One of those items of clothing that you’ve got to buy once and wear a long, long time is a shearling jacket if you select the right one. But, if you make a bad choice, you find yourself having to file it in the back of the closet because it is too boxy, too heavy or too much.
If you’re looking to purchase a Jacket for women’s shearling jacket, here is how to select one that will last you 10 winters.
Begin with how you want to wear it.
Don’t get caught up on colour or style; think about your week first. Are you going walking to work? Take the train? Spend the majority of your time driving? A cropped jacket is ideal for driving and short trips. The hip length variety will provide extra warmth when walking. For most people, a jacket covers more days of the year than a coat, if you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors in deep winter you may want to consider having a coat, however.
Select the appropriate shape
Most people don’t realize how much the shape of a shearling jacket matters:
- Zip jackets are the most practical. Easy to put on and to completely windshield down.
- If you do not enjoy wearing hats, then hooded styles are a great option. Most toques are not as warm as a shearling lined hood.
- If you don’t like shearling too bulky on your frame, belted jackets will give you a waist.
- Cropped and bolero styles work well for skirts and high-waisted pants, and are perfect for a night out.
- Reversible jackets provide the advantage of having a suede side and a wool side, or shearling on one side and taffeta on the other. Two for one as in two pairs of shoes for the price of one.
Examine the skin, not the wool
All of the people touch the wool first. It’s soft, it’s cozy, it sells the jacket! The true test lies outside, however. Good shearling should be supple and smooth, not stiff or papery. Bend the sleeve. It should roll along with you and not fold up at the corners.
If the jacket is worn for the whole day, lighter lambs such as Merino will provide warmth without the burden.
Try on the size with a sweater on.Try on with a sweater on.
When buying a shearling jacket always test it on top of the type of layer that you will be using during winter conditions. Shearling doesn’t lengthen a lot so a jacket that fits snugly on a T-shirt may feel like it is too tight on a chunky knit. The back should not pull as you lift your arms and cross them in front of your body.
Colour: start neutral
If it is your first shearling, a neutral shearling, such as cognac, chocolate, black or cream will match almost anything you have. After the classic, a more eye-catching colour or a textured curly wool will be a good second choice.
The little things that count.
- Zips and snaps: Heavy smooth zips and snaps are more durable and look better.
- Collar: Wide shearling collar which can be turned up on windy days.
- Pockets: Don’t forget to check the pocket for depth, for your hands and your phone.
- Cuffs: Knit or shearling cuffs prevent cold air entering up the sleeve.
Looking after it
Use a wide hanger to hang it, avoid heaters, and air dry if wet. Once a year, give the suede a gentle brush. This is about all it requires.
Worth it?
Also read: Breathe New Life Into Your Home: Interior Renovation Ideas That Work
A superior shearling jacket will last as long as 3 or 4 less expensive jackets. It will never go out of style, it looks better with age, and it keeps you warm. Choose the shape that fits you, and it will be your jacket of choice all winter long.
