Soft Touch: 42 Shearling Buys We’re Cosying Up To This Season

There’s nothing quite like shearling to signal the sartorial shift into winter. At once practical and luxurious, its soft, velvety pile has long been beloved by the style cognoscenti – that rare alchemy of utility and indulgence that keeps you warm while looking effortlessly glam. Draped over shoulders, lining your boots, or trimming your tote: shearling lends every outfit an instant sense of sumptuous luxe – happy news given that as soon as the mercury dips, we are unapologetically all about keeping cosy.

From Zara’s savvy faux finds to the covetable craftsmanship of Karl Donoghue and Penelope Chilvers, this edit celebrates shearling in all its glorious forms.

Three Things To Know Before You Buy Shearling

Real vs Faux

Both have their charms. Real shearling offers incomparable warmth and longevity, while today’s faux versions rival the feel without the footprint. Choose based on your ethics, budget – and storage space.

Care Matters

Treat it kindly. Brush lightly, air between wears, and never tumble dry. For stubborn stains, a specialist cleaner is your best friend.

Consider the Cut

Oversized coats make a statement but can overwhelm petite frames; cropped jackets or accessories offer the same hit of texture in subtler doses. Balance volume with sleek tailoring elsewhere.

Hero image: Karl Donoghue