vests?

If you want to buy a new jacket, coat, or vest, you are going to have countless variations to choose from, depending upon the manufacturer and the particular look being sought. Each one will vary according to various factors, such as the country of origin of the sheepskin used, stitching style, button sizes and shapes, color, and overall cut. There are also variations such as using different types of fur (e.g., rabbit fur) for the collar and/or cuffs.

However, in general, you will need to start off by asking yourself whether you will buy a shearling jacket, coat or vest. Here is a brief definition of each, in order to better help you decide:

Coats: long garments that pass your hip, often extending down past your knees or even all the way to the floor.

Jackets: upper body garments that are shorter, extending no further down than the hip. Also called a top garment.

Vests: these are sleeveless garments for the upper body that are usually worn over a shirt.

Fortunately, you can find shearling versions of all three of these types of garments. But first, which type of sheepskin should you choose?

Choosing Shearling Garments Made with the Right Sheepskin

The best jackets and coats are made from sheepskin that comes from southern Europe, such as the countries of Spain, Portugal, France and Italy. Due to the climate in that part of the world, the sheep there have just the right thickness of skin and fur. This makes the resulting sheepskin soft, light and malleable - perfect for making into luxurious garments.

By contrast, jackets made from sheepskin from New Zealand, Australia, or Iceland are generally heavy, stiff and bulky in nature. This is because the animals in those countries are larger and each strand of wool is fat. While sheepskin from these parts of the world are great choices for seat covers, slippers and boots, they are not ideal for making shearling jackets.

Decide upon whether you want a shearling jacket, coat, or vest, and then choose one made from the right sheepskin. The result will be a fashionable, warm and elegant article that you will treasure for years.

Aspen Fashions offers the largest selection of styles and colors of shearling jackets, coats and vests of any online store. Buy online and we ship to your door. Visit us at: aspenfashions.com.

Shearling or Sheepskin is Today's Go-To Fabric

Real fur is warm and lasts longer than synthetic materials. Today those who want the warmth and feel of fur without the controversy of wearing obvious pelts choose a shearling or sheepskin coat. Shearling has been featured in almost every designer's collection.
Thick, plush fur has been replaced by fur with a silkier, sleeker look. Shaved mink is favoured by upscale labels including Dior, Fendi and Alberta Ferretti. Sheared mink is light enough to use in a coat that reverses to a Gortex shell and sheared beaver has a matte finish that feels like velvet. Knitted rabbit fur that has a less fluffy, more light-reflective surface, is another designer favourite for scarves, hats and jackets.

For a great selection on Shearling Coats, Sheepskin Coats and Shearling Products visit AspenFashions.com.