All about sheepskin

Sheepskin has been a popular clothing material for hundreds of years, keeping people warm in winter as well as comfortable in summer. Also known as shearling or fleece, sheepskin remains a timeless choice. It is a versatile material, which is great for all types of clothing, from coats to hats and gloves. In recent years, sheepskin has been most popular for boots and slippers.

In Australia the sheepskin or ‘ugg’ boot has become something of a national symbol and is now globally recognised as the origin of this style of footwear. When the first European colonists arrived in Australia hundreds of years ago, they found the mild climate and large expanses of natural grassland ideal for rearing sheep. In this colonial environment where settlers had only few possessions and resources, including food, were often scarce, sheep were highly valued both as a source of food and clothing material. Over time lamb and wool became the primary crop and chief export for the whole of Australia. Today 30% of all wool used worldwide is produced in Australia from over 100 million sheep and Geelong, a town on the south east coast of Australia, is hailed as the wool capital of the world.

Over 80% of Australian wool comes from a distinct breed, specifically adapted to the conditions of the Australian countryside, known as the ‘Australian Merino.’ These sheep are highly valued for their thick and fine quality fleeces. The quality of this particular kind of sheepskin makes it ideal for footwear. It allows for a durable and hardwearing suede texture of the exterior of the boot and a soft and lightweight wool interior. Moreover, it makes the boots suitable for wear at all times of the year. Sheepskin boots are equally as comfortable in extreme cold as in the height of summer. In cold conditions the fleece insulates the feet by trapping body heat and in warmer conditions the fleece keeps feet cool by drawing any perspiration away from the skin and allowing air to circulate. Sheepskin is thus known as a thermostatic material. This means that is keeps feet close to natural body temperature regardless of the temperature outside. Furthermore, because sheepskin contains lanolin, when worn barefoot, as is traditional in Australia, sheepskin boots will moisturise feet, keeping the skin soft and supple. It is no wonder that sheepskin ‘ugg’ boots are so popular.