Rules on Keeping Your Shearling Coat Looking New

Shearling jackets are a great way to stay warm and look great. They're an investment with a hefty price tag, but can last for a very long time if cared for. Shearlings require more attention than most other fabrics, especially during the cleaning stage. Shearling is extremely durable; however it can easily be damaged if not cleaned properly. In this guide, I'll make share all the tricks in caring for your shearling coat.

Rule #1 in my book is never put your shearling through a washing machine or a dryer. Either professionally dry-clean it (you can do this yourself if you know how) and always air-dry your shearling coat. A machine and dryer cycle can easily ruin your coat.

The second rule is a bit tedious, but it's really not that tough. If you love your shearling coat, you'll want to clean it pretty frequently. Depending on the amount of use you get from your coat, this may vary but shearling easily picks up dirt. The dirt settles into the shearling and becomes harder and harder to remove as it settles. With that said, the frequent cleanings will keep your shearling coat looking like its brand new!

Winter goes hand in hand with fires and heating. Any source of high heat, especially an open fire can easily destroy your shearling and the leather. Never place your jacket near the fire or near any heating system.

Always be aware of the amount of sun light your shearling coat is exposed too. This is a very easy way to bleach your jacket and the colors will fade. Don't hang your coat in a window that gets a lot of sun light. It can happen as quickly as a few weeks!

It's very common people store their coats in a plastic garment bag. It seems like it's a good idea to protect it, but it will damage your coat. Shearling coats need to breathe and the plastic will trap the moisture in the bag and jacket. The best solution for this is always using a cloth garment bag, which will allow for the jacket to breathe.

Shearling coats deserve space in the closet! Make sure the coat has some room and isn't just cramped into the closet. It should always hang in its natural form and never in any sort of contorted way. The hangar you use should always be stout as well and never hang your coat on anything round, like a door knob.

There's nothing too difficult on this list! If you can follow these few simple steps in caring for your shearling coat, you're jacket will look as good as new for many years to come!

To see more on shearling coats and even on caring for a faux shearling coat view this authors blog at shearlingcoats.org.