The 6 Advantages of Sheepskin Coats

A quality sheepskin coat combines the best elements of leather, fur and wool into one unbeatable garment.

1. Outstanding Warmth & Insulation: Sheepskin coats gained popularity during WWII, when heavyweight sheepskin bomber jackets kept air crews warm in unpressurized cabins at altitudes of over 30,000 feet. Thanks to the crimp of the sheep's wool, which creates insulating air spaces, sheepskin naturally retains body heat, keeping you warm during winter's worst.
2. Durability: Though sheepskin coats tend to cost more than your average leather or fabric coat, they more than make up for the difference with their increased durability. When sheepskin coats are properly cared for, they can last for decades. Overland has heard back from many customers who have been wearing their sheepskin coats for over 20 years and still going strong!
3. Water Resistant: Sheepskin is naturally water resistant. Wool fibers possess sturdy, water-repellant layers that protect the fiber's core against moisture. The core of each wool fiber can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture vapor without getting damp. So with that humidity absorbed, and the external water repelled, sheepskin becomes a thermally regulating material. Sheepskin coats need only to be lightly shaken out after exposure to rain or snow, and smoothed over with a soft brush if they develop water spots over time.
4. Moisture-Wicking: Aside from repelling external moisture, sheepskin wicks perspiration away from your skin, effortlessly keeping you warm and dry in a wide variety of climates.
5. Multi-Climate Comfort & Breathability: Given its naturally insulating properties, one might think that sheepskin would be too heavy or hot for moderate climates. But it's surprisingly versatile: sheepskin is renowned for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, which keep the body temperature regulated regardless of temperature fluctuations in the environment. You'll stay cool and dry in your sheepskin coat, whether going for a light spring hike or shoveling a snowy driveway, making a sheepskin coat one of the few truly comfortable three-season coats.
6. Style: Sheepskin coats are known for their elegant yet casual style, making them appropriate for nearly any occasion. And while cumbersome down coats can make you look (and feel) like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, sheepskin coats come in a myriad of fashionable silhouettes with figure-flattering lines and beautiful accents, such as fur trim, draped collars, belted waists, and curve-accentuating seaming. With a sheepskin coat, there's no need to sacrifice style because of the cold!

A quality sheepskin coat is an investment. An investment in quality, comfort, durability, practicality and style. The unique properties of sheepskin and the wide range of styles available make sheepskin coats the best and most rewarding coats you'll ever own.

For more information on the different types of sheepskin coats available and how to select one that's right for you, read The 4 Factors that Affect the Price of Sheepskin Coats. And for tips on how to take optimal care of your sheepskin coat, check out our Sheepskin Care & Cleaning page.