Genuine Icelandic sheepskin comes in two finishes: long-hair (the full natural fleece) and shorn (sheared to a short, even pile). They start as the same thing — a single natural sheep hide with soft, durable wool and a suede back — but they look, feel, and wear differently. Here's how to tell them apart and pick the right one for your project.
The short answer
Long-hair keeps the full fleece for a dramatic, plush, silky look. Best when you want the classic “sheepskin” drama — draped over a chair, at the foot of a bed, or as a soft photography or nursery layer.
Shorn is sheared to a dense, even short pile. It's cleaner and more contemporary, and it's easier to sit on or walk across because the wool doesn't flatten or track the way a long fleece can. Best for seat covers, bench pads, and higher-traffic accents.
Both are the real thing: a whole natural Icelandic hide, suede-backed, with the irregular edge of genuine sheepskin.
Side-by-side comparison
| Long-Hair Icelandic Sheepskin | Shorn Icelandic Sheepskin | |
|---|---|---|
| Pile | Full fleece — long, silky, lustrous | Sheared to a dense, even short pile |
| Look | Dramatic, plush, classic sheepskin | Clean, modern, tailored |
| Feel underfoot / seated | Deep and soft; wool can flatten with heavy use | Firmer, springs back; easier to sit on and walk across |
| Size | Whole natural skin, ~95–110 cm long (about 2′ × 3′) | Whole natural skin, ~95–110 cm long (about 2′ × 3′) |
| Backing | Suede-backed | Suede-backed |
| Colors | Natural White plus five dyed tones | Natural White and Ivory plus five dyed tones |
| Price | $149 (Natural White) / $169 (dyed) | $139 (Natural White, Ivory) / $159 (dyed) |
| Best for | Throws, bed and chair accents, styling and photography layers | Seat covers, bench pads, chair throws, floor accents |
When to choose long-hair
Choose long-hair when the look is the point. The full fleece has a silky hand and a natural sheen that reads as luxury, and it's the finish most people picture when they hear “sheepskin.” It's ideal for:
- Draping over an armchair, reading chair, or accent chair
- Layering across the foot of a bed
- Nursery and newborn photography layers
- A soft floor accent in a low-traffic spot
Long wool will compress where it gets sat on repeatedly, so if the piece will take daily wear, shorn holds its look longer.
When to choose shorn
Choose shorn when the piece has a job to do. The short, even pile keeps all the softness and durability Icelandic wool is known for, but it stays neat under regular use and is far easier to brush out. It's ideal for:
- Seat cushions and chair pads
- Bench and window-seat pads
- A chair throw you'll actually sit on
- Floor accents in a spot that sees foot traffic
Shorn also photographs as more tailored and contemporary, which suits modern and minimalist rooms.
What both have in common
Every skin — long-hair or shorn — is a whole natural single hide, not a pieced or bonded product. That means:
- No two are identical. Size, shape, and edge vary from skin to skin, and dyed colors carry natural variation in tone and pile. That's the nature of real sheepskin, not a flaw.
- Suede-backed, so it lies flat as a throw, rug, seat cover, or accent.
- Natural-hide items are final sale, so it's worth matching color and size before you order.
How to care for Icelandic sheepskin
Shake it out and let it air. Brush the wool with a wire pet brush or wool comb to keep the pile lofted — more important for long-hair than shorn. Spot-clean spills promptly with cool water and a little wool-safe detergent, then air-dry away from direct heat. Avoid machine washing and hot dryers, which can stiffen the leather back.
Frequently asked questions
Is Icelandic sheepskin real fur?
It's genuine sheepskin — a natural sheep hide with the wool still on, tanned with a suede back. It is not a synthetic or faux material.
What size is one skin?
Each is a whole natural single skin, roughly 95–110 cm long (about 2′ × 3′), with the irregular edge of real sheepskin. Exact size and shape vary from skin to skin.
Which is better for a chair you sit on every day?
Shorn. The short, even pile stays neat under regular use and won't flatten the way a long fleece does.
Which looks more luxurious?
Long-hair. The full fleece has the silky sheen most people associate with sheepskin.
Can I use it on the floor?
Yes — both are suede-backed and work as soft floor accents. For higher-traffic spots, shorn wears better.
Do the colors vary?
Yes. Dyed colors carry natural variation in tone and pile because each is a natural hide. Natural White and Ivory are the most consistent.
Shop the skins
- Long-Hair Icelandic Sheepskin — Natural White and five dyed colors, $149–$169.
- Shorn Icelandic Sheepskin — Natural White, Ivory, and five dyed colors, $139–$159.
Orders over $250 ship free within the US. Need help matching a color or sizing a project? Call Carolyn Fabrics at 336-887-3101.