An Embracing Warmth, with Natural Refinement
Shearling is a lambskin naturally lined with its fleece, which can be worn with the leather side or the wool side facing out, depending on the desired effect.
It embodies a relaxed elegance—both authentic and sophisticated—while offering remarkable thermal protection in a resolutely contemporary spirit.
Some of our pieces are reversible, revealing in turn the soft, felted touch of the wool or the sleek surface of the leather. Each creation is designed to highlight the richness of textures, the play of volumes, and the fabric’s natural drape.
The Different Qualities We Use
Merino
A thick, dense lambskin with tight little curls.
Merino can be used in its natural curly state, pressed flat for a smoother look, or shorn for a clean, contemporary finish. It has a structured drape, ideal for outerwear pieces.
Merinillo
Younger than Merino, Merinillo has a finer, softer, and lighter skin. Its curls are smaller and less dense.
It can also be used curly, pressed, or shorn, depending on the style desired.
Lacon
Used only pressed in our collections, Lacon stands out for its great delicacy and exceptional suppleness.
It is an airy material, perfect for pieces with a fluid drape, closer to the body.
Toscana
A shearling with a bold character, recognizable by its long, wavy wool.
The curl is looser, almost beach-wave in appearance, giving a bohemian and enveloping allure. Heavier than Lacon, it can also be shorn for more streamlined finishes.
Care & Preservation
Shearling is a living material that requires regular care to preserve its beauty and suppleness:
Protect it from rain and excessive humidity. Though insulating, it remains sensitive to water. If splashed, let it dry naturally, away from any heat source.
Store it on a wide, sturdy hanger, in a breathable fabric cover. Avoid compression, which may mark the material or flatten the fleece.
Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, or solvents, which may alter the color and texture of both the leather and the wool.
Never brush it dry: to revive the loft of the fleece, gently shake it or simply let it air out.
Have your piece cared for by a specialist, ideally once a year, for cleaning adapted to this type of skin.
A Material with Character
The ultimate winter fabric, shearling combines natural warmth, absolute comfort, and contemporary allure.
Each piece is a promise of longevity, versatility, and authenticity—provided it is cared for with the right attention.
Lambskin: A Second Skin, Supple, Light, and Precious
Lambskin stands out for its exceptional suppleness, incomparable lightness, and delicate natural grain.
It is a noble material that combines understated elegance, absolute comfort, and thermal performance, while retaining a silky touch and subtle presence.
Used in our collections for its versatility, it embraces the body effortlessly and moves with fluidity.
Its fineness makes it an ideal material for close-fitting pieces, tailored coats, or soft jackets with a natural drape.
Care & Preservation
Though resilient, lambskin is a living material that requires proper care to preserve its softness and radiance:
Protect it from rain, humidity, and excessive heat. In case of accidental contact with water, gently blot without rubbing and allow to dry naturally.
Avoid prolonged contact with bags or belts, which may mark the surface.
Store it on a hanger, inside a breathable fabric cover, away from direct light.
Never apply unsuitable cleaning products—even natural ones—on the leather.
For any stains or full cleaning, entrust your piece to a luxury leather care specialist.
Elegance in Lightness
Wearing lambskin means choosing an intimate and luxurious material that unites technical performance with refinement—enhancing the silhouette without ever weighing it down.
An essential choice for a discerning wardrobe, both modern and timeless.
What is real shearling ?
Real shearling represents one of nature's most sophisticated materials, crafted from the hide of recently shorn sheep or lambs with the wool carefully preserved during the tanning process. This creates a unique dual-textured material where soft, insulating wool lines one side while supple suede forms the exterior surface.
Unlike synthetic alternatives, authentic shearling offers superior breathability and natural temperature regulation. The dense wool of a sheep creates air pockets that provide exceptional warmth without bulk, making it ideal for shearling coats and jackets that move with your body.
Sheepskin shearling develops character over time, becoming more supple and comfortable with wear. This natural aging process contributes to its timeless appeal among discerning fashion enthusiasts. The material's inherent durability means properly cared-for pieces can last generations, though they should never be placed in a washing machine - professional cleaning preserves both the leather and fur components for years of luxurious wear.
Shearling vs sherpa ?
When exploring winter outerwear options, people often encounter sherpa as a popular alternative to genuine shearling. While sherpa mimics the appearance of real shearling, several key differences set these materials apart. Authentic shearling feels substantially heavier and more flexible than synthetic versions, with noticeably denser wool that creates superior insulation.
The name "sherpa" typically refers to synthetic fleece designed to replicate shearling's cozy texture. However, genuine shearling offers natural moisture-wicking properties that synthetic materials cannot match. When exposed to water, authentic shearling maintains its insulating qualities and dries naturally, while synthetic alternatives may lose their loft and warmth.
Yves Salomon exclusively uses premium real shearling in our collections, ensuring each piece delivers the authentic luxury and performance that discerning clients expect from French craftsmanship.
How to clean shearling ?
Proper care ensures your shearling pieces maintain their beauty for years. Begin by gently brushing the wool surface with a soft-bristled brush to remove surface dirt, always following the natural direction of the fibers.
For minor stains, use a clean, damp cloth to blot the affected area without rubbing. Never submerge shearling in water or place it in a washing machine, as this can damage both the leather and wool components. The suede side requires different attention - use a specialized suede brush for maintenance.
Professional cleaning remains the safest option for shearling coats and jackets. Yves Salomon recommends consulting leather specialists who understand the unique properties of sheepskin and can preserve the timeless appeal of your investment pieces.
