Sheepskin is used for everything from winter boots and jackets to medical bedding, car seat covers, and equestrian gear. Its popularity across so many industries comes down to a few remarkable natural properties: wool fibers that regulate temperature in both hot and cold conditions, the ability to absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, and a natural coating of lanolin that conditions skin and resists bacteria. The global sheepskin market reflects this versatility, with consumption reaching an estimated 2.4 million tons in 2024, valued at $4.6 billion.
Clothing and Footwear
Shearling, which is sheepskin that has been shorn to a uniform wool length, is one of the most recognizable forms of the material in fashion. It shows up in jackets, vests, hats, gloves, and boot linings. The appeal is straightforward: the wool side traps body heat through thousands of tiny air pockets formed by crimped fibers, while the leather side blocks wind. Unlike synthetic insulation that can leave you sweaty, sheepskin actively wicks moisture away from the skin and lets air circulate through its hollow fibers.
In footwear, sheepskin linings function like a built-in climate system. The fibers pull sweat away from your feet, and because the material can hold so much moisture before it feels damp, your feet stay dry and comfortable across a wide temperature range. This is why sheepskin-lined boots and slippers remain popular even in milder weather. The material keeps you warm without overheating.
Medical and Pressure Sore Prevention
One of sheepskin’s most significant uses is in healthcare, where medical-grade sheepskin overlays help prevent pressure ulcers in patients who spend extended time in beds or wheelchairs. These aren’t decorative products. Medical sheepskin is specifically designed with a dense, uniform 25mm wool pile on a leather backing, and it works by reducing pressure on the skin, minimizing friction and shear forces when a patient shifts position, and wicking away moisture that would otherwise soften and damage skin.
The clinical evidence is strong. A randomized controlled trial published in The Medical Journal of Australia found that patients lying on a medical sheepskin overlay developed new pressure ulcers at less than half the rate of patients receiving standard care alone. The sheepskin group had a 9.6% incidence of pressure ulcers compared to 16.6% in the control group, a 40% reduction in individual risk. An earlier trial in elderly orthopedic patients found an even larger effect: a 68% reduction in pressure ulcer incidence.
This makes sheepskin overlays a practical, drug-free tool for hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings. They’re used as partial mattress overlays (placed directly under the patient without a sheet covering them) and also shaped into wheelchair seat pads and pillow covers for patients with limited mobility.
The Role of Lanolin
Much of sheepskin’s skin-friendly reputation traces back to lanolin, the waxy substance sheep produce naturally to condition their wool. Lanolin contains antioxidant compounds and has mild antibacterial properties, including terpenes that show activity against certain microorganisms. It also has immunomodulatory effects, meaning it supports the skin’s own defense systems rather than acting as a direct antimicrobial.
These qualities explain why lanolin is widely used as a standalone ingredient in moisturizers, lotions, and healing ointments. When it remains in sheepskin products, it gives the material a natural softness and helps keep skin in contact with it from drying out or becoming irritated. This is particularly valuable in medical applications and for infant products, where skin is more delicate.
Car Seats and Home Furnishings
Sheepskin car seat covers are popular for the same reason the material works well in clothing: temperature regulation that works year-round. In winter, the wool fibers trap air and warm up quickly against your body. In summer, they absorb sweat and wick it away, preventing the sticky, overheated feeling you get from leather or vinyl seats. Sheepskin also adds a layer of cushioning that reduces fatigue on long drives and protects the original upholstery from wear.
At home, sheepskin shows up as rugs, throw blankets, chair pads, and decorative accents. It works on leather, wood, metal, and plastic surfaces, which makes it a versatile choice for dining chairs, bench seats, and office chairs. Beyond aesthetics, the same comfort and temperature properties that make it useful in cars apply to any seat you spend time in.
Equestrian Gear
Sheepskin has a long history in horseback riding, where it serves a very specific function: protecting both horse and rider from friction and impact. Sheepskin saddle pads contain over 3,000 fibers per square inch, and those fibers work together as a natural shock absorber. They cushion the horse’s back against the rigid saddle, prevent chafing and rubbing, and absorb sweat far more efficiently than synthetic pads. Because sheepskin releases moisture to the air quickly, it keeps the area under the saddle cooler and drier during rides. The natural lanolin in the fibers also makes the material gentler on the horse’s skin than most alternatives.
Infant Products and Safety
Sheepskin baby rugs and crib liners are marketed for comfort and temperature regulation, and many parents use them as play mats or stroller liners. The material’s softness and moisture management make it appealing for newborns and infants. However, there are important safety considerations for sleep.
Research published in the Journal of Pediatrics examined sheepskin use and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk. For babies placed on their backs to sleep, sheepskin bedding was not associated with an increased risk of SIDS. But for infants placed face-down (prone), sheepskin use was linked to a significantly higher risk, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.70. The takeaway is clear: if your baby sleeps on their back, as current guidelines recommend, sheepskin underbedding does not appear to add risk. But sheepskin should not be used under babies who sleep face-down.
Where Sheepskin Comes From
China is the world’s largest sheepskin producer, accounting for 28% of global output at roughly 628,000 tons per year. Australia follows at 257,000 tons, and India ranks third at 165,000 tons. China also dominates consumption, purchasing 38% of global supply for its domestic manufacturing industries.
Sheepskin is generally considered a sustainable material because it’s a byproduct of the meat industry. The hides would otherwise go to waste. For buyers concerned about processing chemicals and labor practices, certification programs exist to verify responsible production. The OEKO-TEX Leather Standard, for example, tests finished leather goods for harmful substances. Their MADE IN GREEN label goes further, verifying both chemical safety and sustainable, socially responsible manufacturing conditions throughout the supply chain.
Caring for Sheepskin Products
The key to maintaining sheepskin is preserving its natural lanolin and avoiding heat. Soaking or submerging sheepskin for extended periods strips lanolin and natural oils from the hide, which can harden the leather backing and reduce the material’s softness and moisture-wicking ability. Dry cleaning has a similar effect and is generally not recommended.
For small stains, spot cleaning works best. Use a damp, soft cloth in a circular motion, starting from the outside of the stain and working inward, then press with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture. For full washing, hand washing in cold water with a small amount of wool-specific detergent (not regular laundry soap) is the gentlest option. If you machine wash, use the most delicate cycle with cool or warm water, never exceeding 100°F (38°C). Avoid biological enzymes, bleach, alkaline products, and fabric softeners.
Drying matters just as much. Never use a tumble dryer or place sheepskin near direct heat, which causes the leather to harden and shrink. Instead, gently pull the leather backing back to its original shape while it’s still damp, then let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Good airflow speeds drying and helps the fibers recover their natural loft.