With temperatures dropping below the national average, shearling is about to become your new best friend. But before you invest in a new fleece-lined layer, check out just what makes it this season’s must-have material.

Shearling refers to the fur that covers an animal’s skin, also known as a pelt, after the shearing process. Once it’s been shorn, the pelt is treated on both sides to yield a soft, insulating material. A typical shearling pelt has conditioned leather – usually suede – on one side, and natural wool on the other.

With just a few stitches, luxurious pelt panels are sewn together to make cold-weather coats that pack some serious heat. But shearling isn’t just for the shoulders. From bags to boots, the two-faced fabric has been making an appearance on this season’s hottest accessories, too. And even better, synthetic versions are always available. There. That polar blast doesn’t seem so bad now, does it?

By Jillian Hudon, Staff Writer

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