What is Shearling?
We work exclusively with Italian shearling chosen for texture, warmth properties, and how the material ages. Shearling—sheepskin tanned with the wool still attached—provides natural insulation through the fleece layer while the leather offers wind resistance and durability.
Our shearling arrives in varied textures and colors: smooth and dense, tightly curled like teddy fabric, or long-haired with flowing movement. Natural tones range from off-white and camel to deep brown and gray. Dyed versions introduce black, neon accents, and tie-dye patterns.
We treat our leathers and shearling in the most environmentally friendly ways available, prioritizing natural dyes and minimal chemical processing. This approach lets the material's inherent character show— subtle color shifts and natural markings that industrial finishing would conceal or eliminate.Â
Reversible Construction: Two Garments in One
Nearly all our shearling pieces are fully reversible—wear them with the fleece facing inward for maximum warmth, or flip them to show the fleece exterior for texture and visual softness. This isn't a gimmick but functional versatility: one jacket offering two distinct aesthetic options and adapting to different temperature needs.
The reversibility requires precise construction. Seams must be clean on both sides, edges finished identically regardless of which surface faces outward, and pockets positioned to work from either orientation. Vegetable-tanned calf leather binding frames edges and reinforces stress points while creating visual definition between panels. Handmade leather buttons complete the reversible design.
Jacket Styles: Comet, Meteor, Elara
Our jacket collection centers on three core silhouettes, each named for celestial bodies and offering distinct proportions and wearing experiences.
- Jacket Comet represents our longest jacket style—80 cm back length with oversized fit through the shoulders and body. Assembled from 10 high-quality Italian shearling pieces, this jacket provides substantial coverage without feeling heavy. The extended length works particularly well for layering over longer garments. Pockets on each side, natural calf leather paspoile binding, and five handmade Croissant-shaped leather buttons create functional details that remain visible whether worn fleece-in or fleece-out.
- Jacket Meteor provides our most versatile jacket proportions—67 cm length with a slightly longer fit than Comet. Ten shearling pieces carefully assembled, one right-side pocket, matching leather binding, and four Croissant buttons create a jacket that works across contexts: urban commuting, casual weekend wear, or layered over workwear for transitional-season warmth.
- Jacket Elara introduces striped and bicolor designs through its distinctive back construction. Twelve shearling pieces create this jacket's 67 cm length, with the back panels assembled in alternating colors to form horizontal stripes. The front features solid coloring, making the striped back a surprise element revealed when you turn or remove the jacket.
Coat Orion: Maximum Coverage
For those seeking the most substantial shearling outerwear, Coat Orion offers 128 cm back length—assembled from 16 shearling pieces. Two extra-large front pockets provide functional storage while adding visual weight. Black calf leather binding frames the edges, and four handmade Croissant buttons secure the front closure. A 40 cm back slit allows movement despite the coat's length, preventing the material from restricting your stride.
The generous 60 cm back width and 50 cm sleeve length create a coat that envelops rather than fits closely—space for layering multiple garments underneath while maintaining the sculptural silhouette shearling provides. One-size-fits-all construction means the coat accommodates various body types.
Vest Collection: Layering & Versatility
Shearling vests offer the material's warmth and texture without the commitment of full sleeves—practical layering pieces that work over shirts, under jackets, or as standalone outerwear during transitional seasons.
Gilet vests Patchwork such as Reversible Shearling Vest in caramel showcases our most playful approach to shearling construction. Eight carefully assembled pieces create 53 cm back length with 108 cm waist and generous armholes designed for layering. But it's the color combinations and pattern arrangements that distinguish these vests: mix-matched panels in curry, neon, or tie-dye variations.
Some Patchwork vests such as the Gilet Vest Patchwork Rose feature special rose patterns on the back—shearling pieces arranged to form floral shapes through color and texture contrast. These aren't appliqués or decorative additions but integral to the vest's construction, the pattern emerging from how panels are cut and assembled.
Matching calf leather paspoile binding frames edges, and leather string closures replace buttons, adding adjustable fit and casual elegance. Like all our shearling pieces, these vests are fully reversible—wear them with fleece facing inward for warmth or outward for maximum texture.
Our Gilet Vest Eris offers slightly more structured proportions through its 10-piece construction and distinctive back striping. At 53 cm length with 108 cm waist, the Eris vest maintains a generous fit while introducing horizontal stripes across the back panel. Italian leather strap closure replaces buttons, allowing quick adjustment.
The Gilet Vest Astra is the most unisex piece within our vests collection and extends length to 67 cm—nearly approaching short jacket proportions—with 130 cm waist creating the most oversized vest silhouette in the collection. Eight shearling pieces form Astra’s structure, with one large pocket on the right side providing functional storage. Four handmade Asian-knot leather buttons create distinctive closures—sculptural alternatives to standard buttonholes that reference traditional textile techniques.
The longer length makes Astra particularly effective as an outer layer rather than a purely mid-layer piece. Wear it over sweaters and shirts in cool weather, or layer it under coats when temperatures drop further.
Our Big Button Vest distinguishes itself through unique closure details: four handmade ball-shaped buttons crafted in-house from sturdy cotton cord. These substantial closures transform functional necessity into a design feature. Ten Italian shearling pieces create the 58 cm length, with two front pockets and 63 cm width offering proportions that work across body types. Available in black-blue and beige-off-white combinations, the Big Button Vest demonstrates how hardware choices can shift a garment's character from refined to playful without changing its fundamental construction.
One Size Fits All: Intentional Proportions
All our shearling garments use a one-size-fits-all construction—a decision that reflects both our design philosophy and the material's characteristics. Shearling's inherent softness and the oversized silhouettes we favor create garments that drape and envelope rather than fit closely, accommodating various body shapes through generous proportions rather than precise sizing.
This approach also acknowledges that these pieces function as outer layers, worn over other clothing. The space built into our patterns allows for layering sweaters, shirts, and mid-weight jackets underneath without constriction. Armholes are cut generously, shoulders fall naturally rather than sitting precisely at shoulder points, and body width provides room for movement.
Made to Order: Workshop Process & Timing
Almost all of our shearling jackets, coats, and vests are handmade upon order in our Vienna workshop. This means production begins only after you place your order, with pieces typically requiring up to ten days from order confirmation to completion.
The process involves selecting appropriate shearling panels from our inventory—matching colors and textures while accounting for each hide's natural variations. Patterns are cut, pieces are assembled through hand-stitching and careful seam construction, edges receive leather binding, and buttons are attached. Each garment passes through multiple hands during construction, checking seam quality, edge finishing, and overall proportions before pieces are considered complete.
Seasonal Wear & Temperature Range
Despite appearing designed solely for winter, shearling's natural properties make these pieces comfortable across broader temperature ranges than synthetic insulation allows.Â
The fleece layer traps air for insulation while remaining breathable—moisture vapor escapes rather than condensing inside the garment. This means you can wear shearling during active movement without overheating. The leather exterior provides wind resistance without creating the clammy feeling of waterproof shells.
Reversibility extends seasonal utility further. Early autumn or late spring, wear jackets and vests with fleece facing outward for moderate warmth, adding both insulation and textural softness. As temperatures drop, flip the fleece inward.
The oversized fits allow strategic layering—light shirts and sweaters in transitional weather, heavier knits and multiple layers when winter arrives. Rather than buying separate garments for different temperature ranges, one well-chosen shearling piece adapts through how you wear and layer it.
Care & Longevity
Shearling requires different maintenance than conventional outerwear but rewards proper care with decades of wear.
- Regular maintenance: Brush the fleece with a soft bristle brush to maintain texture and remove surface debris. If the leather exterior becomes dusty, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and allow to air-dry naturally.
- Storing: Hang shearling garments on sturdy hangers that support the shoulders without creating stress points. Avoid plastic garment bags which trap moisture. Use breathable cotton covers or simply hang in a cool, dry closet.
- Professional cleaning: When shearling requires deep cleaning, seek specialists experienced with shearling rather than standard dry cleaners. The process differs significantly from cleaning woven textiles, and improper chemicals or techniques can damage the shearling permanently.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Shearling?
Shearling is sheepskin with the wool still attached, offering natural insulation through its fleece layer while the leather provides wind resistance and durability. The material is treated using environmentally friendly methods with natural dyes and minimal chemical processing, allowing its inherent character and natural markings to remain visible.
How long does it take to receive a made-to-order shearling piece?
Production time varies based on current workshop capacity and order volume, typically ranging from five to ten days from order confirmation to shipping. Because each piece is handmade upon order, we cannot guarantee exact timelines but will communicate if unexpected delays occur. This slower process is inherent to genuine workshop production rather than assembly-line manufacturing.
What does "one size fits all" actually mean for fit?
Our shearling garments use generous, oversized proportions that drape rather than fit closely. They're designed as outer layers with room for substantial garments underneath. Specific measurements are provided for each style—compare these to garments you currently own and feel comfortable in. The soft, pliable nature of shearling and the loose silhouettes mean these pieces accommodate a wide range of body sizes and shapes.
Is shearling warm enough for winter conditions?
Yes. Shearling provides excellent insulation through the fleece layer's air-trapping properties while the leather offers wind resistance. Many customers report our shearling jackets and coats keeping them warm in temperatures well below freezing. The reversible construction also allows adjusting warmth level.
How do I clean shearling if it gets dirty?
Spot-clean minor marks with a damp cloth on the leather side. For fleece, brush gently with a soft bristle brush. Avoid machine washing or home dry cleaning. For significant soiling, consult professional cleaners who have the proper equipment and expertise. Water exposure should be minimal—if shearling gets wet, shake off excess moisture and allow it to dry naturally at room temperature.
Do the handmade buttons hold up to regular use?
Yes. Both the Croissant-shaped leather buttons and cotton ball buttons are constructed to withstand daily wear. The leather buttons may darken and soften with handling. If a button becomes damaged or detaches, leather specialists can often repair or replace it. The Asian-knot buttons are similarly durable due to their construction method.
Are these garments suitable for people with wool sensitivities?
This varies individually. Shearling's fleece is sheep's wool, which can irritate sensitive skin. However, wearing these pieces as outer layers over other clothing minimizes direct skin contact. If you have known wool sensitivities, consider how you'll wear the garment—fleece facing outward creates no contact issue, while fleece facing inward means the wool contacts whatever clothing layer sits beneath it.
How does reversible construction affect durability?
Reversible construction actually enhances durability in some ways—seams are finished cleanly on both sides, edges receive reinforcing leather binding, and stress points are reinforced knowing they'll be visible regardless of wearing orientation. The careful construction required for reversibility means no shortcuts or hidden weak points.
