Shearling — why it sits at the collar

Shearling is leather and fleece in one piece. Leather outside, fleece inside, no sewn-in fur, no bonding. With us, it sits where it does its job: at the collar.

Where it sits

On the aviators Nox, Forest and Talvi, as a double collar — two layers, with strap and buckle — that wraps around the neck instead of just standing in front of it. White on Forest, black on Nox and Talvi. On the pilot bombers Pete and Pam, narrower, made to turn up. The rest of the jacket is leather — and inside, on the aviators, a warm lining for fall and winter. No fur all over, no costume.

Why the collar

Because that's where the cold gets in. A collar that really closes around your neck does more than another layer under the jacket. And wool absorbs moisture without feeling wet — your neck notices that first.

Why the aviators are heavy

Leather, lining, shearling collar — it adds up. An aviator weighs more than any other jacket in the range. Worn, the weight spreads across the shoulders and you barely notice it; after the first wear you won't want it any other way. If you want a light winter jacket, you're looking for something else.

What to do with it — and what not to

• Brush, don't wash. A soft brush, against the grain, then back. That lifts the fleece on the collar and does more than any treatment.
• Got wet? Let it dry at room temperature. Not on the radiator — heat makes the hide hard, and that can't be reversed.
• Never in the washing machine. Not even on the wool cycle.
• Store it hanging, on a wide hanger, with air all around. No plastic cover.
• No leather grease on the fleece. On the leather side only if it really looks dry — and then sparingly.

You'll find all models with a shearling collar in the Shearling collection.