Sheepskin Leather Jackets

Sheepskin leather (also known as lambskin) is known for being exceptionally soft, wearable leather. Composed of natural lightweight layers, sheepskin leather has a distinctive, velvety texture. Although sheepskin leather is thinner and lighter weight than cow leather, it still does a good job of keeping out the cold, making it a great material for leather jackets.

For example, check out our Theodore leather field jacket. This vintage-inspired jacket is crafted with light brown sheepskin leather and a quilted polyester interior. We’ve preserved the classic leather field jacket look with a slim fit, high-neck collar, and four front pockets with antique brass button snaps. (We’ve also conveniently hidden two extra pockets -- a couple of side hand pockets, placed just right.)

We’ve also combined sheepskin leather with the classic puffer style loved by adventurers everywhere. Warm down insulation with soft sheepskin leather bring the perfect mix of comfort and style in our Bridger down leather jackets (in light brown and dark brown) and down leather vests (also in light brown and dark brown).

And don’t miss our sheepskin leather motorcycle jackets. We chose full grain sheepskin leather for its exceptional wearability and crafted these jackets with a nod to the classics – plus modern versatility. We’ve included a zip front closure, four exterior zippered pockets, a snap-over band collar, and zippered cuffs for even more style and function. The Thompson moto jacket is available in black, brown, and whiskey tan sheepskin leather.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR SHEEPSKIN LEATHER JACKET

To get the most out of sheepskin leather, you’ll need to give attention to proper upkeep. This is key to preserving and extending the life of your leather jacket. Be sure to review our articles for details on how to care for wet or stained leather. You can also shop our leather care products for our premium, easy-to-use cleaner and conditioner. Check out these 5 basic steps to cleaning your sheepskin leather jacket:

*Always spot-check each step before proceeding with the full jacket!

• Lightly dust. Gently wipe away any dust or oil buildup using a soft cloth in a light circular motion.
• Prepare cleaning solution. *If your jacket isn't excessively dirty, skip to step 4.  Mix two teaspoons of mild liquid detergent with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution that can be used on sheepskin leather without causing abrasions or other damage.
• Gently clean.  Soak a soft sponge or cloth in your mild soap solution until it is saturated, then wring it out so it’s damp, but not soaking wet. The key to this cleaning approach is to use as little moisture as possible.  Lightly blot the leather to avoid leaving watermarks, and remember to feather your blots. Do not rub or scrub!
• Wipe down.  Remove soap residue by wiping down with a clean cloth saturated with a small amount of clean water. (Remember to use the smallest amount of moisture needed.) Then, pat the leather with a soft, dry towel, and hang the jacket somewhere cool until it is completely dry. Do not use direct heat (like a hair dryer or direct sunlight) to try to speed up the drying time.
• Remember the inside!  The soap solution used for cleaning the outside of your leather jacket can also be used to clean the inside. Remember that cleaning the inside of your jacket is as important as preserving the outside; sweat on the interior of the jacket can eventually break down the lining and compromise the leather. To clean the inside, turn the jacket inside-out, and use a soft sponge or cloth and the same mild soap solution. Pay close attention to the cuffs, collar, and underarms, and then hang the jacket to dry in a cool, dry area. (Do not use direct heat.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  How do you store sheepskin leather jackets?

You probably won’t be storing your sheepskin leather jacket a whole lot because you’ll be wearing it everywhere! But seasonally, it’s normal to store it for a while. Storing it properly will help keep the sheepskin leather healthy and the jacket in good shape.

• Clean it first. (Simply follow the steps outlined above.)
• Stuff the insides of your sheepskin leather jacket with acid-free paper. Insert the paper in the sleeves and pockets of your jacket, and then close all the buttons and zippers. (You can also wrap the zippers to avoid scuffing the leather.) Stuffing the jacket helps to keep its shape, and the acid-free paper helps create a barrier for dust, dirt, and moisture.
• Wrap your jacket in a breathable fabric. You can use a white bed sheet, cloth garment bag, or a bag made with netting to do this. Do not wrap a sheepskin leather jacket in plastic; plastic will dry out the leather. Also, avoid folding your jacket when you wrap or cover it because, over time, the folds will permanently crease the sheepskin leather, ruining the jacket’s original shape and form.
• If you have the space, hang the jacket on a wide cedar or padded hanger. (These types of hangers can properly support the shoulders of a sheepskin leather jacket so that it doesn’t droop during storage. Do not use thin wired or plastic hangers.).  If you don’t have space to properly hang your jacket, you can place it in a wooden (preferably cedar) trunk or even a suitcase. Just like when you are wrapping the jacket, be sure to lay it flat without folds or creases. Additionally, make sure that air can pass in and out of the container. Do not store sheepskin leather in a plastic container – plastic containers will not allow the leather to breathe.
• Protect your leather jacket by storing it in a dry, cool area away from direct sunlight. Exposing a sheepskin leather jacket to too much light or warmth can cause the leather to discolor, expand, dry out, or crack. Moisture is also a major cause for concern as it can cause mildew and mold to grow. This means it is extremely important that the place where you store your jacket is not humid. Placing silica gel packets in the jacket pockets can help absorb moisture. And, if you need to store it for an extended period of time (say, longer than 6 months), be sure to air it out occasionally.

2.  How should you style a sheepskin leather jacket?

Really, however you want. But, here are 3 of our favorite sheepskin leather jacket outfits:

• Jeans + Tee Shirt:  Nothing’s quite as classic as a leather jacket with a black or white tee and a pair of jeans.
• Sweater:  A sweater with a sheepskin leather jacket looks dressed up but not stuffy. 
• Plaid Button Down:  This combo is a sure winner. You can’t go wrong with sheepskin leather and plaid.  (Check out this article for more ideas.)

3.  How do you break in a sheepskin leather jacket?

Here are 3 easy tips to get you started:

• Wear it.  The best way to break in a sheepskin leather jacket is the old fashioned way – just keep on wearing it.
• Roll it into a ball. Simply use your hands to gently roll your sheepskin leather jacket up into a ball. Release and repeat.
• Move and flex in it. Repeat simple moves like arm circles and pushups to accelerate the “wearing” effect.  (Check out this article for a few more tricks.)