Shearling Blankets: The Ultimate Blend of Luxury and Warmth
In a world of synthetic substitutes and lab-grown stand-ins, authentic shearling blankets stand apart as a material and as an experience. Even in the realm of natural materials, it’s exceptional; there is no mistaking the weight of it in your hands, the depth of its pile, or the way it transforms a space from simply furnished to genuinely luxurious.
But not all shearling is created equal. What makes great shearling, and how does it differ from common alternatives like sherpa? In this guide, we’ll explore what a shearling blanket is, how it’s made, and why it’s uniquely suited for winter warmth, using our own shearling blanket, now available in a second color, as an example.
What is a Shearling Blanket?
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Our shearling blanket is made from natural sheepskin, with wool on one side and leather on the other. This combination provides natural warmth, softness, and durability, making it both luxurious and functional. Shearling throw blankets are often warmer and longer-lasting than synthetic alternatives.
At Moore & Giles, our shearling blankets are crafted from Spanish tanned hides, reflecting the brand’s dedication to quality and artisanal craftsmanship.
Key features:
- Warm and breathable wool for winter comfort
- Durable leather backing for longevity
- Soft, luxurious texture that enhances any space
- A blanket that develops character over time
Double-Faced: Why It Makes Our Shearling Blankets Exceptional
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To most people, all shearling is the same. They see softness, feel warmth, and assume all versions are roughly equivalent. But spend a moment with truly exceptional shearling, and the distinctions become impossible to ignore.
The shearling we’ve used on our blankets is tanned in Spain from its rough, rawhide state, which gives the tanner complete control over the type of finished product they want. Beyond color, the fibers of shearling can be trimmed, shorn, ironed straight, curled, printed on, among other techniques.
In the case of our blankets, the tanners also finish the reverse, suede side of the material (which typically stays unfinished and shaggy, necessitating a lining to cover it up) allowing for two effects on one hide. This technique is called double-facing and is a hallmark of superior craftsmanship.
On our blankets, the shearling side has been ironed into a silky, deep pile while the suede underside has been finished to a velvety finish that complements or contrasts the shearling, depending on your color choice. While the blanket has heft, using a single layer of material with two unique faces, eliminates unwanted bulk.
Double-facing requires additional time and skill but the result is a piece that's beautiful from every angle, with a refined drape and hand that lesser versions simply cannot achieve. This careful finishing is one reason why our shearling blankets are warmer and more luxurious than sherpa alternatives.
Building a Shearling Blanket that Lasts
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Our blanket is 70 inches long by 60 inches wide. Since hides have natural limits and single-thickness shearling means there’s nowhere to hide seams, creating a shearling throw blanket of that size presents several unique challenges.
The Spanish artisans who cut and sew each blanket work with precision and plan out the construction meticulously. Each blanket is composed of thirty individual panels, each one carefully selected and matched for color consistency and texture. To avoid infringing upon (or having to trim!) the shearling, the pieces are joined with a specialized serged technique that creates an almost invisible seam. Despite being a single layer, the stitch lines virtually disappear, creating the illusion of one continuous, flowing textile. The finished blanket offers true coverage and presence, whether draped across the foot of a bed, gathered on a sofa, or laid across your lap.
This level of construction requires hours of handwork. Each panel must align perfectly with its neighbors. The stitching must be secure enough to last generations while remaining subtle enough to preserve the blanket's visual continuity and comfort.
Because of this precise craftsmanship, a high-quality shearling blanket offers both warmth and longevity, making it a worthy winter essential.
Ready to feel the difference? Purchase the Shearling Blanket and enjoy natural warmth that lasts season after season.
The Long Life and Luxury of a Shearling Blanket
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Wherever your blanket winds up, it is sure to become the detail that adds textural interest and elevates an entire room. That said, it’s more than just a pretty face! Like our other natural leathers, it rewards daily use with gradual patination: it molds to your routines, becomes part of your rituals, develops the subtle burnishing of a well-loved object that has earned its place in your home.
At $2,800, this is unquestionably a considered purchase. But understanding what you're acquiring—the double-faced finishing that most manufacturers skip, the thirty-panel construction that requires days of skilled handwork, the Spanish artisanal tradition—helps reframe the cost as an investment in something genuinely extraordinary that can be passed down and that improves rather than deteriorates with age.
In a world increasingly filled with disposable goods designed for obsolescence, there's profound satisfaction in owning something that is free from trends and novelty, is built to endure, and whose quality is evident in every detail. Our shearling blanket exists firmly in that category: an authentic expression of luxury that needs no apology and offers no compromise.
Browse our full collection of leather throws now.
FAQs
Shearling vs sherpa: which is warmer?
Shearling provides natural insulation and warmth while synthetic sherpa is softer but less insulating. For cold winter months, shearling blankets are the superior choice.
Is shearling warm enough for the winter?
Yes. Shearling traps heat naturally while remaining breathable, making it perfect for winter.
Is shearling leather?
Yes. Shearling is a full sheepskin where the wool is left attached, so one side is the tanned leather (the hide) and the other side is the natural wool fleece.
Why choose a shearling throw blanket?
A shearling throw blanket adds both warmth and luxurious texture to your living space. Unlike synthetic alternatives, it develops character over time and can last for generations.
Are Moore & Giles shearling blankets eco-friendly?
Our blankets are made from responsibly sourced, tanned hides, crafted to last for generations. Investing in a Moore & Giles shearling blanket supports sustainable, artisanal practices over disposable alternatives.