In recent times there has become a fashion for fake or synthetic sheepskin rugs, often touted as a more cost friendly and cruelty free option to an authentic natural pelt - but do those reasons really stand? In this blog post I'll discuss real vs fake sheepskins, the materials and properties of both products, how to recognise both products and whether the claims for fake vs real are truly valid.

What is the difference between real and faux sheepskin?

There are several differences between real and faux sheepskin, some obvious, and some you may not have previously considered.

Materials

Real sheepskins are just that - the skin of a real sheep. They are an entirely natural product with a long history. Soft and supple suede on one side and, dense, soft, springy wool on the other. In comparison, faux sheepskins are manufactured from synthetic materials often derived from the oil industry.

The Quality

There is simply no comparison in the quality of the two products.

Good quality real sheepskins are an investment, as if treated correctly they will last and give years and years of supportive comfort and warmth. In contrast, while faux sheepskins are a lot cheaper, they are not cost effective. They offer none of the natural properties of a natural fleece, they are not supportive, they do not reduce excess moisture or offer temperature regulating properties. In fact of the latter two, due to the nature of the material used, they can be heat and moisture causing!

The Feel

Real wool is densely packed and incredibly soft. On a sheepskin that hasn't been clipped to length (like the medical sheepskin for example), each strand of fleece ends in a tapered tip, making it easy to run your fingers through on a newly brushed rug and the fleece feels springy and keeps its shape. This is unlike the synthetic fleeces that generally end in a blunt tip, as if the fleece has been clipped. This can give it a prickly feel - almost plasticity on the cheaper faux pelts. They also compact down a lot faster than a real fleece and then tend to stay compacted.

The Price

A real good quality sheepskin is an investment, not a throwaway purchase. It will give years of supportive comfort and warmth for the price you pay. Faux sheepskins are a lot cheaper - cheaper than a real one could ever be - but tend to be made cheaply too. They are not cost effective in the long run and will not last the duration.

Water Resistance

Real sheepskin is water resistant. There are tiny microscopic scales on each individual fibre, and these scales (or shingles as they are known) resemble tree bark and all orient in the same direction. Additionally each woollen fibre is coated in lanolin, a naturally occurring substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands in the sheep's skin, its primary function being to coat the wool fibres proving the fleece with protection from the elements.

In contrast, faux sheepskin will become immediately saturated when in contact with water, so they are not always a practical choice.

Care

For a real sheepskin, the first port of call is to brush your sheepskin with a sheepskin brush when the wool fibre has flattened or started to matt, then shake vigorously outside to remove the loose dust and dirt remembering that you can always vacuum on an upholstery setting. If you keep on top of this then your fleece will stay nice and fluffy.

For unwanted spills and stains then try to just spot clean stains with a with a damp cloth and then hang outside on a dry day to refresh the sheepskin. If all else fails and you must wash then wash on a cold/cool machine cycle with a wool detergent. Add a little glycerine or lanolin to the fabric conditioner drawer to help keep the back supple and re shape while wet remembering to dry away from direct heat. When its fully dry use a sheepskin brush to separate the wool fibres.

For a faux sheepskin you would follow the instructions on the label, depending on what material was used in its construction. However, as they lack durability and water resistance and tend to compact quickly, it is not always possible to revive them in the way you can with the real thing.

Durability

Genuine sheepskin is incredibly tough and durable, it is after all what used to protect the animal it came from! If looked after with care it will last decades. It is almost impossible to tear and will withstand heavy furniture being placed on top of it. It is very difficult to burn, hence was also traditionally used a fireside rug (due to the fact that when a spark lands on it, it wont burst into flames but will only let off a tiny stream of smoke as the wool fibres singe and then go out) and is water resistant.

Faux sheepskin, on the other hand, shares none of the above properties. It can certainly look nice and decorative, but without any of the practicality a real sheepskin rug brings.

Sustainability

Sheepskins are a by product of the meat and farming industry. Due to their durability sheepskins, as well as any products made from them, will last a long time. In the case of rugs and items that are not being worn they can last decades, reducing the need to replace with multiple purchases.

Due to new regulations, farming methods and production methods, sheepskins are far more ethically produced than you might imagine. The animals are kept to high welfare standards and quality of life. Modern tanning methods are non polluting and non toxic and the skins themselves are 100% biodegradable. The product needs infrequent washing, if washing is needed at all - and as a natural fibre, sheepskins do not contribute to microplastic pollution.

Faux sheepskins are not durable, and unlike real sheepskin synthetic sheepskin is manufactured using synthetic fibers and non-renewable petroleum-based products. It isn't biodegradable, and takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.

Is synthetic sheepskin as good as real sheepskin?

As the owner of a sheepskin company, with sheepskin being my real passion, I am naturally biased on the topic of whether synthetic sheepskin is as good as real. However, this is because I have come to know a lot about the topic over the years.

There is the argument that artificial sheepskin is a good substitute for real sheepskin at a fraction of the cost, but in reality this rarely turns out to be true in the way people expect. Real sheepskin has been used for centuries due to its durability and health giving properties. Its supportive of the sick and infirm, helping to guard against pressure sores. It regulates body temperature and wicks moisture away from the body helping heal ulcers. It gives warmth and is a great comforter to infants, the sick and infirm. And also each pelt has its own and unique beauty!

Faux sheepskin gives none of the above attributes and is only of decorative use. Once its best days are behind it, something that happens very quickly in comparison to the real thing, it no longer serves this decorative use and only serves to contribute to pollution and landfill. I would argue that its an actual waste of money and one would be better to save the old fashioned way to buy only once, but a product that will last a lifetime.

Is faux sheepskin as warm as real sheepskin?

Synthetic sheepskin may look warm, but it is simply not as warm as a real sheepskin would be. Sheepskins have a very high density of wool fibre per square centimetre, the fibres are coated with tiny scales and these little scales ‘lock’ the wool fibres together enabling the whole pelt to trap the air and insulate the wearer. In comparison, faux sheepskin fibres are smooth with a much less density per square centimetre. They have very little heat retaining properties, so unfortunately just cannot compare in the warmth stakes.

How can you tell if sheepskin is real?

There are several different ways of identifying the difference between real and faux sheepskin.

Feel it

Natural sheepskin has many different textures depending on the breed of sheep that the skin originated from, but the first difference you will notice between a real sheepskin and a faux one is the density of the fibres. Natural wool is also much softer whereas the faux fibres tend to feel more silky, plasticky and also in some cases quite prickly where the fibre shaft has been cut at the end.

Examine the pelt

This is one of the easiest ways to tell what you're looking at; take a look at the back of the skin. The natural sheepskin is a piece leather/suede. It should be thick and supple, but not as flimsy as a piece of cloth - a good natural skin is 1mm + thick and you wouldn't be able to screw it up in yours hands like a ball of cloth.

Turn the skin onto its side and look at the way the wool fibres attach to it. With a natural skin you’ll see no indentation as the fibre attaches, just like the hairs on your arms you wont notice a ‘join’.

Look at the wool, and take note of the density per square inch. Natural sheepskin has very dense wool, much denser then faux sheepskin. Look at the ends of each wool fibre; are they naturally tapered, or are they squared off? Unless you’ve bought a medical sheepskin that is clipped to the height of an inch, the ends of your wool fibres should be naturally tapered into a fine point.

Take note of the colour

Colour can also be a good indicator of whether your skin is real or faux. Unless you have a naturally fully cream or brown breed, real sheepskins don’t tend to be of an entirely block colour. For the darker breeds, often the sun has bleached the tips of the wool fibres just as they do your own hair. Faux sheepskins, as they are mass produced, are often more likely to be a block colour.

How they behave in the sunlight can also provide a clue; real sheepskins don't fade in the sun, unless they have been dyed. Dyed skins will always fade in natural sunlight (although do note that this does include dyed natural sheepskins), often turning green or purple in over exposure.

Is real sheepskin better than fake?

Yes! The conclusion is a most definite yes! Not only are sheepskins ecologically friendly, biodegradable and non toxic, they are first and foremost a by product of the meat and farming industry, helping the whole animal to be used and limiting waste. There are many benefits of choosing a real sheepskin over the fake alternative, from value for money, durability and a whole range of health benefits - not forgetting their natural beauty, and the fact that they are individually unique and highly decorative, adding warmth and texture wherever they are placed.

Explore our website to browse our fabulous range of sheepskin rugs, or get in touch if we can create something bespoke for you.

You may have heard the term 'medical sheepskin' when looking for a solution to a problem or when browsing sheepskin products online; but why do people buy these, and what are the benefits?

I'm often asked to advise on the best sheepskin for the elderly and infirm and always send the inquirer to our Medical Sheepskins.

Medical sheepskins are specifically designed for the purpose; they are a high density pelt with the wool clipped to a regimented length to give the best support. They help guard against pressure sores, aid the healing of ulcers, are hypoallergenic and reduce allergy risk, are temperature regulating, dirt, water and flame resistant.

And if that isn't enough - they are of course a naturally comforting material that is easily portable.

What is a medical sheepskin?

A Medical sheepskin is a type of sheepskin that provides superior pressure care support and has been used for century's to guard against and aid the heeling of pressure sores, aid comfort of those with disability, mobility issues and the bed ridden.

Medical grade sheepskin is typically made from a particularly large skin that has a high wool fibre count and density, and has been clipped to the same length to ensure that it is supportive and comfortable.

Unlike your standard sheepskin, these skins undergo a special longer tanning process which enables them to be machine washed frequently.

What are the benefits of a medical sheepskin?

As I've mentioned, medical sheepskins come with plenty of benefits. Here I've explained a little more about each.

Temperature regulation

The natural temperature regulating properties of wool help to keep an individual warm without overheating; nature's answer to a thermostat! Medical sheepskin manages this via hollow fibres that allow air to circulate through the wool, making it breathable.

Reduces excess moisture

A good quality medical sheepskin will have the ability to wick away a third of its own weight in moisture before dampness is felt. That paired with the sheepskin's ability to manage airflow via its hollow fibres reduces the amount of moisture collecting on your skin. This works to stop you overheating or sweating and aids in a more comfortable rest, as well as reduction in skin inflammation.

Improves blood circulation

The sheepskin is made from a particularly large pelt with a high wool fibre count. The wool pile is clipped to approximate 1” (26mm) with a high density of wool pile per square cm and higher fibre diameter (higher micron rating). A higher pile density means better pressure support. Higher wool pile diameter means the pile will not depress as easily enabling airflow and temperature regulation that aids blood circulation.

Comfortable

The thickness and density of medical sheepskin helps to distribute pressure evenly, making it very comfortable and supportive to the body. This even distribution of pressure also helps to prevent bedsores.

Versatile

Medical sheepskins are incredibly versatile due to the fact that they are both portable and washable.

Not only can they be used on the bed or chair at home (great on your favourite reading chair!), but they are also fabulous for babies, on the nursery floor or nursing chair. They travel well which is very useful for wheelchair users and anyone who may have a few health issues travelling abroad.

Not to mention that they are also great for the ageing or invalid pet!

Here at The Fabulous Fleece Company we have the standard size and extra large of medical sheepskins but can can also stitch bespoke orders. We often stitch two, three or even four together to cover mattresses and sofas.

Highly durable

A good quality sheepskin, if looked after correctly in line with the care instructions, will last you years. Its always important to buy the best quality you can; they are an organic product and if the tanning process was shortened or applied incorrectly they will start to break down. As a rule of thumb with medical sheepskins, the fleece should be exceptionally dense and an inch in height, and the skin itself should be thick and supple.

When washing and drying a skin you should always keep heat away from it in the washing and drying process, so use a wool wash or wool-skin and line dry on a sunny day.

If you think you or a family member would benefit from some of the fantastic properties of medical grade sheepskin, do take a look at our products at The Fabulous Fleece Company. Our Medical Sheepskins have many natural health benefits - providing support for pressure points and achy limbs, regulating your body temperature to improve circulation, plus being kind to skin and bacteria repellent. They can help promote more restful sleep, offer comfort to you, to infants, to those with health challenges, and even to your well loved family pet.

After too long an absence our Flordon Firepipes are once again back online for sale, and just in time as the colder months creep forward and folk are looking for that special Christmas present. After the retirement of our original blacksmith it took some time to find another who was willing to take on the task, but we have and now they are forged by Athur Purdy, a young blacksmith from North Norfolk.

Arthur had wanted to forge from a very early age and on leaving school managed to persuade the local Holkham forge to take him on as an apprentice. There he learnt the basic skills which allowed him to move to Hereford to attend the Collage for a two year diploma course. He then moved home to a workshop on the family run garden centre where he started his business by producing plant supports and garden furniture.

Eleven years on and Arthur is as busy as ever, demonstrating at agricultural shows and selling at craft fairs, he specialises in Repoussé and chasing. Repoussé is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction.

Either way his workshop is adorned by the most striking and beautiful examples of his work, and walking around it is a fascinating way to while away time on a cold afternoon in October, with the roar of the forge and the rhythmic sound of hammer on metal in the background its really quite enchanting.

Lucy x