What should I look for when buying a lambskin?

When buying a lambskin, several aspects need to be considered, such as origin, quality, wool type, and hair length. However, choosing your new hide doesn't have to be complicated – quite the opposite! Therefore, in this blog post, we have clearly summarized the most important points for you, so you can figure out which features are truly important to you – and which are less relevant.

• What is the difference between lambskin and sheepskin?
• How do I identify the origin of my lambskin?
• What should I look for when buying a lambskin?

What is the difference between lambskin and sheepskin?

A good starting point when talking about lambskin is the difference between lambskin and sheepskin. So, what exactly is the difference?

The short answer is that in most cases, it is a linguistic distinction.

The term "lambskin" is very frequently used in commerce and everyday life because it sounds softer and is more familiar to many people. It evokes associations of warmth, comfort, and naturalness but does not mean that the hides come from lambs.

Our hides are, strictly speaking, sheepskins, as they come from adult animals raised and kept under European standards. The animals are bred for meat production, which is why the hides are considered a byproduct. The hides are carefully processed for further use as a high-quality natural product.

Whether a hide is called lambskin or sheepskin therefore has less to do with the actual age of the animal and more with how we talk about it and perceive the end product.

How do I identify the origin of my lambskin?

Most people associate genuine lambskin with the long-haired and dense lambskin from New Zealand, which looks smooth, soft, and luxurious. But not all lambskins look like this, because a genuine lambskin is not just any lambskin. If you want to determine the origin of your lambskin, the hair alone provides a good clue as to where the hide comes from – almost like a natural fingerprint.

Lambskins differ in their origin and therefore have different characteristics, especially in hair length, structure, and color. This is because the sheep's native climate has shaped and formed the wool over centuries, which is why each individual hide has its own properties.

Therefore, you will find a variety of hides in our assortment. In addition to long-haired hides from New Zealand, you will also find short-haired hides from New Zealand, which were originally long-haired but were shorn short to create a finely curled hide.

Furthermore, you will find Icelandic sheepskins, which often appear more rustic and wild, as well as Tibetan lambskins, which look particularly elegant with their velvety soft corkscrew curls. Lambskins from Austria are also curled but have larger curls. Not to forget the Gotland lambskin, which radiates its own charm with its unique, natural gray and slightly curly wool.

What should I look for when buying a lambskin?

Once you have decided on the type of hide, the question remains whether the hide lives up to its promise. The quality of a lambskin depends on several factors and is often easy to recognize when you hold the hide in your hand. However, it becomes a bit more challenging when you buy a hide online.

Fortunately, there are clear indications you can look for to better assess the quality of the hide and make a confident decision.

Is the price too good to be true?

Sometimes offers are so tempting that they are hard to resist. But (as always) it's worth taking a closer look – especially when it comes to genuine fur products like a lambskin.

With very low prices, compromises are often made in various areas – be it quality, animal welfare, or working conditions along the supply chain. A particularly low price can therefore be an indication that not all standards have been met.

So, it's worth carefully checking the price and origin of the hide to ensure you receive a high-quality natural product – and enjoy it for a long time.

Where does the hide come from?

Ensure that the seller provides information about the origin of the hide and can give you transparent information about where the hide comes from. If this information is missing or insufficient, you should look more closely and carefully consider the purchase.

How was the sheep kept?

Animal welfare is a topic that is very close to our hearts, and we are happy to pay more for good animal care. Therefore, it is important to ask the seller about the origin and keeping of the animals. If this information is withheld from you, caution is advised.

For genuine lambskins, you should also ensure that the product is mulesing-free and that the animals are bred according to high, responsible standards. Because an animal that has had a good life also has a more beautiful and healthier coat.

How was the hide tanned?

Tanning is an essential part of the processing. We believe that hides should not be treated with harmful chemicals or toxic substances, both for your health and out of respect for the animal.

There are various tanning methods, but the most commonly used are vegetable, medical, and salt tanning. These methods are all recommendable but have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Ideally, therefore, seek advice from the dealer and specifically ask about the method used.

Was the hide dyed?

Genuine lambskin comes in both natural colors and dyed variants. This information alone should be clearly stated on the dealer's website. Because, just like with tanning, the hide can be dyed using various methods.

At Sheepskinhouse, you will find hides dyed with natural colors and tanned as gently as possible to avoid harmful substances and to honor the life of the animal.

Whether a natural or a dyed hide is right for you depends on its intended use. Undyed hides offer fascinating, natural hues, while dyed lambskins often appear more uniform and are easier to combine. Furthermore, it should be noted that dyed hides can fade over time in sunlight and are therefore not suitable for outdoor use.

Further considerations

Should I choose a shorn lambskin or a lambskin with natural hair length?

Lambskins with longer hair appear particularly voluminous and natural, while short-haired hides look calmer and somewhat more modern. Both types of hide are quite easy to care for, but some find that short-haired hides retain their beauty better. Curly lambskins have their own charm, but ultimately the choice depends on your personal preferences.

Ask yourself: Which hair length best suits your style? And what feeling do you want to create in your home?

How to care for the hide?

To keep your lambskin beautiful for a long time, you should follow some care instructions. It is ideal if this information is available before purchase so you can decide if the care is too elaborate for you. On our website, you will find comprehensive care instructions and several guides on our blog that will help you keep your hide in top condition.

How big should my lambskin be?

The size of the hide depends on its intended use, as you will need different hide sizes for different pieces of furniture. That's why we have written a guide to help you choose the perfect lambskin for your chair.

Consider in advance which variant best suits your project – this way you will achieve a harmonious and coherent overall impression in your home.

Did we forget anything?

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us at any time via email at hallo@sheepskinhouse.ch if you require further information or advice.