Sheepskin vs Lambskin Shearling: Key Differences in Warmth, Feel & Durability

Sheepskin vs Lambskin Shearling

There's one question that tends to come up when you're shopping for a shearling leather jacket: sheepskin or lambskin? Both are made from full hides with the wool still attached, but they're fundamentally different in the way they feel, how tough they are, and what kind of use they're best suited to. So, how do you know which one is best for your climate, your lifestyle and what you're looking for in terms of comfort?

What Is Sheepskin Shearling?

Sheepskin shearling is made from the hides of full-grown sheep, where the leather is naturally a bit thicker and the wool fibers are a lot denser and stronger. It's no real surprise then that sheepskin shearling is a great choice for people who live in cold climates or do a lot of rough stuff.

Key Characteristics of Sheepskin Shearling:

  • The leather is a bit thicker and more robust
  • It's got a lot of dense insulation to keep you warm
  • Wind isn't going to get through it either it's got excellent wind resistance
  • Long term it's just as tough as it is on the surface pretty durable stuff

Sheepskin shearling jackets are great for harsh winter conditions but you can use them for a lot of other things too.

What Even Is Lambskin Shearling?

Lambskin shearling is a particular type of shearling that comes from young sheep it's basically the softer, younger cousin of regular sheepskin. This means the leather itself is smoother and the wool is finer.

Key characteristics of lambskin shearling:

  • Its super lightweight and bends easily
  • It's like wearing a cloud - the feel against your skin is ridiculously soft
  • It's got a sleek, really refined look to it
  • It’s not quite warm enough for super cold weather

You'll find lambskin shearling is usually chosen for fashion-forward jackets where they need to make sure the wearer is comfy and can move around easily.

Warmth Comparison: Which is Better for a Proper Winter?

Both sheepskin and lambskin are great insulators but they perform a bit differently.

  • Sheepskin shearling gives you way more warmth thanks to the thicker leather and the way the wool is packed in, making it perfect for really cold days
  • Lambskin shearling will keep you warm enough for cool to cold weather, but it’s not up to the task of keeping you warm in extreme cold.

If you need maximum insulation, sheepskin is probably your best bet.

Softness & Comfort

If it’s all about getting comfortable then lambskin shearling is the clear winner for me. It feels silky to the touch, and is so light that you can wear it for hours without feeling the weight in your clothes.

Sheepskin shearling is a bit heavier, but once it has broken in it still has loads to offer in terms of comfort, and it gives off a nice protective feel that a lot of people love.

Durability & Longevity

When it comes to how well a jacket is going to hold up, then sheepskin shearling has got the edge.

  • Sheepskin shearling is built to withstand the elements and will still look good after a year or two of heavy use.
  • Lambskin shearling however needs a bit more TLC and if used literally every day then the wear can show up a bit sooner.

At GYMANZA USA we do our best to make both materials last as long as possible, but it’s really up to you to decide which one is going to be your best bet.

Which One Would Suit You?

If you live somewhere cold, and the wind is howling, then sheepskin shearling is probably the way to go.

  • You want to stay warm? Sheepskin shearling will be a good bet.
  • You want a classic look? Then sheepskin shearling is the one for you

On the other hand:

  • if you're really fussy about the feel of your clothes then lambskin shearling is the better choice.
  • You just want a jacket that will keep you warm but not weigh you down? Then lambskin is probably the better choice
  • You want your jacket to look sleek and stylish? Lambskin is probably the way to go.

It really comes down to what you want, there is no such thing as a wrong answer, just the right material for your needs.

How GYMANZA USA Puts Materials to the Test

We at GYMANZA USA choose sheepskin and lambskin shearling for our jackets based on what we want to achieve with the design and how it's going to feel to wear it. We then hand-pick each hide for consistency, warmth and just how comfortable it's going to keep you, when we craft our jackets with a focus on the stitching, balance and fit.

This way we can guarantee that every shearling jacket we make is going to meet pretty high standards for performance and style and keep looking great for years to come.

What to Know Before Buying a Shearling Jacket

Knowing the difference between sheepskin and lambskin shearling can save you a lot of trouble. By picking the right material for your climate and how you live, you can make sure that your shearling leather jacket gives you the warmth, the comfort and the durability that you're looking for.