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Formerly Westmorland Sheepskins | Family Run | Free UK delivery on orders over £75
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Materials and Care Guide

We believe that less is more and that we should invest well in materials that are made to last. 

Our sheepskin, wool and leather pieces are crafted with care, using natural materials that only grow more beautiful with time. But their longevity depends on how they are made AND how they are cared for.

Each natural fibre has its own character and needs and with this in mind, we’ve pulled together this simple, but effective, care guide to help you. 

Sheepskin

For centuries, sheepskin has been prized for its natural warmth and comfort. With the suede on one side and fleece on the other, its hollow wool fibres insulate in winter and breathe in summer. A by-product of the food industry and fully biodegradable, it’s a material made to last, soften and return gently to the earth.

Looking after your sheepskin

The natural lanolin in wool makes sheepskins naturally resistant to dirt and bacteria. Most of the time, a good shake, a brush and some fresh air on the line will be enough.

Refreshing the fleece / wool

  • Curly Sheepskin (e.g. Gotland or Mongolian) – avoid brushing or combing to keep the curls intact. Regular shakes will keep the sheepskin looking fresh.
  • Long, straight wool (e.g. Toscana or Icelandic) – a wide-toothed comb works well.
  • Short, straight wool (e.g. Merino or British) – opt for a fine-toothed brush, such as a dog brush or rug brush.

Refreshing the suede / leather

  • Surface marks – Wipe printed or Nappa finishes with a damp cloth; use a suede brush or rubber gently on suede.
  • Spot clean – Use mild water and a wool-safe detergent with a damp cloth or sponge; avoid soaking. For tougher stains, use a soft brush lightly.
  • Dry naturally – Air dry slowly away from heat or sunlight, with paper inside to hold shape. 

Washing a sheepskin should be a last resort and we always recommend professional dry cleaning first.

Natural sheepskin should be kept out of strong sunlight as UV light and oxidation of natural fibres and oils can cause the fleece to yellow over time. 

Dyed sheepskin should be kept out of direct sunlight as UV light reacts with the dyes and breaks down the pigments resulting in colour change.

Leather

Many of our products, or components of products, are made from leather. Leather, like sheepskin, is a by-product of the food industry but is without the hair or wool left on.   Every leather has its own characteristics in colour and texture and most commercial leather originates from either Cows, Sheep, Goats, Pigs and Boars, Deer or Buffalo. Explore the different leathers characteristics.

The dense natural fibres make leather both durable and flexible, ageing with a rich patina over time and can last for decades, keeping disposable alternatives out of landfill.

Looking after your leather

Leather only gets better with age. As it’s handled, it absorbs natural oils from your skin, softening over time and keeping it supple – just be mindful of what’s on your hands to avoid transferring unwanted oils or grease.

First, wipe the leather with a damp sponge or cloth to remove any dirt and allow it to dry. Use a natural or saddle soap to gently clean the leather. Soaps that avoid harsh detergents and contain natural oils like glycerine, lanolin or beeswax are best to keep the leather supple.

We recommend using a neutral leather product like Renapur Leather Balsam to treat the leather. Use all soaps, waxes and balsams sparingly.

Should your leather get wet, always leave it to dry slowly and naturally, away from any direct heat.  Be cautious with damp leather, as some colour may transfer to lighter clothing. 

With the right care, your leather goods will age gracefully, gaining character over time.

Wool

Our knitted products are made using British and Merino Wool.

Wool has been spun for centuries from the fleeces of sheep, goats and alpacas, It is valued for its natural ability to regulate heat and wick away moisture and is one of the world’s most versatile natural fibres. Its crimped strands are strong, insulating and naturally antibacterial, keeping warmth in while letting skin breathe. Renewable, resilient and biodegradable, wool remains one of nature’s most sustainable textiles.

Looking after your woollens

Wool and cashmere rarely need washing; airing or even freezing can freshen them just as well. When needed, hand wash or use a cool wool cycle with a mild, wool-safe detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, soaking or heavy rubbing.

Reshape while damp and lay flat on a towel to dry, away from direct heat or sunlight. Never wring or hang, as this can misshape the fibres.

Store carefully and always fold, never hang. Store clean garments with cedar, lavender, or conkers to deter moths. A comb or brush will gently remove any pilling.

Denim

From French origins to American workwear, denim has long been valued for its strength. Made from tightly woven cotton twill, it is extremely robust and  softens and fades with wear, becoming unique to each owner. When washed sparingly, it endures for decades, reducing waste and celebrating longevity.

Looking after your denim

Brush any loose dirt off with a soft brush. Wash your denim as sparingly as possible and the gentler the better, If you spot clean vigorously this can remove areas of colour from your denim.

We use both sustainable cotton and cork for our product labels and some accessories.

Cotton 

Cultivated for millennia, cotton is a plant-based polymer that is soft, breathable and strong when spun into yarn, making it one of the world’s most familiar fibres.  As a natural and biodegradable fibre, it endures when cared for well and leaves little trace when its life is done.

Cork

The honeycomb structure of cork makes it naturally lightweight, insulating and water-resistant.  Harvested without felling the tree and regenerating every nine years, cork is endlessly renewable, recyclable, and one of nature’s most sustainable materials.