If your shearling coat or jacket gets wet, let them coat dry naturally. Don't place by a fire or other high heat source. Heat can dry out the natural oils in the hides.

Do not wash your coat or jacket in a washing machine or put in a dryer. Most shearling coats are meant to be dry cleaned. When looking for a dry cleaner, make sure that they know how to properly clean them. The process must include putting the natural oils back into the hides. Without doing this process, the hides will dry out and the coat will be ruined.

When hanging your coat or jacket use a sturdy, well shaped coat hangar. Don't use a wire hanger that's going to put "pokies" in the shoulders and don't hang it up on a knob for extended periods of time.

Avoid stain resistant treatments that are made of silicone. We recommend Meltonian brand Protect-All. It will give you a layer of protection without changing the color or finish.

Do not put adhesive stickers on shearling coats or jackets, as part of the adhesive can either get left behind or the adhesive may itself pull off some of the fabric.

When storing your coat or jacket, never put them in a plastic garment bag for any sort of extended time because they need to breath. Cloth garment bags are highly recommended for both storage and travel.

Never leave your coat in a car or trunk for any amount of time on a hot day, especially if it is wet. The combination of water, being crumpled & excessive heat generally results in the coat shrinking, smelling musty and losing its shape. (Even the best cleaner or restorer will have a tough time restoring it.)

You can choose to have coat stored over the summer but most people tend to keep them at home in a climate controlled room and this seems to work fine. Never put them in the attic or basement for storage.

About The Author

Daniel Sickafus

Manufacturer and retailer of Shearling Coats and accessories.