Winter is here, and it's time to elevate your style while staying nice and warm. This season, make sure a shearling jacket is on your must-have list.
Shearling jackets are not only a pinnacle of style, they also offer an ideal blend of trendiness and practicality.
Whether you're heading out for a casual day or a more formal event, a shearling jacket can instantly elevate your look, offering a refined winter look while keeping you warm.
The art of wearing a shearling jacket lies in finding the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Let the jacket be the centrepiece of your outfit and adjust the rest of your ensemble around it.
For a look that is both casual and sophisticated, pair it with a simple white t-shirt, jeans, and ankle boots.
Or, for a dressier touch, wear it over an elegant dress with tights and tall boots, adding a touch of elegance to your outfit.
Choosing the ideal shearling jacket involves several considerations. Opt for a jacket that flatters your silhouette and fits you perfectly.
The quality of the shearling is crucial; a genuine shearling jacket will not only be more effective at keeping you warm but will also be a lasting addition to your wardrobe.
While classic neutral shades like black, brown, and beige are versatile and easy to match, don't hesitate to experiment with more vibrant colours like burgundy or navy blue to bring a touch of personality to your winter outfit.
Here are our top picks for the season!
The aviator perfecto
The aviator shearling jacket is the most iconic style in the category. Originally designed for military pilots in the early twentieth century, the aviator jacket — sometimes called a "B-3" after its military designation — features a short cut, a shearling collar that can be turned up to protect the neck, and a buckle-fastened waist for a closer fit.
Modern versions retain the silhouette but often soften the details. Stand Studio, Acne Studios, and Saks Potts have all built their reputations on contemporary interpretations of the aviator jacket. They work as well over jeans and a t-shirt as they do over a slip dress, and they're warm enough for the coldest days of winter without feeling bulky.
The aviator is also the most versatile shearling jacket in terms of styling. It looks intentional with casual outfits (a chunky knit, straight-leg jeans, leather boots) and equally at home over more polished pieces (a midi dress, opaque tights, ankle boots). The key is to let the jacket be the focal point — keep the rest of the outfit simple.
The oversized silhouette
The oversized shearling jacket has become a signature look over the past several seasons. Its loose, slouchy cut allows for layering — a chunky knit, a hoodie, even a thin down jacket — without compromising the silhouette. This is the shearling for those who want warmth and a fashion-forward look.
Stand Studio and Acne Studios have made the oversized shearling their specialty. Saks Potts, founded by two stylists who dressed women on the international fashion week circuit, has built an entire brand around the silhouette. Prices for these designer versions typically range from £800 to £3,000, but high-street alternatives have caught up in recent years.
The styling trick with an oversized shearling is balance. The volume on top pairs best with narrower pieces on the bottom — slim trousers, leggings, or skinny jeans. A midi skirt can also work, but the silhouette should not be too voluminous on both halves, or the effect becomes costume-y.
The 3/4 length coat
For a more polished look, the 3/4-length shearling coat offers a middle ground between a short jacket and a long overcoat. Its length typically falls just above the knee, providing more coverage for very cold days without the heaviness of a full-length coat.
The 3/4 length works well over a tailored trouser suit, a midi dress, or even a longer knit dress. Brands like Max Mara and Burberry have made this silhouette a signature, often in neutral colours like camel, cream, or black.
For the office, the 3/4 shearling coat is particularly effective. It provides the warmth of a winter coat with the elegance of a tailored piece, and it doesn't dwarf shorter wearers the way a long coat can. Pair with leather boots and a structured bag for a polished winter work look.
The teddy bear jacket
The teddy bear jacket — sometimes called a "teddy" or "fluffy" jacket — is the more accessible entry point into the shearling category. Often made from synthetic fibres that mimic the look and feel of shearling, teddy jackets offer similar visual warmth at a fraction of the price.
Uniqlo, Mango, and H&M have all done convincing teddy jackets in the £30–£150 range. These are excellent for trying out the trend without a significant financial commitment, and they're often more practical for everyday wear than the real shearling versions.
The styling of a teddy jacket follows the same principles as a real shearling: keep the rest of the outfit simple, let the jacket be the focal point, and consider the silhouette balance. Teddy jackets work over jeans, trousers, dresses, and skirts, and they pair well with both flat and heeled boots.
Colour choices
The classic shearling palette runs through black, brown, and cream. These colours are versatile and timeless, and they pair easily with the rest of a winter wardrobe. A black shearling jacket works over almost anything; a brown version has a more relaxed, outdoorsy feel; a cream version makes a statement.
For those who want to move beyond the classics, several colours have gained popularity in recent seasons:
Chocolate brown
Rich, warm, and deeply autumnal, chocolate brown has emerged as a key colour in the shearling category. It works particularly well with denim and with other warm neutrals like camel, cream, and rust.
Cognac
Cognac shearling has a luxurious, vintage feel. The colour references equestrian style and English countryside wardrobes, and it pairs particularly well with navy, cream, and forest green.
Burgundy
A bolder choice, burgundy shearling adds richness and warmth to a winter outfit. It works particularly well with neutrals and with other jewel tones like forest green and navy.
Forest green
Forest green shearling is a less common but striking choice. It's particularly effective in deep winter, when the green echoes evergreen trees and pine needles.
Grey
A medium heather grey is a more relaxed, casual alternative to black. It works well in oversized and aviator silhouettes and pairs with most winter wardrobes.
The care of shearling
Shearling, whether real or synthetic, requires specific care to maintain its appearance and longevity.
Cleaning
Real shearling should never be machine washed. Spot cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient for small marks. For more serious stains, a specialist leather and shearling cleaner is essential. Most cities have at least one dry cleaner that specialises in leather and shearling; find one and develop a relationship.
Synthetic shearling is more forgiving and can often be machine washed on a delicate setting. Check the care label for specific instructions. Avoid tumble drying, which can damage the fibres.
Storage
Store shearling jackets on wide, padded hangers to maintain the shoulder shape. Avoid plastic garment bags, which can trap moisture and cause mildew. Breathable fabric garment bags are the best option.
For long-term storage, clean the jacket before putting it away, and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Real shearling benefits from being conditioned periodically with a leather conditioner, which keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking.
Brushing
The fleece side of a shearling jacket can become matted over time, particularly at points of friction (under the arms, at the cuffs, around the collar). Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush keeps the fibres fluffy and prevents permanent matting. Brush in the direction of the fibres, not against them.
Water damage
Real shearling is damaged by prolonged exposure to water. If your jacket gets wet, shake off the excess and let it dry naturally away from direct heat. Stuff the sleeves with paper to maintain the shape. Once dry, brush the fleece to restore its appearance.
Synthetic shearling is more water-resistant but should still be allowed to dry naturally rather than being exposed to direct heat.
The investment perspective
A high-quality shearling jacket is an investment piece. Real shearling jackets from reputable brands can cost anywhere from £500 to £5,000, depending on the materials and construction. But a well-cared-for shearling jacket can last decades, which makes the per-wear cost quite reasonable over time.
For those considering their first shearling jacket, the aviator silhouette is the safest choice. It's the most timeless, the most versatile, and the most widely available across price points. Start with a neutral colour (black, brown, or cream) to maximise the number of outfits it works with, and invest in the best quality you can afford.
A shearling jacket is more than just a winter coat — it's a piece of clothing that becomes part of your personal style over time. The right one will serve you well for many winters to come.