Sherpa and Shearling Chic

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been OBSESSED with funky and fun coats and jackets. Shockingly, I probably own more jackets than I do shoes or bags- so if there is a coat trend I am most definitely on top of it.

For F/W 2020 it’s all about wrapping yourself in comfort so it makes sense that Sherpa and Shearling are at the top of the list.

The two fabrics have a similar look and are often confused but here is a basic breakdown:

Shearling- The term ‘shearling’ describes a lamb that has had only one shearing. A shearling sheepskin is the skin of a shearling lamb that’s tanned, processed, and dyed with the wool still intact. This creates a suede or leather material with a soft wool on the opposite side. Because the wool is still attached to the skin, shearling is a fur product but you can purchase faux versions. Shearling lambskin leather is used in luxury coats, jackets hats, gloves, and more.

Sherpa- Sherpa is a fabric made from polyester (fleece), acrylic, or cotton and is sometimes called ‘faux shearling,’ named for its resemblance to the wool-lined clothing worn by the Sherpa people of Nepal. Sherpa mimics the bumpy texture of sheep’s wool. The faux-sheepskin fabric is often used to line coats or jackets, or to construct sweater, because it performs wonderfully in freezing temperatures. The dense pile of the lightweight material insulates against the cold without bulk, for a high-performance alternative to fur or sheepskin. Sherpa is also used for blankets, mittens, hats, boots, and slippers.

Both of these textiles are cold weather favorites- they are cozy and soft, provide warmth and a touch of luxury.

I’ve slowly started to hoard shearling and sherpa pieces (and the faux variety) over the last year. They give off an easy rancher retro vibe that is effortlessly chic. They can be both edgy and boho- in the immortal words of Donny and Marie “a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n roll“. I especially love the fabric when it lines a denim or leather jacket.

This trend is truly for everybody- seriously ANYONE can wear it. You can go full fluffy with a jacket that showcases your sherpa-love on the oustide not just as lining or slowly dip your toes in the trend with shaggy collars and cuffs adorning denim and leather. Short or long, oversized paired with denim or fitted embellishing leather adding that sherpa/shearling touch to your wardrobe is a MUST season. It will keep you feeling toasty and looking chic.

Click to SHOP Shearling and Sherpa Coats:

Trend Alert Sherpa Coats

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been OBSESSED with funky and fun coats and jackets. Shockingly, I probably own more jackets than I do shoes or bags- so if there is a coat trend I am most definitely on top of it.

It’s no secret that over the past few seasons fashion designers and street-stylers have been coveting utilitarian details. The Gorpcore trend has brought us utility pockets, chore coats, splash jackets, and for F/W 19-20 Shearling and Sherpa Coats.

This recent Sherpa craze started in London on the F/W19-20 runway with Burberry where Riccardo Tisci’s shearling/sherpa aviator jacket was the most talked about piece of the season.

It makes sense that the fashion scene would fall in love with the sherpa coat trend- I mean it is one of the coziest and softest fabrics around. It provides warmth, softness and a touch of luxury.

My most recent sherpa addition is this Madewell cocoon denim coat. Snagged off the clearance rack last summer I have been counting the days until the temps dropped and I could wear it!

The trend is truly for everybody- seriously ANYONE can wear it. You can go full fluffy with a jacket that showcases your sherpa-love on the oustide not just as lining or slowly dip your toes in the trend with shaggy collars and cuffs adorning denim and leather. Short or long, oversized paired with denim or fitted embellishing leather adding a that sherpa touch to your wardrobe is a MUST season. It will keep you feeling toasty and looking chic.