One of the most popular and adaptable materials in the fashion industry is sheepskin. It is a well-liked option for coats, jackets, and accessories because of its warmth, softness, and inherent beauty. However, did you know that not every sheepskin is created equal? Sheepskin comes in a variety of forms, each distinguished by special qualities.
Astragan, mouton, and striga are some of the most popular sheepskin varieties; each has unique qualities. While mouton is prized for its dense, velvety finish that mimics sheared beaver or seal fur, astragan is prized for its tight curls and opulent texture. On the other hand, Striga is a favorite in high-fashion circles due to its distinctive glossy, shiny appearance.
You can choose more wisely when buying apparel or accessories if you are aware of the distinctions between these kinds of sheepskin. Knowing what each type offers will help you choose the ideal item for your wardrobe, whether you’re searching for something incredibly soft, robust, or just plain fashionable.
- What is sheepskin?
- Types of sheepskin by fleece type
- Types of fur by processing method (striga, mouton, tsigeika, etc.)
- How to distinguish different types of fur from each other when choosing a product?
- Video on the topic
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What is sheepskin?
A dressed sheepskin, approximately six months old, is taken from an adult or young animal. The process of skin dressing involves multiple steps over several days, including initial dressing, soaking, fleshing, preserving in solution, pickling, tanning, fattening, wringing, drying, and grinding. Stretching the skin, lining up the edges, combing, and trimming the wool comprise the last step.
Skins are categorized as raw materials. These characteristics are used to group them:
See also: Everything you need to know about artificial leather, including its definition, composition, and characteristics.
- age of sheep;
- breed;
- number of defects;
- purpose;
- length and quality of wool.
The cost of the skin or final product is influenced by the list of features. There are numerous varieties of sheepskin, but the most well-known ones are mouton, astrakhan, and tsigeyka. Karakul is the skin of newborn lambs and is likewise sheep fur.
Types of sheepskin by fleece type
Sheepskin is categorized into three types of fleece: fine, semi-fine, and semi-coarse. The first is identified by the presence of a uniformly thick, six-centimeter-long wool cover. Hair should be at least 60th quality (23.1–25.0 microns) in terms of fineness. Australian merino sheep are fine-wool sheep by breed.
Wool classified as semi-fine has a fineness of 50–58 quality (25.1–31 microns). The Tsigai sheep’s fur is an exception, with hairs that can range in fineness from 34 to 37 µm, or 46th quality. The hairs have a staple structure, are medium or strong in crimp, thick, and elastic.
The heterogeneous hairs of the fine-fleece-coarse-haired variety have a staple-braid structure. It features long, hard guard hairs and a lot of fluff from the undercoat.
Unlike a fur coat, a fur sheepskin is worn with the fur facing out. The latter are used to make sheepskin coats, vests, and jackets with the fur on the opposite side. High-quality flesh is required for these kinds of skins since they are used on the front of the product.
Three varieties of sheepskins are available: steppe, Russian, and Romanov. The finest sheepskin is Romanov sheepskin, which is made from their skins. The harmonious blend of black guard hairs and white fluff gives them a gray-blue color. Steppe sheepskin is made from adult Karakul breed members and breeds with fat tails, while Russian sheepskin is made from the skins of coarse-wool animals. Sheepskins from the steppe and Russia are categorized into three colors: white, gray, and colored.
Types of fur and fur coats are also categorized based on pile length. Sheep skins come in three varieties: low, semi-wool, and wool.
Sheepskin leather is another option, although it has a lot of fur-related flaws. Although its quality prevents it from being utilized for the same things as fur and fur varieties, it is nonetheless actively used in the production of hats, shoes, accessories, leather jackets, and jackets.
Comprehending the distinct varieties of sheepskin is imperative for making knowledgeable decisions regarding attire and fashion. This article highlights the distinctive qualities, textures, and applications of common varieties such as striga, mouton, and astragan. Because each variety of sheepskin has unique qualities, it can be used for a variety of purposes and styles. You can choose the ideal fur for your needs by being aware of these distinctions, whether you’re looking for the long-lasting warmth of mouton or the plush feel of astragan.
Types of fur by processing method (striga, mouton, tsigeika, etc.)
The mouton is a popular type of sheepskin in Russia. The word "mouton" (french for "ram" or "sheepskin") is where the name originates. Products made from Australian merino skins are known as mouton, but only in Russia are they produced. This is because formaldehyde, which is thought to be hazardous, is used in the processing of hides.
Fur is meticulously trimmed before skins are processed. The raw material is exposed to a formalin solution during tanning, which softens and shines the villi. The fur is more resilient to moisture and mechanical damage after this treatment. The pile is tinted or dyed at the factory. Mouton comes in up to 20 shades, ranging from charcoal to snow-white. Brown and black are the most popular hues for mouton fur coats.
See also: How to tell real leather from imitation leather when selecting shoes, a jacket, or a wallet.
A type of mouton known as "astrakhan." Finest quality fur and unique dressing technologies are used in its production. Fur with a tightly twisted curl that is less than 7 mm long is referred to as astakhan. Although astrakhan fur coat is more costly and wear-resistant than mouton, it is lighter.
Mouton can be both shorn and full (unshorn). The length of a complete mouton’s villi is 1.1–1.2 cm. Such fur coats are suitable to wear in -35°C frosts. Striga can warm in the winter at a maximum temperature of -15°C and has a pile of 0.6–0.8 cm. Astragan differs in that it has thin fur, measuring 0.2 to 0.7 cm in length, and can withstand frost at a maximum temperature of -10°C.
The sheared sheepskin of Tsigai breed animals is known as tsigeyka. At the moment, mouton has nearly entirely replaced this kind of fur. Tsigeyka, which had a coarser pile but was produced with the same technology as mouton, was well-liked in the USSR. This fabric is used by some contemporary designers to create stylish clothing.
How to distinguish different types of fur from each other when choosing a product?
You should consider the length of the pile, the appearance, and the tactile qualities of sheepskin when selecting a fur coat or vest. The fur on Mouton products is the warmest. They are fairly heavy, but they lack curls. Astragan has shorter, more noticeable curls in its hair, and is softer to the touch. The tsigeyka feels heavy, warm, and abrasive.
| Type of Sheepskin | Key Features |
| Astragan | Dense, short curls with a velvety texture; offers excellent warmth and durability. |
| Mouton | Smooth, glossy surface after special treatment; known for its softness and insulation. |
| Striga | Thin, delicate fibers with a silky feel; lightweight but still provides warmth. |
| Merino | Fine, soft wool; highly breathable and comfortable, ideal for layering. |
| Toscana | Luxuriously soft, with long, silky hair; offers both style and warmth, often used in high-end garments. |
Sheepskin provides a range of options, each with distinctive qualities and meeting a variety of needs and preferences. Knowing these distinctions will help you choose the appropriate clothing or accessory, whether you’re looking for something sturdy like mouton or something opulent like astragan.
Astragan is a great choice for upscale clothing because it’s perfect for people who value soft textures and tiny curls. However, mouton is unique in that it is long-lasting and smooth, providing comfort as well as longevity. Striga gives off a more traditional and rustic appearance due to its natural, slightly rough appearance, which works well in designs that are more casual or rugged.
You can choose the ideal material based on your style and functional needs because each type of sheepskin has unique qualities. You can make sure that your chosen material not only looks fantastic but also fulfills its intended purpose by being aware of the unique characteristics of these sheepskin types.
