I love a good puffer jacket or a heavy down parka as much as the next person—they have their allotted time and place. That said, I’m not always keen on looking or feeling like the Michelin Man in an effort to stay warm. And when there’s an opportunity to sport a sleek, cool, and downright sexy option that’s just as warm as its puffy counterparts, I’m going to take it. How, you ask? With another one of the most classic winter coats for men: a shearling coat.
Yes, a proper shearling coat is undoubtedly pricey, but there are a lot of reasons to add a warm and fuzzy shearling or sheepskin jacket to your cold-weather wardrobe—and an added edge of cool to your winter looks is just one of them. “Shearling coats are their own wonderworld. You have the leather, which is a complete wind block, that stops any sort of penetration. And then you have the interior with the wool inside,” Monty Goodson, the expert productive specialist at Overland, shares with me over the phone. “It’s the depth and warmth of that wool that helps create an internal environment within your garment—and that works in conjunction with your body heat.”
Read More: Best Winter Coats for Men
Maybe you’re the type of person who prefers a more streamlined look to their ensembles. Or, maybe you’re like me and you need to account for the minimal closet space in your home. Either way, if you’re looking for a warm outerwear option that won’t take up too much space and serve as a versatile option for the still-cool early weeks spring, consider a classic shearling. “A nicely designed shearling coat can be extremely flattering and it’s not necessarily bulky,” Goodson explains. “Depending on the type of sheep it is, some of the sheepskins have longer wool that gets a more fur-like quality, such as the Toscana sheepskin in the Spanish land. Or, you have the Merinos, which are sheared down closer and shorter to the hide. So you get a lower loft, which presents a cleaner silhouette and a more fashion-forward look that’s tailored and trim.” In other words, no matter what type of look you’re going for this season, there’s a stylish shearling option for you.
If you’re familiar with the benefits of wool socks and other clothing essentials featuring the cozy fiber, then you already know about its natural moisture-wicking capabilities. Well, the same goes for shearling. In addition to maintaining a moderate temperature like your body heat, these classic jackets will create what Goodson describes as a “comfort bubble”—even more than a coat with synthetic fill or a lining. “Those types of pieces often have a space between the lining and garment that creates an air pocket, whereas a shearling coat doesn’t have that,” he says.
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This explains why World War II pilots opted for shearling bomber jackets (a timeless style to this day). “Airplanes weren’t that insulated, so bomber pilots began wearing sheepskin garments to protect themselves and stay insulated in the high elevation and altitude as they flew higher,” Goodson—who mentions how some people have military jackets passed down from their grandfathers—shares. Of course, it’s also the durability of leather that has made shearling coats a winter essential well worth the investment. “If it’s taken care of properly, it should last a lifetime. Certainly, it can be broken in—it’s like a good leather jacket that establishes its own character and patina as it ages.”
So, are shearling coats worth it? Considering the technical benefits, the timeless style, and the longevity, the answer is a resounding yes. If you’re ready to take the plunge and invest in your wardrobe with this classic staple, check out our favorite shearling jackets on the market to shop below. Without a doubt, you’ll be wearing this for years to come. And just in case you aren’t ready to make invest in a true shearling jacket but still want the look of one (or want a dressier version of your favorite fleece jacket), we pulled together some faux shearling jackets for you, too.
Read More: Everything to Know When Buying a Shearling Jacket
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