Your cart is currently empty
What's the deal with sheep leather? Find out what you need to know
As its name suggests, it is a type of leather that comes from sheep. Shearling/sheepskin is a type of sheepskin or hides with fur. Before the skin is tanned, the animal's coat is usually removed from it before it is tanned. On the other hand, the sheepskin's fleece is not removed during the tanning process so it can be used directly.
Cows, buffaloes, lambs, goats, camels, and sheep are some of the animals that produce animal leather commercially. However, one leather stands out, and that is sheep leather. Why? In addition to its smooth texture, it has evenly spaced pores that are evenly spaced apart. When you touch it, it gives you a soft and velvety feeling.
What Is the Process of Making Sheep Leather?
There is a tanning process that is applied to all animal hides. There is no exception to the rule regarding sheep leather tanning. Tanning is commonly carried out in two ways: chemically and using vegetable oils as a tanning medium. Chemical tanning is a good choice as a fast and cheaper tanning method. There are, however, severe consequences for the environment as a result of this practice.
As a result, vegetable tanning is a labor-intensive and expensive method of tanning leather, as it takes a lot of time and effort. Despite this, Classy Leather Bags uses this method for tanning because it is eco-friendly and has a low environmental impact.
Sheep leather is usually tanned without removing its wool during the tanning process. As a result of this, the protein in sheep hide remains intact. The leather will not decompose as a result, and it will be easy for it to undergo coloring and dyeing.
It is also possible to identify the sheepskin by the fleece, which remains on one end of the leather and is distinct from the skin. The wool lining is a lining in the interior of leather clothing. In addition to providing smoothness and warmth to the outfit, it also offers a lot of comfort.
Sheep leather vs Lamb leather
Sheep leather and lamb leather, while both originating from the same animal family, differ significantly in their characteristics and uses. Sheep leather is derived from mature sheep and is known for its durability and strength. It typically undergoes a process where the animal's coat is removed before the skin is tanned, resulting in a smooth leather finish. Sheep leather is often used in a variety of leather products, valued for its robustness and texture.
On the other hand, lamb leather comes specifically from young lambs and is prized for its exceptional softness and lightweight qualities. It is more delicate than sheep leather and is often used in high-end fashion items for its fine texture and supple feel. Unlike sheep leather, lamb leather tends to be more luxurious and is associated with premium leather goods.
In the case of shearling or sheepskin with fur, the fleece of the sheep is retained during the tanning process. This results in a unique product that combines the soft leather with the natural fleece of the sheep, offering both warmth and comfort. Shearling is particularly popular in winter apparel and home furnishings for its insulating properties.
What is the difference between sheep leather and genuine leather?
Because it does not require as many resources as regular leather and is easier to maintain, sheep skin is a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. The life expectancy of sheep skins is five times higher than that of regular leather. These benefits make them a more sustainable option for people looking to purchase leather goods in the future. It is also a fact that sheep skin requires less maintenance than regular leather, which means they are much easier to take care of.
Is sheep used for leather?
This section will compare sheepskin and cowhide to determine your best option.
First, we will give a brief introduction of what is sheep leather and both of these materials. Then we will discuss is sheep use in making leathers and differences, followed by suggestions on which material to use for different situations based on our experiences.
Nothing is more comfortable to wear than sheepskin, a natural product that is soft and comfortable. Over the past few centuries, it has been used as clothing, footwear, bedding, and upholstery for various purposes. Because this type of leather is so soft and supple, it is often used in clothing, but it can also be used in small items like purses or wallets because it is lightweight and easy to cut.
In contrast to cowhide, leather and suede are materials that can be made from cowhide in various ways. Additionally, cowhide can also be found in the upholstery of furniture and the seats of cars. It is necessary to treat cowhide with moisturizer or conditioner regularly to prevent it from cracking and drying, and this requires more maintenance than other leathers.
Is lamb leather real leather
Lamb leather is indeed real leather, known for its exceptional softness and smoothness compared to leather from other animals. This type of leather is highly valued for its luxurious, lightweight, and supple qualities, making it ideal for comfortable wear in various leather products such as jackets, coats, gloves, and upholstery. Its popularity stems not only from its tactile appeal but also from its functional properties.
One of the remarkable features of lamb leather is its breathability, attributable to the hollow fibers in sheepskin. This quality makes it suitable for use in both summer and winter, as it remains cool in warmer temperatures and warm during colder months. Additionally, lamb leather possesses flame-retardant properties, enhancing its safety and utility.
Another significant attribute of lamb leather is the natural presence of lanolin, similar to that found in human skin. Lanolin contributes to the leather's self-cleaning and antibacterial properties, making lamb leather particularly beneficial for people with sensitive or inflamed skin. The inclusion of lanolin also means that lamb leather can be aired out to refresh, further underlining its natural and authentic qualities.
Why you should go with sheep leather
Lambskin is a type of leather - just like calfskin - made by tanning and finishing the hides of only young sheep, much like calfskin. Because it is significantly more delicate than traditional leather, the tanning process must be completed with care, using gentler techniques that give it a silkier finish.
Furthermore, lambskin has a less rigid texture than traditional leather, making it an ideal material for crafting well-fitted jackets that are both comfortable to wear and look fantastic.
1. Stylish and comfortable
Choosing lambskin as an alternative to leather is one of the primary benefits since it is much more comfortable to wear than leather.
It is smooth and silky compared to cowhide leather, which tends to have a rugged, textured feel, whereas lambskin is smooth and silky. Leather made from lambskin is exceptionally supple, making it one of the most popular materials for clothing. It is exceptionally soft to the touch, sometimes referred to as having a 'buttery' feel!
The lambskin leather is also crafted with the fur still attached, which creates a woolly interior that will feel soft and delicate on your skin as soon as you slip your hands into it.
2. A lightweight material
As much as regular leather looks nice, wearers may have a problem with the weight of the leather or the difficulty in wearing it. Having a heavy jacket on or itching to take your jacket off after a long day is one of the most frustrating things that can happen when walking.
Compared to cow leather, lambskin tends to be much lighter since it is thinner, and supplier because it is a much thinner material. This significantly increases the wearer's comfort level since the jacket does not weigh them down while walking.
In the summer evenings, when it doesn't get too warm, but it doesn't get too cold either, a lightweight jacket is a perfect accessory. Because lambskin is an extremely light material, it won't make you feel uncomfortably hot as genuine leather might.
Having said that, if you need a jacket for the winter, don't worry. Lambskin also makes for an excellent winter jacket because it keeps you warm.
3. It's warm
There is no evidence that regular leather can provide warmth. On a cold winter day, they might feel and look nice, but they can be ineffective in keeping you warm.
However, lambskin is a material that provides a considerable amount of insulation. Since the hide is tanned with the fur still attached, it does an exceptional job of retaining heat and providing various insulation options due to the way it is made.
Lambskin jackets are also known for keeping out the cold and the heat. Lambskin will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the long winter months because of its cold-resistant properties, making it a great choice.
You don't have to worry about your summer wardrobe either because lambskin is insulating and resistant to cold, but its lightweight will keep you cool when it's hot outside.
4. The appearance
Anyone who wears a leather jacket wants to look, killer!
Lambskin leather is generally recognized as having a cleaner, smoother appearance than typical cowskin leather, which is why it is most commonly used in luxury and premium brands because of its clean, smooth appearance.
It is well known that lambskin leather has a finer grain than traditional leather, which is why it is thinner, softer, more supple, and generally more comfortable than genuine leather because it has a such fine grain. As a result, it has a very smooth and even appearance, which most people seem to prefer if they have a choice.
5. An elite status
There is no doubt that lambskin leather will be more expensive than calfskin leather or any other type other than exotics. However, don't let the fact that it is more costly put you off. It's more than worth the price just because of its advantages over other types of leather.
As long as you take proper care of your lambskin jacket, it will last you for a very long time, providing that you take good care of it. When you wear a lambskin jacket, you will be able to portray yourself as a stylish, sensible person who values their appearance. You can make a lasting impression on everyone when wearing it at work, at parties, and on dates, leaving a lasting impression on those you meet.
In particular, lambskin leather has the power to paint you as a prestigious person who works hard and knows exactly what they need to achieve their goals.
Whether it's the linings, the lightweight yet durable construction, or the incredible aesthetics and clean appearance of lambskin jackets, they compliment any outfit, not to mention the fact that they offer maximum comfort and surprising warmth.
Is lambskin leather good quality
Lambskin leather is considered to be of good quality, primarily due to its soft texture and lightweight characteristics. It is a type of sheep leather that is valued for its durability, although its longevity can significantly depend on how it is used and cared for. For instance, lambskin leather may not be the most suitable choice for activities that require robust material, like biking adventures, as it might not endure many years of such intense usage.
However, with regular maintenance, including cleaning and conditioning, the condition of lambskin leather items, such as jackets or furniture, can be preserved effectively. Its lightweight nature and softness make lambskin leather jackets particularly suitable for everyday wear, especially for outdoor activities. This balance of durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal contributes to its reputation as a good quality leather.
Sheepskin Leather: How to Care for It
When buying sheepskin leather articles, you should start caring for them immediately and directly before you use them. You must use a leather protectant solution to protect your sheepskin from damage. You should, however, use a solution designed specifically for delicate leather. You should, however, hire a professional to handle this. If you decide to do it yourself, use a spray-on protectant and avoid rubbing it to prevent color streaking.
It would be best if you took great care when cleaning your sheeps leather, as we want to avoid darkening the leather. If you wish to wipe away a stain, clean the cloth gently, all you need is a dry, clean, clean, and soft cloth. It would be best if you refrained from scrubbing and did not use any water, as this will only result in staining your sheepskin. The best thing you can do if you struggle with multiple tough stains or excessive dirt and grime is to let a professional handle it.
It would be best if you used a leather conditioner designed explicitly for sheepskins to protect your sheepskin from cracking or drying out. It is advised to pre-test a small amount of the conditioner in a hidden place before using it on the leather since conditioners may darken the leather. It would be best if you used a white cloth to clean your sheepskin and watch out for any coloration on the cleaning cloth, as well as any change in color of your sheepskin within an hour of application.
Last but not least, how you store your sheepskin is a significant part of taking good care of it. The sheepskin should not be covered in plastic because this will cause the wool to dry out and become brittle. Please store your sheepskin away from direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. The best way to keep your sheepskin jacket in good shape and to prevent it from being distorted is by hanging it on a padded hanger.
How to identify sheep leather
It is known that sheep's leather is lighter than any other type of leather used to manufacture jackets, furniture, gloves, etc. Any leather that feels somewhat velvety and extremely smooth can safely be considered sheep leather if it has a silky feel. Leather that has been tanned has been stripped of its fur, and there is little or no smell of leather left on it after it has been tanned. There is nothing like sheep leather because it is tanned with its fleece intact, which makes it different from any other type of leather.
Is sheep leather expensive?
Sheep leather, known for its unique softness and the presence of wool, is generally more expensive than other types of leather. This higher cost is attributed to its distinctive characteristics and the specialized processing it requires. Sheepskin differs from cowhide leather, which is more rugged and durable, even in its softer forms. Sheep leather, with its thinner hide, offers a more delicate and less durable feel, yet it is still quite strong. The wool fleece of sheepskin adds an unmatched level of comfort, contributing to its distinctiveness and higher price point.
Lambskin, a specific type of sheep leather made from the hides of young sheep, is even more delicate and ultra-soft compared to standard sheep leather. The tanning process for lambskin needs to be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate hide. Due to its luxurious appearance and the careful processing it requires, lambskin is considered a premium quality leather and is priced accordingly. Its softness and aesthetic appeal make it a sought-after material in high-end leather goods.
Final Verdict
Most people do not know much about leather or are not very discriminating in their preferences. For most consumers, there are only two types of leather: leather and not leather. An authentic leather enthusiast knows certain kinds of leather best suited for specific items. Sheepskin leather is an elegant and classic material used for apparel or upholstery.
In terms of durability, it may not be as good as other leather types, but it outperforms them in comfort and luxury. The types of leather available vary as much as personal tastes. Regardless of where you want leather in your daily life, it pays to be sure and discerning when it comes to leather. Although sheep leather comes in expensive and luxury styling, they are worth its price. You can buy different ovine leather products online that can enhance the way you live and give you a luxury lifestyle.
Shop our collection of:
Real Leather Backpacks | Leather Laptop Bags | Small Leather Messenger Bags | Leather Handbags | Leather Tote Bags | Customized Leather Portfolio | Personalized Leather Passport Holders
Related Blog Posts: