Medium-length wool is the most versatile: full enough to look luxurious, yet short enough to be easily used anywhere. Below, I’ll tell you what to look for.
Why medium-length wool?
Medium-length wool combines the best of long and short. The pelt looks full and feels wonderfully soft, but the hairs aren’t so long that they lie flat quickly or require a lot of brushing. This makes it just as suitable for adding ambiance on the floor as it is for everyday use—whether draped over a couch or a chair. For those who can’t decide between a long and a short pelt, medium-length is almost always a safe, beautiful choice. And a sheepskin is more than just beautiful: wool is a natural insulator (warm in winter, cool in summer), and it’s wonderfully soft as a place to lie down—even for your dog or cat.
Short, medium, or long?
The length of the wool primarily determines the appearance and intended use:
- In short: compact and sturdy, with a sleek look and the easiest to maintain.
- Medium-length: the versatile middle ground—plush and soft, yet still practical.
- Long: long locks with an elegant, decorative, and draping effect, as seen on Icelandic sheep.
A natural variation
No two medium-length hides are alike: the exact length, fullness, and color vary from animal to animal. My hides come from breeds such as the Texel sheep and the Icelandic sheep, and are sourced from Europe, where the finest hides originate. All shades are natural, never dyed; here is a selection of colors:
Soft to the touch, with a neutral scent
The wool from a medium-length coat feels supple and full, thanks to the extra brushing at the tannery, which ensures softness and a subtle sheen. And what you definitely don’t want is an odor. Cheaper hides with a limited tanning process often smell like a goat or a farm—a scent that quickly makes itself known in your home. Together with my tanneries, I’ve adjusted the tanning process so that this odor is neutralized and the hide has a neutral scent.
Which size is right for you?
When it comes to a hide, size really matters: it has to fit the space and suit your plans for it. A guide, listed in ascending order of size:
- S: up to 100 cm. Great as an accent: draped over a stool or dining chair, in a corner, or as a soft spot for your dog or cat.
- M: 100 to 115 cm. The versatile favorite. Looks great draped over an armchair, or as a warm rug next to your bed. Not sure? You can almost always go with size M.
- L: 116 to 120 cm. Plush and generous; looks great draped over a larger sofa or as a decorative accent on the floor.
- (X)XL: 121 cm and up. The fullest skins: make a statement draped over a large sofa or used as a full-size rug.
Measure your space and compare it to the dimensions listed for each pelt. Keep in mind that a pelt has an organic shape—it’s not a rectangle—so the length is your best guide.
Need some help deciding?
You have a 30-day return window, and for orders over €100, I offer free shipping within the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. In the Netherlands, you’ll usually receive your order within 1–2 business days. Delivery to other countries may take a little longer, but barring any delays, your order will typically arrive at your home within a maximum of 7 business days. Customers give us a 9.8 rating. Not sure whether to choose short, medium, or long? Feel free to call or email me, or schedule a visit to the showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.
Sustainable tanning without waste
Tanning is done sustainably, in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, without harmful substances. The certification mark isn’t officially displayed, but the standard is met. And every pelt is a byproduct of the meat industry: by having it tan, nothing goes to waste. That’s the principle I started Leatheroverstock with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a medium-length sheepskin?
A pelt with wool that falls between short and long in length. Full and soft enough for a luxurious look, yet shorter and more practical than the long locks of a long-haired pelt—the versatile middle ground.
Who is medium-length wool a good choice for?
For anyone who can’t decide between a short and a long pelt. A medium-length pelt looks full and luxurious, yet remains easy to use and maintain—just as suitable for the floor as it is for everyday seating.
What’s the difference between long-haired and short-haired?
Short-wool hides are compact, sleek, and the easiest to maintain. Long-wool hides, on the other hand, feature long, decorative locks. Medium-length hides fall right in between: fuller than short, more practical than long.
Are the medium-length sheepskins dyed?
No. I sell only sheepskins in their natural colors. All shades come from the sheep themselves.
Will I receive the exact skin shown in the photo?
Almost always. I photograph most skins individually and assign them a unique number, so you’ll receive exactly that skin. Some I sell “off the stack”; in that case, you’ll receive a sheepskin similar to the one in the photo, in the same color and size. The listing will specify which option applies.
How do I care for a medium-length sheepskin?
Low-maintenance. Shake it out occasionally and comb it with a wool comb if necessary; for small stains, use a slightly damp cloth. Never put it in the washing machine. You can find detailed tips in the blog post “Cleaning and Caring for Sheepskin.”
