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Sheep leather is one of the popular luxury fashion materials with special benefits. But is it for you? Why should you buy sheep leather products, and why should you avoid them? You will know everything about sheep leather to make a decision.
What is Sheep Leather?
Sheep leather, or sheepskin leather, is a type of soft leather produced from sheep or lambs’ hides. Sheepskin is the sheep’s hide with fur attached, but when it goes through the manufacturing process, the fur is removed. However, the sheepskin which doesn’t have its fur removed when manufacturing is called shearling leather.
How Is Sheep Leather Made?
Sheep leather is made by treating sheepskin through a chemical process called “tanning.” The chrome tanning method uses salts, resulting in sheep leather that is soft, pliable, and resistant to water and heat.
The vegetable tanning method, on the other hand, uses natural tannins from plant materials, yielding sheep leather that is firmer. Subsequently, the dyeing process adds color, and finishing techniques refine the texture and appearance.
Identification of Sheep Leather
Thickness of Sheep Leather
Sheep leather is one of the thinnest and most delicate leathers in the market with a smooth and glossy grain texture and evenly spaced pores.
The Smell of Sheep Leather
Usually, sheep leather has no smell, but some sheep leather may have a slight smell due to improper treatment after tanning.
The Softness of Sheep Leather
Sheep leather is very soft and has a velvety feel that’s one of its luxurious aspects of it.
Warmth of Sheep Leather
Sheep leather is not as warm as other leathers because of its thinness; you’ll need to layer clothes over it for more warmth.
Quality and Durability of Sheep Leather
Although sheep leather is thin, it’s remarkably supple and high quality. Its natural elasticity makes it tear-resistant, allowing it to withstand stress and maintain durability. This combination of softness and strength gives it a luxurious feel and longevity. Well-maintained and properly cared sheep leather items lasting decades or even a lifetime.
Water-Resistance of Sheep Leather
Similar to every real leather, sheep leather is not waterproof. However, you can apply a waterproof spray for sheep leather to make it water resistant.
Is Sheepskin Leather Expensive?
Sheepskin leather is generally more expensive than other types of leather. This higher cost is due to its unique softness, lightweight nature, and the specialized processing required to preserve its natural characteristics.
Where is Sheep Leather Used?
Sheep leather is used for luxury fashion products like coats, boots, pants, gloves and jackets.
Advantages of Sheep Leather
Sheepskin leather is durable and tear-resistant, which makes it long-lasting. It’s also flame retardant, which means it won’t catch fire and is naturally breathable, making it comfortable and safe.
Disadvantages of Sheep leather
The most highlighting disadvantage of sheep leather is being thin which means it’s not as durable as other thick leathers and can stretch over time, lose its elastically and look saggy.
How To Care For Sheep Leather?
As sheep leather is delicate, it requires maintenance to preserve its quality, suppleness, and durability. Use a sheepskin leather conditioner to condition it weekly to keep it supple and new. Keep it safe from moisture, water, and sunlight.
Sheepskin Leather vs Lambskin Leather
Sheepskin leather uses the hide of adult and mature sheep, while lambskin leather uses the hide of an infant sheep.
What is Nappa Sheepskin Leather?
Nappa leather goes through a special tanning process, such as the use of water-soluble colorants to give it exceptional softness, pliability, fade resistance, and further durability than normal leather. Sheepskins are also turned into nappa full-grain leather that also develops a patina.
Is Sheep Leather Better or Cowhide Leather?
Sheepskin leather is softer and more supple than cowhide, and it’s lightweight and breathable, so you can wear it in hot seasons. However, cowhide is thicker, more durable, and suitable for heavy-duty items like shoes, large bags, and jackets. It also adapts to the shape of the wearer’s body over time.
Read more: Sheep Leather vs Cowhide Leather
Should You Buy Sheep Leather Products?
Yes, despite having some disadvantages, sheep leather is an amazing leather. Its suppleness, velvety texture, softness, and lightweight benefits make it worth buying, especially for leather jackets.
If you are looking for an affordable choice, cowhide leather is lower in price compared to sheepskin leather. You can go for top-grain sheep leather, which is lower in price than full-grain sheep leather.
If you’re looking for charming and stylish sheep leather jackets. Check out Natural Jackets; we’ve got every collection of 100% genuine leather jackets in sheep leather in every trendy style you’d love to have in your wardrobe.
