How to Soften Sheepskin Coats Naturally: UK 2025

1. Why that Brand-New Sheepskin Coat Feels Hard as Rock

When you first put on a new Women or Men's Sheepskin Coat, it can feel like it's been constructed from a block of wood stiff and unyielding. And that's perfectly normal. Real sheepskin which of course is a million miles from the factory-produced synthetics they try to palm off on you is essentially a thick, dense piece of natural wool and oil. Don't be surprised if it takes a little while for it to start to mold itself to your shape. It's when your body heat starts to get to work on it, when you're moving about, and you're showing it a bit of TLC that it begins to soften and start to fit like a glove.

The Real Deal: Once that new sheepskin coat has had a chance to get to know your body, it's a game-changer. You'll find it's softer, more breathable, and lasts longer than anything synthetic can even dream of and if you ask me, it's no comparison to that dodgy stuff they try to sell off as imitation leather.

And as Glory Store UK have said, “Every single crease on that coat of yours tells a story. A real sheepskin is one that lives with you, not one you just chuck in the wardrobe and forget about it.”

2. The Make Up of Sheepskin Coats

Sheepskin is pretty unique it's essentially a mix of leather and wool all in one piece, like some sort of weird textile hybrid. The tanned hide keeps its fleece lining, which makes it a great insulator and it breathes loads better than pretty much any other material you'd care to mention. No wonder it's the perfect choice for a damp place like the UK.

If you're after a good sheepskin coat, there are a few different types to choose from:

• Merino Sheepskin – this one's lightweight, feels like velvet, and will soften up in no time.
• Toscana Sheepskin – that's the long-haired luxury option with a silky feel to it.
• British Shearling – if you're after something tough and rugged that can handle the cold weather, this is the one for you.

Just bear in mind that every type of sheepskin is different, so it's worth doing a bit of research to figure out what you've got on your hands and Glory Store UK are pretty good about listing the origin of their sheepskin coats on their product pages, so you can get a better idea of how to take care of it.

Related Post: Material of Sheepskin Coats

3. Step 1 – Break It in at Home

The absolute best way to start getting your coat broken in is to just wear it. Take it for a spin indoors for a bit. Don't worry if you're not exactly doing a marathon session try just stretching, sitting and maybe taking a few laps around the living room. Your body's natural warmth will start to do its magic on the leather fibers just give it some time.

Avoid blasting your coat with a hairdryer or anything like that rapid drying or getting that hot air in there can cause some nasty cracking. Just let your own body heat do the work.

Example: Take the Men's Vintage Brown Sheepskin Shearling Long Coat from Glory Store UK. It takes about a week of just wearing it casually for it to start feeling pretty comfortable.

4. Step 2 – Give it a Gently Massage

Once that leather starts to get a bit more flexible, it's time to give it a little TLC. Take a tiny bit of sheepskin conditioner or a natural balm, and gently massage it in with some circular motions.

This does a few things:

• Rehydrates the dry bits
• Stops cracking from happening\
• Makes the whole thing feel super supple

But watch out for: petroleum or silicone products they'll clog up the pores.

Go for: instead, get some creams specifically made for suede and sheepskin, available from proper leather suppliers in the UK. Condition it every few months to keep it nice and pliable and the color looking rich.

5. Step 3 - Get a Bit Cozy, Not Burnt

A real sheepskin coat has lanolin, a natural oil that gets soft when you just barely warm it up. Wear your coat on a mild day (around 50 to 60°F) to coax this process along.

If your coat gets wet, let it air dry at room temperature rather than tossing it in to dry as soon as possible.

Don't even think about hanging it anywhere near a radiator or a bright sunny window.

By doing things this way, you get a fluffy wool & a supple leather that'll feel like it's been broken in for ages just how you want it.

6. Step 4 - Loosen Up Those Tight Spots

A new sheepskin coat can sometimes feel a little pinch at the elbows or shoulders. But there are a few tricks to ease things up without damaging the coat:

• Stuff some soft towels into the sleeves & let it sit overnight - that can work some magic.
• Get in there & give your arms a good stretch while you're wearing it.
• Give the interior a quick blast of steam (don't get the leather wet) for a few seconds to loosen up the fibers a bit.

Just give it a bit of time even stiff pieces like our Men's Dark Brown Sheepskin Leather Fur Coat will eventually relax out & fit great without losing their shape.

7. Step 5 – Don't Over-Clean Too Soon

During the break-in phase you want to let the hide's natural oils settle in for a bit rather than stripping them away entirely with too much cleaning.

So, do this instead:

• Just give the wool a gentle brush with a suede brush don't be too hard on it.
• When you do get a spill just blot at it with a damp cloth right away.
• After every time you wear it let some air get to it to help it breathe.

Save the fancy chemical cleaning for when it's really needed like if it's gotten dirty beyond all recognition or you just want to get it looked after at the end of the year. And it's worth noting that the British Leather Council reckon excessive chemical cleaning can knock up to 25 percent off the lifespan of your sheepskin.

8. Step 6 – House It Properly After Use

If you want to keep your coat in good nick between wears then proper storage is a must.

• Hang it on a really wide, padded wooden hanger sort of thing that doesn't put a bunch of pressure on it.
• Use a breathable cotton cover instead of some cheap plastic thing.
• Keep it in a cool place with a bit of ventilation not too close to a heat source.

9. Step 7 – Get Moving with That Coat

Motion is a genuine conditioner for your sheepskin. You should be bending your arms, turning your shoulders, and wearing that coat all the time. Every time you move it, it’s going to help the hide get used to how you are shaped.

When creases start to form, try this hang the coat in a bathroom with relatively high humidity for about 10 minutes, then use your hands to iron it out.

Tip: actually, sheepskin really does appreciate a bit of patience the more regular you wear it, the softer it gets.

10. Breaking in Your New Coat

Quality pieces and by this we mean something like the Glory Store UK's Men’s B3 Brown Military Sheepskin Aviator Leather Coat usually need about eight weeks to get to the point where it feels like a glove.

11. Are Sheepskin Coats Still Stylish in the UK for 2025?

The 2025 UK winter collections from London to Edinburgh are all about sheepskin specifically, doing sustainable luxury in style. Designers are mashing up aviator heritage with smart modern tailoring and buyers are snapping up long-lasting natural materials because they know better than to fall for fast fashion.
Stylist Amelia Grant told Vogue Business UK "Sheepskin coats are the new must-have investment they're not just practical and good looking, but they're also good for the planet and totally fit for any occasion or gender"

Retail sales data from Glory Store UK are reflecting this shift those classic brown and tan shearling coats are flying off the shelves - outselling synthetic stuff by about two to one.

12. What's the Best Way to Style and Wear Sheepskin Coats in the UK?

You can wear a sheepskin coat for a whole range of occasions it's basically a wardrobe essential in the UK.

For a super casual weekend: just wear it with a pair of jeans, a cable-knit jumper and some suede boots.

They'll go together nicely, I promise.

For a smart occasion: just layer the coat over some tailored wool trousers and a nice turtleneck.

For a bit of a vintage vibe: try wearing some corduroy or plaid underneath that lovely long shearling coat of yours. It’s a great way to add a bit of texture.

Styling Tips: Remember to balance out the textures and boldness of the sheepskin with some simple layers and neutral tones.

Related Posts: Are Sheepskin Coats Fashionable? Guide to Wearing and Styling

13. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Looking After Your Sheepskin Coat

• Don't try to speed up the softening process by blasting the coat with direct heat it'll just end up shrinking.
• Don't use loads of oil it'll just clog the pores.
• Don't fold your coat and then leave it in a long storage space you'll end up with some pretty stubborn creases.
• And don't over-brush your fleece you'll end up damaging it. Follow these simple tips and your coat will be with you for decades and will get more beautiful with age a true testament to the quality craftsmanship at Glory Store UK.

14. FAQ – Your Sheepskin Coat Questions Answered

Q1. How long does it take to break in a sheepskin coat?

Well, you can figure on about 6-8 weeks of regular wear that's if you're wearing it all the time.

Q2. Is it okay to wear it in a light drizzle?

The good news is that sheepskin actually does a pretty good job of repelling moisture just make sure to let it dry out naturally afterwards.

Q3. What sort of conditioner do I need to use?

You want to go with something that's pH-balanced and lanolin-based that's if you're planning on using a cream to condition the suede or shearling.

Q4. Where do I stash it when the weather warms up?

Out of direct sunlight, and definitely not in a sealed plastic bag a cool, dry cupboard or closet with some air circulation is what you're looking for.

Q5. Are sheepskin coats worth the extra cash?

Absolutely, if properly looked after, they can easily last 20 years or more and only get better with age.

15. Call to Action – Get Your Hands on This Look

Feeling ready to embark on your own sheepskin adventure? Want to find the perfect sheepskin coat that'll only get softer with time? Then take a look at what Glory Store UK is offering all of their sheepskin coats are made with high-quality, ethically sourced materials and designed to give you that effortless British look that never goes out of fashion.

Our top picks for 2025 are:

• Men's Vintage Brown Sheepskin Shearling Long Coat
• Men’s B3 Brown Military Sheepskin Aviator Leather Coat
• Men's Dark Brown Sheepskin Leather Fur Coat

Each of these coats is the perfect blend of craftsmanship, comfort and of course timeless British style. Shop This Look!