Sheepskin Coat Care & Maintenance: Cleaning, Conditioning and Storing for Longevity

A sheepskin coat is not just a fashion piece. It’s an investment in luxury, comfort and durability. But to keep it in soft texture, insulating properties and timeless elegance, proper care and maintenance is key. Unlike regular leather jackets, sheepskin and shearling coats need special handling to keep them in pristine condition for years to come.

In this guide we will cover everything from cleaning and conditioning to storing and weatherproofing your sheepskin coat. We’ll also highlight products from our collection to help you understand how to maintain different styles.

1. Introduction: Why Sheepskin Coat Maintenance is Important

A well-maintained sheepskin coat can last for decades but exposure to moisture, dust, stains and improper storage can cause it to deteriorate. Unlike synthetic materials, natural sheepskin has lanolin which provides natural water resistance and soft supple feel.

But neglecting proper care can lead to:

·         Cracking and drying out of the leather exterior.

·         Matting and odor buildup in the shearling interior.

·         Permanent stains from spills, grease or ink.

Why It’s Worth It

With regular cleaning and conditioning you can preserve your coat’s luxury and durability and it will look brand new for years.

Product Highlight: Men’s Vintage Brown Sheepskin Shearling Long Coat – A classic sheepskin coat that requires special care to maintain its brown finish and shearling interior.

2. Understanding Sheepskin: Unique Properties and Weaknesses

What Makes Sheepskin Different from Other Leathers?

·   Soft and Breathable: Unlike regular leather, sheepskin is suppler and more breathable, perfect for cold and moderate weather.

·     Natural Insulation: The wool lining provides extra warmth while regulating body temperature.

·   Highly Absorbent: Sheepskin can absorb moisture and oils, which makes it prone to stains and water damage if not treated properly.

Common Problems with Sheepskin Coats

·         Drying Out: Without conditioning the leather can become brittle and crack.

·       Staining: Since sheepskin is porous liquids and oils can soak in quickly leaving permanent marks.

·       Shearling Matting: The wool lining can tangle and flatten if not brushed and aerated properly.

Product Highlight: Men’s B3 Brown Military Sheepskin Aviator Leather Coat – Military style sheepskin jackets are exposed to harsh outdoor conditions so conditioning and stain protection is key.

3. Cleaning Sheepskin: Spot Cleaning vs Full Cleaning

Spot Cleaning (For Light Stains)

1.      Use a clean, damp cloth with lukewarm water.

2.      Dab the stain gently don’t rub.

3.  For oil-based stains sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder and let it sit overnight before brushing off.

Full Cleaning Sheepskin (For Heavily Soiled Coats)

·      Use a sheepskin specific cleaner to prevent damaging the natural lanolin oils.

·    Don’t soak the coat sheepskin is highly absorbent and can shrink if exposed to too much water.

·      Professional dry cleaning is recommended for deep set stains.

Product Highlight: Men’s Rustic Brown Toscana Sheepskin Jacket with Faux Fur – Faux fur trims need extra care as they can trap dirt and oils faster.

4. Conditioning and Moisturizing Sheepskin

Sheepskin needs to be moisturized to stay soft and supple.

How to Condition Sheepskin

1.      Use a good leather conditioner for sheepskin.

2.      Apply sparingly—too much product will clog the leather’s pores.

3.      Massage in circular motions to get the coat back to its original softness.

4.      Let it air dry (never use heat).

Product Highlight: Men’s Dark Brown Sheepskin Leather Fur Coat – This dark brown sheepskin coat needs extra conditioning to prevent fading and dryness over time.

5. Brushing and Maintaining the Shearling Interior

The shearling interior of a sheepskin coat provides insulation and comfort but can accumulate dust, lint and oils over time. Brushing keeps the wool soft, fluffy and clean.

How to Maintain Shearling Lining

·         Use a soft-bristle brush or sheepskin comb to gently remove dirt and debris.

·         Shake out the coat occasionally to aerate the wool and keep it fresh.

·         Don’t get it too wet, wet shearling can become matted and musty.

·         Let it air out after wearing to prevent odors from setting in.

Product Highlight: Men’s Classic Black Sheepskin Shearling Trench Coat – The black shearling lining of this coat needs to be brushed regularly to keep it plush.

6. Weatherproofing: Protecting from Rain and Snow

Sheepskin has natural water resistance due to lanolin but prolonged exposure to rain or snow can cause damage, shrinkage and stiffness. Applying a water-repellent treatment will protect your coat from moisture.

How to Weatherproof Your Sheepskin Coat

·         Use a water-repellent spray for suede or sheepskin.

·         Apply in a well-ventilated area and let it dry naturally before wearing.

·    Don’t get it wet if you can help it—if it does get wet let it air dry at room temperature (never use direct heat).

·       Reapply water repellent treatment every few months.

Product Highlight: Men’s Dark Brown Sheepskin Leather Fur Coat – With its dark brown finish this coat needs weatherproofing to prevent fading and water stains.

7. Storage to Avoid Damage

Proper storage is key to maintaining the shape, texture and longevity of a Men's Sheepskin Coat. Improper storage can cause wrinkles, mold growth and leather deterioration.

How to Store Sheepskin Coats

·         Hang on a wide, padded hanger to keep the coat in its natural shape.

·         Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.

·         Use a breathable garment bag (not plastic covers as they trap moisture).

·         Don’t fold the coat—creases can be hard to remove.

Product Highlight: Men’s Rustic Brown Toscana Sheepskin Jacket with Faux Fur – A Toscana sheepskin coat needs proper storage to prevent the faux fur trim from getting flat.

8. Removing Wrinkles and Restoring Shape

If a sheepskin coat gets wrinkled from improper storage or wear, don’t use high heat as it can dry out the leather.

How to Remove Wrinkles from Sheepskin Coats

·         Hang the coat in a steamy bathroom for 15-20 minutes to loosen wrinkles.

·         Use a handheld steamer at a safe distance (never press it on the coat).

·         Gently smooth out creases with your hands while the coat is warm.

·         Let the coat hang naturally to go back to its original shape.

Product Highlight: Men’s B3 Brown Military Sheepskin Aviator Leather Coat – With its aviator design, this coat needs proper hanging to maintain its rugged look.

9. Stains: Ink, Grease and Spills

Stains on sheepskin coats can be tough, but can be treated if addressed quickly. Different stains require different cleaning methods.

How to Remove Common Stains from Sheepskin

·        Ink stains: Dab with a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol, then wipe with a clean cloth.

·      Grease stains: Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit overnight. Brush off in the morning.

·         Liquid spills: Blot with a dry cloth—don’t rub as it spreads the stain.

Product Highlight: Men’s Vintage Brown Sheepskin Shearling Long Coat – The brown color of this coat requires careful stain removal to maintain its look.

10. Final Tips for Long-Term Sheepskin Care

To keep your sheepskin coat in top shape, follow these tips:

·         Condition the leather every 6 months to prevent drying and cracking.

·      Never leave sheepskin in direct sunlight for extended periods as UV rays can cause fading.

·     Don’t get too much moisture—if your coat gets wet, let it air dry away from heat.

·    Store it properly during off-seasons in a well-ventilated closet to prevent mildew and wrinkles.