As the snowy season settles in, will you be among the multitudes who grin and bear it in flimsy synthetic winter jackets? Or will you meet the season head-on in the unmatched warmth and style of a shearling coat? "Absolutely nothing compares to the comfort of shearling," says Lewis Rafel, a New York City-based shearling and outerwear expert. "Shearling is nature's finest material. It's lightweight and breathable, yet powerfully insulating -- which makes it perfect for winter coats." For those who haven't heard of it, "shearling" is the term used to describe a sheepskin hide that has been shorn for added softness. Shearling has been used to make coats for centuries, and today's shearling coats for men and women are among the most fashionable and functional winter styles available. Timeless Tradition, Modern Styles "Today's shearling coats are extremely stylish" says Lewis. "We're not talking about your grandparents' coats. Once upon a time, shearling coats were heavy and bulky. They were probably made from large American sheep. Those skins were well suited to make jackets for the squadrons flying unheated WWII aircraft, but not for the more flowing, fitted styles of today." Today's fashionable sheepskin coats are made primarily from Spanish Merino and Toscana pelts, which are lighter in weight, but every bit as insulating. "The absolute best shearlings for fine, lightweight garments originate in Spain, Italy and Portugal," Lewis says. "These regions have a long tradition of producing the finest pelts. For a high-quality shearling coat, look for a Made in the U.S.A. label, with 'Spanish Merino' or 'Toscana' on the garment material tags." Depending on your preference, you can find sheepskin coats in a wide range of colors, patterns and styles for men and women--from timeless classics like B-3 Bombers to more haute, urban styles trimmed with fur or exotic Tibetan Lamb. No matter which style you choose, the natural luster and beauty of shearling speaks for itself. Long-lasting Comfort & Function It's more than just good looks that leaves shearling in its own league. According to Lewis, shearling is simply the best material out there, when it comes to insulation, weather-protection and longevity. "Advancements in textiles and fabrics haven't come anywhere close to surpassing shearling's natural, lightweight warmth," he says. "Shearling also performs beautifully in winter weather, like snow and light rain. Just come in, shake the snow off, and let the coat air dry." Cared for properly, a shearling coat will last you for years, if not decades. Shearling also wears beautifully on any occasion. Whereas parkas suit the trails, and furs suit the opera, a shearling coat fits in just about everywhere. Weekend or weekday, you can count on shearling for rugged, reliable warmth and style. What to Look For in a Shearling Coat First and foremost, Lewis recommends purchasing shearling coats made in the U.S.A. for optimal quality. Secondly, he advocates asking yourself a few key questions to determine the best coat for you, or a loved one. "Check in with yourself and ask, 'What is my lifestyle? What are my needs? Will this be my primary winter coat, or one of many?' If you're in and out of the car a lot each day, a shorter style might be the best choice. If you live in the city and walk everywhere, a full-length style might suit you better." Of course, personal taste plays a key role in style selection as well. Are your clothes more traditional or do you like high fashion? Do you enjoy standing out in a crowd, or do you prefer more laid-back, classic styles? Whatever your lifestyle and taste in clothing, there's a shearling that's just right for you!
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