When one goes to purchase a luxuriously soft, warm and beautiful sheepskin coat, there are many terms that are related which may pull the wool over your eyes leaving you baffled as to which is good, better or best.

Sheepskin is sourced from all over the globe. For sheepskin, country of origin is a significant factor in the quality of the pelts. Factors critical to the quality of sheepskin such as the countries’ climate, diet of the sheep, and craftsmanship vary from country to country. Also the breed of sheep and the age of the sheep when the pelts are attained are determining factors for quality and therefore price.

1. Great Sheepskin

When it comes to great sheepskin the top grade is Spanish Merino shearling. Shearling sheepskins typically come from one year to two year old sheep. Although older sheep do produce larger skins which are easier to work with, the older skins tend to be thicker and less supple, and therefore not as comfortable to wear. Spanish Merino shearling comes from Spain. Spain is known for producing sheep with the most soft and supple of pelts. The wool fur and the leather grain are more uniform with fewer to no blemishes or inconsistencies. The craftsmen utilize strict quality control in the sorting and matching of skins as well as the tanning process. They have been passing down their fine craft for centuries and they take great pride in their superior workmanship.

2. Best Sheepskin

It’s hard to believe that sheepskin can get any better than Spanish Merino shearling. However, the very finest grade of sheepskin is lambskin slink. Lambskin slink pelts cost at least twice as much as the finest Spanish Merino shearling pelts. The predominant country for lambskin slink is New Zealand. Lambskin slink is obtained in the Spring lambing season. The natural lamb mortality rate is 10%. Many sheep carry two lambs and often one is still born. The pelts of these newborn lambs are utilized to make what is referred to as lambskin slink. The lambskin slink is naturally thin, velvety soft and supple with short curly fur on the inside. Often the curly fur is ironed straight to resemble more common natural fur. Although very thin, the lambskin slink traps the wearers natural body heat keeping them warm and comfortable. The lambskin slink pelts are very small. They are normally no more than 2 square feet. Therefore they require more piecing together and stitching to create a coat. Creating a coat from lambskin slink is more of an art than a craft.

3. Sheepskin Finish

Just as you can choose the country of origin and grade of sheepskin for your sheepskin coat or jacket, you can also choose the finish you prefer. The finish is the look and feel of the outside leather part of the pelt. The traditional finish for a sheepskin coat is suede. Suede is often also referred to as a Habana finish. The full-grain smooth leather like finish is often referred to as Nappa or Pesca. The Nappa finish is usually easier to clean and is often more stain resistant. Many believe the Nappa finish has a more sophisticated rather than rustic look.

Author Bio: Aspen Fashions offers the largest selection of styles, colors and sizes of sheepskin coats, sheepskin jackets, shearling coats and shearling jackets. Buy online and we ship to your door. Visit us at: Sheepskin Coat or Sheepskin Jacket.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Sheepskin Coats for Sale,3 Things to Look For in sheepskin coats, sheeskin jacket, shearling coat