Ultimate shearling jacket Care: Expert tips & Tricks
Avoid Excessive Moisture
Shearling is made from sheepskin with the wool still attached, and moisture can have adverse effects on both the leather and the wool fibers. To protect your shearling jacket from moisture:
Rain and Snow: It's best to avoid wearing your shearling jacket in heavy rain or snow. If you're caught in a light drizzle, gently shake off excess water and let the jacket air dry naturally indoors. Avoid using direct heat sources like radiators or hair dryers, as the high heat can cause the leather to become brittle and crack.
Drying: If your jacket becomes thoroughly wet, gently shake off the excess water and blot with a clean, absorbent cloth. Hang the jacket in a well-ventilated, shaded area and allow it to air dry naturally. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can fade the color and damage the leather.
Regular Brushing
Regular brushing is essential to maintain the appearance and fluffiness of the shearling fibers. Follow these steps for effective brushing:
Soft-Bristle Brush: Use a soft-bristle brush, like a suede brush or a brush specifically designed for shearling, to gently remove dirt, dust, and debris from the jacket's surface.
Brush in the Direction of the Fur: Always brush in the direction of the fur to avoid damaging the delicate wool fibers. Use light, sweeping motions to remove any particles that may have accumulated on the jacket.
Frequency: Aim to brush your shearling leather jacket after each wear or as needed to keep it looking its best. Regular brushing will also help prevent matting of the wool and maintain its luxurious texture.
Store Properly
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of your shearling jacket during periods when you're not wearing it:
Cool and Dry Environment: Choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Excessive heat and humidity can cause the leather to deteriorate and the wool to become musty.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Avoid storing your shearling jacket in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause the colors to fade and the leather to become dry and brittle.
Avoid Heat Sources: Keep the jacket away from heat sources like radiators, heaters, and fireplaces. Heat can lead to leather cracking and wool fibers becoming brittle.
Use a Hanger
Using the right hanger is crucial for maintaining the shape and integrity of your shearling jacket:
Wide, Padded Hanger: Opt for a wide, padded hanger to distribute the weight of the jacket evenly. This helps prevent distortion of the shoulder area and maintains the overall shape of the jacket.
Avoid Thin Hangers: Thin or wire hangers can create pressure points and deform the jacket over time. Using the correct hanger prevents unnecessary stress on the seams and shoulders.
Avoid Heavy Items
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of your shearling jacket, as doing so can lead to flattening of the shearling fibers and loss of texture:
Storage: When storing your shearling jacket, make sure it's not stacked under other heavy items. Heavy pressure can cause the shearling to lose its natural fluffiness and texture.
Travel: During travel, ensure that your shearling jacket is not placed beneath heavy luggage or other items. Use care when hanging it in your closet as well, ensuring it has enough space to hang freely without any weight on top.
Spot Cleaning
If you notice a small stain or spot on your shearling jacket, follow these steps to effectively spot clean:
Act Quickly: Address stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into the shearling fibers.
Blot, Don't Rub: Use a clean, damp, white cloth to blot the stain gently. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it further.
Mild Detergent: If the stain persists, you can add a small amount of mild, colorless detergent to the damp cloth and continue blotting.
Avoid Excessive Water: Use minimal water during spot cleaning to prevent saturating the shearling. Excessive moisture can damage the leather and wool.
Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before spot cleaning, test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area of the jacket to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage.
Professional Cleaning
Professional cleaning is the safest option to maintain the quality of your shearling jacket:
Specialized Cleaners: Seek out a professional cleaner who specializes in leather and fur. They have the expertise and equipment to clean and condition shearling without causing damage.
Professional Assessment: Professionals can assess the overall condition of your jacket and determine the best cleaning and treatment approach.
Conditioning: Professional cleaners often condition shearling after cleaning, ensuring that the leather remains supple and the wool retains its texture.
Conditioning
Regular conditioning helps keep the leather of your shearling jacket in optimal condition:
Shearling-Specific Conditioner: Use a conditioner specifically designed for shearling or leather. Avoid using products not formulated for shearling, as they might not provide the right kind of nourishment.
Application: Apply the conditioner sparingly to a clean, dry cloth. Gently rub the cloth over the leather in a circular motion. Avoid saturating the shearling with excessive conditioner.
Buffing: After applying the conditioner, gently buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess product.
Frequency: Depending on how often you wear the jacket, consider conditioning it once or twice a year, or as needed, to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Shearling, being a natural material, can be sensitive to high heat sources. Here's how to protect your shearling jacket from excessive heat:
Direct Heat Exposure: Avoid placing your shearling jacket near direct heat sources such as radiators, heaters, and fireplaces. High heat can cause the leather to become dry, brittle, and prone to cracking.
Drying: If your shearling jacket becomes wet, never attempt to speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer, heater, or other direct heat sources. Instead, allow it to air dry naturally at room temperature, away from heat.
Rotate Wear
Rotating the wear of your shearling jacket is essential for maintaining its appearance and longevity:
Prevent Excessive Wear: If you wear your shearling jacket frequently, consider rotating it with other outerwear options. This prevents one jacket from bearing the brunt of constant use, which can lead to uneven wear and potential damage.
Recovery of Shape: By giving your shearling jacket some "rest" between wears, it can regain its natural shape and texture, helping it maintain its luxurious appearance over time.
Avoid Perfume and Hair Products
Perfumes, hairsprays, and other products can adversely affect the quality of your shearling jacket:
Direct Contact: Avoid direct contact between your shearling jacket and perfumes, colognes, hairsprays, and other chemical products. These substances can seep into the fibers and damage the delicate wool and leather.
Staining: Some products contain alcohol or chemicals that can cause staining, discoloration, or fading of the leather and wool. To prevent this, apply such products before putting on your shearling jacket or wait for them to dry completely before wearing it.
Air It Out
Allowing your shearling jacket to air out is a good practice for maintaining its freshness:
Occasional Air Out: Every so often, hang your shearling jacket in a shaded, well-ventilated area outside. This helps to remove any trapped odors and allows the shearling to breathe.
Avoid Sunlight: While airing out, make sure not to expose the jacket to direct sunlight, as prolonged sun exposure can fade the colors and damage the leather.
Refreshing: Air circulation can help rejuvenate the shearling fibers, keeping them feeling and smelling fresh.
By following these detailed care instructions, you'll be able to enjoy the luxurious warmth and style of your shearling jacket for many seasons while maintaining its quality and appearance.