New Zealand is renowned for its extensive sheep farming, with approximately 27 million sheep contributing to the production of high-quality wool. This wool is transformed into a wide array of products, including garments, footwear, and outdoor wear, making these versatile items a cherished treasure. However, the utility of sheepskin extends far beyond these common applications, offering numerous benefits and uses that may not be widely known.
Enhancing Comfort and Well-being
Sheepskin products offer a unique blend of comfort and therapeutic advantages, making them suitable for a variety of users and situations.
For Everyday Comfort and Relief
For individuals who spend extended periods sitting, such as office workers, sheepskin provides exceptional plushness and comfort, alleviating the aches and pains associated with prolonged sitting. Its benefits are particularly pronounced for those with limited mobility or the elderly. Sheepskin products are not only effective at regulating temperature, keeping users warmer in winter and cooler in summer, but they also excel at relieving pressure points. These qualities make them ideal for use on traditional seating, including wooden benches, farm-style chairs, and uncomfortable outdoor furniture.
While hard flooring like tiles and wood offers ease of maintenance for busy households, it often lacks a sense of warmth. Sheepskin rugs, in contrast, introduce a welcoming warmth and texture to any space. Large sheepskin rugs can be particularly useful in bedrooms and living areas, providing a soft and inviting surface for children to sit and play. Their aesthetic appeal also extends to commercial settings, where they can add a touch of warmth to contemporary interiors that might otherwise feel stark.
The natural properties of sheepskin make it an excellent choice for infants and young children. Whether for tummy time or for more active toddlers, a sheepskin rug offers a soft, natural, and comforting surface. In the bedroom, often considered a sanctuary, a large or double sheepskin rug can significantly enhance the ambiance, serving as a luxurious alternative to a bed throw.
Comfort for Pets
The comfort benefits of sheepskin are not limited to humans. A sheepskin rug can be an ideal addition to a pet's bed, providing essential cushioning, warmth in colder months, and coolness in warmer weather. Furthermore, sheepskin is gentle on pets' skin and is easy to care for.
Applications in Photography and Travel
Newborn photographers often seek out sheepskin for its dual purpose of providing a comfortable and warm prop for infants while ensuring the baby remains cozy during a photoshoot. The cushioning and support offered by sheepskin are invaluable for these delicate subjects.
Beyond indoor uses, sheepskin proves surprisingly useful in travel and outdoor activities. Sheepskin car seat covers offer enhanced comfort and leverage the natural properties of wool, such as insulation and moisture-wicking. For cyclists, sheepskin bike seat covers provide cushioning and allow for better air circulation, making rides more comfortable. Even for those walking with a stroller, sheepskin can add an unexpected layer of comfort and utility.
The Science Behind Sheepskin's Benefits
The exceptional qualities of sheepskin are rooted in the unique structure and properties of wool fibers and the presence of lanolin.
Thermoregulation and Moisture Management
Sheep wool possesses a microscopic structure that allows it to absorb and release moisture vapor, creating a comfortable microclimate. In warmer conditions, sheepskin wicks away moisture, providing a cooling sensation. Conversely, in colder weather, it traps warmth, offering excellent insulation. This natural thermostatic quality is partly due to the hollow fibers and breathability of the wool pile. Consequently, sleeping on or with sheepskin can contribute to a better night's rest.
Lanolin: The Natural Emollient
Genuine sheepskin wool contains lanolin, a natural wax similar to that found in human skin. Lanolin has antibacterial and moisture-resistant properties, making sheepskin naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. This natural oil also contributes to the skin-soothing properties of sheepskin, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin conditions, eczema, or dryness.
Pressure Relief and Support
The dense, cushioning nature of sheepskin wool provides excellent pressure relief. The crimped strands of wool act like natural springs, absorbing pressure and offering comfortable, natural support. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from arthritis, joint pain, or other inflammatory conditions, as well as for preventing bedsores in the elderly and infirm. The protein layer on the outer surface of wool fibers is exceptionally smooth, allowing fibers to move easily against each other, which enhances comfort and reduces friction.
Hypoallergenic and Antibacterial Properties
Genuine lambskin has properties that can deter pests such as bedbugs. Furthermore, the natural lanolin and the wool's ability to wick moisture contribute to its hypoallergenic and antibacterial characteristics, making it suitable for those with skin sensitivities and promoting a healthier environment.
Durability and Sustainability
Genuine sheepskin is remarkably resilient and, with proper care, can last for many years, even decades. This durability, combined with the fact that sheepskins are typically a by-product of the food industry, makes them a sustainable and responsible choice. Using sheepskins is an act of resourcefulness, preventing waste and honoring the animal's contribution.
Understanding Different Types of Sheepskin
The world of sheepskin is diverse, with various breeds and types offering unique characteristics and aesthetic qualities.
Breed-Specific Varieties
- Texel Sheepskin: Known for its thick, medium-length, and soft wool, offering excellent insulation and durability.
- Icelandic Sheepskin: Characterized by its long, soft, and sometimes curly wool, providing luxurious appearance and natural insulation.
- Gotland Sheepskin: Features beautiful, compact curls and shiny wool in shades of white, silver-gray, to charcoal, offering a sophisticated look.
- Greenland Sheepskin: Offers robust-looking wool and striking colors, sitting between Icelandic and Gotland types in appearance.
- Scandinavian Sheepskin: Known for its thick, super-soft wool, providing excellent natural insulation and a stylish, timeless look.
- Curly Sheepskin: Exhibits striking natural curls, adding a dynamic and interesting atmosphere to interiors.
- Mongolian/Tibetan Sheepskin: Exceptionally light and silky, closer to fur, and highly packable.
- Swedish Sheepskin: Unimaginably soft and supple with a refined, silky character.
- Holland Sheepskin: Notably large in size, impressive in weight and density, with a commanding presence.
Specialized Types
- Medical Sheepskin: Purpose-built for uniform comfort and therapeutic support, often used for pressure relief and in healthcare settings.
- Single, Double, and Quad Pelts: Refers to the number of sheepskins joined together to create larger rugs.
- Wool Lengths: Sheepskins are categorized by wool length: Short Wool (½” to 1.5″), Medium Wool (2″ to 5″), and Long Wool (5″-8″).
Genuine vs. Faux Sheepskin
It is crucial to distinguish between genuine sheepskin and its synthetic counterparts.
Genuine Sheepskin
A genuine sheepskin rug is a tanned and preserved sheep hide with the wool naturally attached. These products are unique, with slight variations in color, shape, and wool density being hallmarks of their natural origin. The tanning process, involving stabilization of collagen fibers and softening, results in a soft, supple, and durable product that is not mass-produced.
Faux Sheepskin
Faux alternatives are typically made from synthetic materials, often containing a high percentage of urethane, a synthetic polymer. These products are not biodegradable and, after a short lifespan, end up in landfills. While marketed as ethical, their production and disposal have long-term environmental consequences.
Care and Maintenance of Sheepskin
Proper care ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your sheepskin products.
General Care
Regularly shake the rug outdoors to remove loose dust. Use a wide-toothed sheepskin or slicker brush to restore the wool's loft, always brushing in the direction of the wool to prevent matting. Genuine sheepskin rugs possess a natural scent, an indicator of their authenticity, which typically softens after airing.
Cleaning and Washing
Spot cleaning is recommended for minor spills. Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth, and for stubborn stains, use a small amount of diluted wool-safe detergent, followed by blotting. For more thorough cleaning, a no-rinse wool wash can be applied directly to the wool, worked gently, and allowed to air dry, taking care not to wet the suede backing.
Important Note: Never submerge or machine-wash sheepskin with a suede backing, as this can cause the leather to harden and the wool fibers to fall out. Dyed sheepskins should generally be dry-cleaned if soiled. For sheepskins tanned to be machine washable, use a specialized wool wash and follow specific instructions to avoid damage.
Storage
Store clean and dry sheepskins in a breathable cotton bag or loosely rolled in a pillowcase, away from direct light, in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture.
Sheepskin in Home Decor and Lifestyle
Sheepskin rugs and accessories add a touch of natural beauty, warmth, and texture to any interior.
Decorative Uses
Sheepskins can be used as floor coverings, draped over furniture, or even hung as wall decorations. Their natural, organic shapes and textures can create an instant atmosphere of cozy warmth. For decorative purposes, unique types like multicolor, Icelandic, Greenland, and Gotland sheepskins are often favored for their distinct aesthetic appeal.
Seating and Sleeping Surfaces
For seating, sheepskins with medium-length wool, such as Texel or Scandinavian types, are ideal due to their firm and compact wool density. For lying on, Texel sheepskins offer excellent support, while Scandinavian sheepskins provide a softer wool option. For medical purposes, specially designed medical sheepskins are the best choice for pressure relief and prolonged comfort.
Outdoor Adventures
Sheepskin products are also suitable for outdoor use, such as around a fire pit, over camp chairs, or on picnic benches. However, they should be brought indoors when not in use and not exposed to wet conditions for extended periods. Dyed sheepskins are not recommended for outdoor use due to potential fading from sunlight.