How to Care for Your Sheepskin Jacket or Coat

Do you have a sheepskin jacket or coat? If you live in the northeastern part of the United States where the winters are frigid and snowy like I do, then you just may. Sheepskin is one of the best materials there are for a jacket or coat. It offers the wearer a variety of comforts. First, sheepskin is soft to the touch. And since it’s light, it won’t weight you down with bulk. Second, this type of leather is one of nature’s finest insulation. It will keep you warm and dry when the thermometer takes a dip. And third, a jacket or coat made out of this natural leather is stronger and longer-wearing than cloth.

Some of the best brands of sheepskin outerwear are Chanel, Baily’s, Dolce & Gabbana, Smith and Wesson, Robert Talbott, and Osh Kosh. Sheepskin jackets and coats come in men’s, women’s, children’s, and unisex styles. If you have a sheepskin jacket or coat, you’ll need to know how to take care of it to ensure that it looks its best for years to come. Because, a sheepskin garment isn’t just a purchase, it’s a high-priced investment.

1. If Your Leather Outerwear Gets Wet From Rain or Snow…
Simply shake it off gently, then hang it in a well ventilated space to dry. Don’t put it in a clothes dryer or place it by a heater, because leather and direct heat just don’t mix!

Once your jacket or coat has dried, you should use a soft brush to remove any water spots.

2. How To Clean Your Sheepskin Jacket or Coat…
Small spills, spots, and marks can generally be removed by using a
Sheepskin Suede Eraser immediately. The Suede Eraser will even take off ink marks. It’s available at your local leather goods shop. You can also perform a search on the Internet to find a Suede Eraser.

In a pinch, you can use a regular pencil eraser to spot clean your leather outerwear instead.

Actually, you can wash items that are made out of sheepskin- whenever my favorite slippers get dirty, I just drop them in the washer. Then, I take them out and allow them to air dry. However, when sheepskin outerwear is washed in a machine, it normally loses some of its shape and its natural look. You can use a special leather shampoo to clean your outerwear. Sheepskin shampoo is also available at your local leather shop. The best types of shampoo have an antibacterial ingredient that kills germs, dust mites, and removes odors from your sheepskin jacket or coat. A good shampoo will also lubricate the leather material so it remains soft and supple.

To use the cleaner, make sure that you read and follow the directions exactly in order to achieve the best results. Basically, though, you’ll turn the jacket or coat inside out. Then, you’ll need to carefully hand wash the garment by using a little tap water and the shampoo. The less water you use, the better for the leather. Some shampoos allow you to wash the outside of the garment as well. Finally, after it’s been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, allow the garment to dry in a well ventilated area.

If you desire a more thorough cleaning, the best cleaning method for your leather jacket or coat is to take it to a professional dry cleaner. Because the chemicals can be hard on your garment, the professionals recommend that you only have your jacket or coat dry cleaned once a year.

3. After It’s Cleaned, Will Your Outerwear Still Be Waterproof?
Sheepskin naturally resists water, so it will always be waterproof. But you can
use a waterproofing product on your sheepskin jacket or coat to enhance its ability to shed water. This is especially important if you subject your garment to a lot of moisture. If that’s the case, you should apply a waterproofer once a month.

4. To Properly Store Your Sheepskin Garment For Long Periods…
Don’t seal your jacket or coat up in a plastic bag because the material needs to breathe. Anyhow, plastic retains moisture which can cause mold and mildew damage.

Instead, place your garment in a cardboard box or in a large paper bag. Then, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources.

5. How Do I Repair Rips or Tears?
If you’re skilled with a needle and thread, you can repair open seams yourself, especially on the inside. Otherwise, rips and tears need a special repairing process. Take your sheepskin jacket or coat to a professional for these types of repairs.