By Torin 
The same occurs each winter. Now, when it really gets cold, half of us think to ourselves: The coat I got last year is not cutting it! It seemed to be attractive in the store. Just doesn’t keep the wind out.
That’s the time when people begin to look into shearling coats. After you grasp the meaning of shearling, it’s no surprise that it is still a popular trend this season when others are not.
Shearling is lambskin with the wool on it. The suede or leather side of the rug is on the outside and the soft wool on the inside, in contact with the body. No lining and no padding stitched on. The warmth is intrinsic to the material.
That’s more important than it sounds. Wool also breathes which is another factor that keeps you warm, as that is what happens to keep you warm. So you can stay warm during a January morning when you are waiting for the bus, and not get overheated when you get on the metro or into a store.
A good shearling coat is not a two-season coat. Basic care will allow it to survive for 10 winters or longer. As time goes by, the leather side mellows down and the coat begins to move with you. Many say their shearling looks better in year 5 than on day one!
Compare the above with a normal puffer. The filling level is reduced, the fabric has a tendency to rip at the seams, and after a couple of winters, it’s over. If you calculate the cost of a good shearling coat over the years that you will use it, it may turn out to be less expensive than a cheaper coat that you have to replace.
Shearling comes in various varieties. Here are some things to look for:
- The type of lamb. The Merino and Toscana lambs are softer and lighter than shearling. Toscana is longer, more curlique and more luxurious.
- The weight. The coat should be substantial but not heavy. If the skins are stiff and bulky, they were not well prepared.
- The seams. Look inside. Neat, flat seams indicate that the coat has been made well.
- The cut. A well-fitting coat with a collar and waist will stay fashionable for years. Boxy and shapeless cuts do not hold up as well.
If you would like to see an up-close view of a well-made shearling, Montreal makers come in very handy. Montreal has a long history of outerwear and winter, and it shines through in the details.
It’s all about living. A long coat that covers the thighs can make a significant difference in the colder days if walking is a lot part of your life or you stand outside for transit. A shearling jacket is easier to move around in, and is probably the better option if you drive most of the time, or you want a jacket to wear over a sweater on cooler days.
Many find themselves with both, beginning with the one that fits their lifestyle.
But Shearling is much easier to care for than many realize:
- Hang it on a wide, padded hanger, keeping shoulders in shape.
- If wet, allow it to dry out naturally. Do not place near any kind of heater.
- Gently brush the suede with a gentle brush to remove any marks.
- “During summer, keep it in a breathable garment bag, rather than plastic.”
- Clean professionally, by a fur or leather cleaner, when necessary, rather than a layman dry cleaner.
A shearling coat is not a fashion fad. It’s the coat you grab when it gets down to minus 20 and the coat you’ll still be wearing years down the road. Switching to a new winter coat every couple of seasons isn’t cool as long as you’re bored with your old coat.