Sheepskin frequently asked questions:

Q1. What is slink and how does it compare with shearling sheepskin?

Slink is spring lamb hide. Shearling is hide from older sheep - typically one to two years old. Shearling hides are larger, thicker and the wool is indeed shorn to a uniform length (usually less than half an inch in length). Slink hides are softer, more supple and lighter in weight than shearling hides. The wool on slink hides is naturally short & curly and prickle-free - slink wool doesn't need to be shorn. Sometimes the wool on our slink hides is "ironed" straight to cater to those customers who prefer a more "fur-like" appearance on their coats.

Q2. Why haven't I heard of "slink" before?

Slink has been around since the sun started rising in the east, but by its nature, it's supply is very limited and what is produced is highly prized and not widely distributed. Typically, because of its cost, lambskin slink has only been found in high-end fur salons in major cities (as a comparison, the cost of slink hides per square foot is double the cost of the finest Spanish Merino-entrefino hides).

Q3. Doesn't a sheepskin coat have to be thick and heavy to be warm?

No. All sheepskin coats will keep you warm. The wool in a sheepskin coat is naturally warming and wonderful at retaining body heat. Natural sheepskin leathers and wool fur also breathe to facilitate air-flow and reduce overheating. By its nature, slink wool is the most efficient at thermal retention. Although a thicker and denser wool fur barrier will provide increased insulation to the cold, there is a tradeoff. Thick wool fleece makes coats heavier and bulkier and less supple and therefore they tend to be less comfortable. If you believe that thicker is better, be sure to buy an oversized coat with a generous cut to ensure that thick wool fleece doesn't constrict your movements and the circulation in your arms, chest and shoulders. Another disadvantage with very thick wool fleece is that it doesn't breathe as well as slink or fleece shorn to a half-inch length or less. Consequently, most people find heavy shearling coats to be uncomfortable to wear except in the very coldest weather (well below zero F). In our experience one of the most important factors in a warm sheepskin coat is the length. Coats which cover the rear-end will provide a warmer experience than those that are hip-length or shorter. A hood or a sheepskin hat also is a key factor in how warm you will feel.

Q4. How long does it take to receive a special order (size or color)?

Our men's and women's slink sheepskin coats can be made to order and delivered to you in approximately 4 weeks.