Toscana Long Sheepskin Gilet

Shearling sheepskin is the pelt of a young sheep (usually 1-2 years old) that has only once been shorn, sheared to an even depth, then tanned with the wool still intact. Shearling has a sublimely soft quality due to the breed of sheep it is from whereas regular sheepskin can be wiry and ragged.

This depends on you. Only buy your sheepskin from a seller that sources its pelts from sheep that have already entered the food chain. Sheep used to be raised for their wool, but now it's primarily for meat. In the UK alone, 15 million sheepskins are burned or buried each year. So when you buy your shearling garment, check that the pelts are sourced as a by product. This is more likely if from the EU as it has controls to ensure sheep are humanely bred and treated according to ethical welfare standards. Pink Avocet pelts meet this criteria.

Sheep are rarely slaughtered just for their skin.

The antithesis of fast-fashion, sheepskin lasts a lifetime and is completely biodegradable. So you can look good and feel really good (about yourself!).

• A natural product, shearling insulates and retains warmth, even in very cold climates
• Breathableand regulates your body temperature
• Water-repellent suede, and moisture wicking fur
• Timeless fashion statement piece
• Exquisitely soft and luxurious
• Very long-lasting and ages wonderfully, growing in suppleness over time
• Ounce to ounce, it is stronger than steel!
• A durable, long-lasting investment resistant to scratches, tears and soiling.
• Hypoallergenic. Lanolin, a natural moisturizer, improves health of skin
• Flame-resistant, static-resistant, and wind-proof
• Antibacterial(due to lanolin)
• Requires little maintenance or care, easy to clean
• Excellent example of re-using a food by-product

Shearling can come from many different breeds which determines its softness, warmth and durability. Merino has short fur and can be wiry and ragged. Toscana is the pinnacle of softnesswith uniformly long fur and creates the warmest shearling garments.

The Toscana breed of sheep, also known as the "Tuscan" breed or "Pecora della Maremma" in Italian, originates from the Tuscany region of central Italy. Specifically, the breed developed in the Maremma area, which encompasses parts of Tuscany and Lazio, and is known for its rugged, hilly terrain.

The Toscana sheep is a hardy breed that is well-suited to the local climate and landscape, with a distinctive dark brown or black coat and large, twisting horns. Historically, the breed was raised primarily for meat and milk production, as well as for wool and leather. Today, the Toscana breed is considered an important cultural and ecological resource in the region, and efforts are underway to preserve and promote the breed.

Our garments are hand-tailored by skilled artisans in our workshop in London, England

Origin and provenance is important, for both quality and ethics. All our sheepskin pelts are sourced from EU countries. Spain, Italy, Portugal tends to produce the highest quality pelts.

Yes. Contact us with your specific sizes and we will customise your garment to fit