How to choose a men’s shearling jacket, according to who earns a living

Let’s face it: most of us don’t necessarily to need a men’s shearling jacket. But when the fall and winter months arrive, it’s always a good thing to have. Because they look great.

First introduced in the early 1900s, shearling jackets were originally worn by military personnel who needed to stay even warmer. The natural insulation of the namesake material (sheep or lamb skin) was perfect for low temperatures and high altitudes. So, in the 1920s, air forces around the world began to adopt them as part of their standard uniform. This is why they played such an important role in Band of Brothers spin off, Air Masters. And yes, they looked great too.

Fast forward more than a hundred years, and the shearling jacket has completed its assimilation into the world of men’s fashion. Justin Bieber uses them. Michael B. Jordan too. And earlier this year, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg was even spotted at one. According to The New York Timesit was all part of his brilliance. Or your Metamorphosis, you decide.

Although men’s shearling jackets sometimes look like a homogenous blob, the differences are subtle and the impacts are big. So we spoke to a few menswear shoppers and designers for some tips before you hit that checkout button.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Shearling Jacket

#1: Aftercare Comes First

Shearling jackets are made from all types of porous materials, such as leather and suede. They can also get a little pricey, so you need to make sure you can give them all the TLC they deserve. This makes the right kit essential.

“Taking time to consider aftercare for your shearling coat is just as important as taking time to consider your initial purchase,” says Jack Hearfield, senior assistant buyer, heavy jersey and wool menswear at Next. “A good waterproofing solution and moisturizing agent will put you in good stead to continue using your shearling jacket for years to come.”

#2: Think about color

When most guys think of shearling jackets, they think of the classic tans of the ’80s and ’90s. This is a look that’s still in style even after 40 years, having recently been seen on the runways at Acne Studios and Loro Piana. But if you’re looking for something that’s more wearable, opt for neutral tones.

“Black, brown or camel colors will complement most of your wardrobe and provide a cleaner, more refined aesthetic,” says Dean Walker, energy director at End Clothing. “The Loewe shearling jacket ticks all the boxes. With its medium-weight curly merino shearling lining, it’s an understated yet timeless piece of jewelry.”

#3: Then Prioritize Fit

Now that you’ve decided on the color you want, you need to think about fit. This season, military-inspired jackets are flying once again thanks to shows like Air Masters. These offer a more relaxed fit. But we don’t all look like Austin Butler or Barry Keoghan, so you might want to explore some other attacks as well.

“Square fits have been dominating the runway lately, with standout pieces from Lemaire, Our Legacy and ERL all nodding to workwear themes,” says Chris Fisher, senior menswear buyer at Browns. “In contrast, more structured and refined styles from Tom Ford and Dries Van Noten show a more elegant and elegant approach to wearing shearling.”

#4: Shearling jackets can also be layered

Okay, so shearling coats are generally bulkier. But if you’re someone who lives and breathes layers, you should probably think about getting a shearling fleece instead of. They are cozy and warm like traditional pieces, but they can also be worn with other jackets to further increase their fit.