XXL refers to the largest and fullest sheepskins in the collection—rare and just a bit more generous than the rest. Below, I’ll tell you exactly how big they are, how to use them, and what to look out for.
How big is an XXL sheepskin?
XXL is the largest size. I measure each skin along its length—the long side, not diagonally—and including the wool. An XXL skin is typically around 130 cm or longer, and the very largest can reach up to about 150 cm. Since sheep don’t naturally grow very large, this size is rare: not every breed has the potential to grow that big. That’s why an XXL sheepskin is always a special find.
How to use an XXL sheepskin
It’s precisely because of their generous size that you have endless possibilities:
- Over the couch: drape it partly over the backrest and partly on the seat. Thanks to its weight and size, it won’t slide away easily, so you can sit comfortably for hours—perfect for a book, a cup of tea, or an evening of binge-watching.
- In your favorite armchair: drape it over your favorite armchair and you’ll drift off in no time.
- In your outdoor lounge set: enjoy a wonderfully soft seat while having a BBQ or soaking up the sun. Be sure to bring it inside if it rains or gets damp; a dry environment is best.
- As a cozy rug: place it in front of your couch or chair so you’ll never step on a cold floor again. You can put your slippers away in the closet.
Perfect by the fireplace, and naturally more fire-resistant
A large sheepskin looks beautiful as a decorative rug by the fireplace. Wool is naturally flame-resistant and self-extinguishing, offering greater fire safety than many synthetic materials. Of course, don’t place it too close to the fire. If you want to keep it by the fireplace, rotate it occasionally and lightly mist it with water from a plant sprayer.
They also make a spacious resting spot for your dog or cat
An XXL sheepskin is a wonderfully spacious bed for your dog or cat. The wool adapts to body temperature: warm in winter, cool in summer. Place it in a crate or basket, or simply on the floor. If you put it directly on the floor, be sure to remove it occasionally to shake it out and air it out outside.
What types are available in XXL?
Not every sheep breed grows large enough for XXL, so the selection is limited to just a few varieties. Large sizes mainly come from the Icelandic sheep, with its beautiful long wool, and from the classic Texel sheep in white or brown, with more compact wool. Sometimes a beautiful brown-and-white sheepskin in XXL is also available. My sheepskins come from Europe, where the finest sheepskins are sourced.
Silky soft, with a neutral scent
You’ll want to keep stroking a large sheepskin all day long, and that’s possible because the tanneries brush it multiple times, resulting in supple, soft wool with a beautiful sheen. Just as important is the scent. Rugs from a limited tanning process often still smell like a ram or a farm, and with such a large size, that scent fills your room extra quickly. Together with my tanneries, I’ve adjusted the tanning process to neutralize that scent; your new sheepskin will have a neutral smell and can be placed in a nice spot right away.
Still a bit too big?
Does XXL not quite fit the spot you have in mind? No worries—there’s always a size smaller:
What colors are available for the XXL size?
XXL sheepskins come in various natural colors; all shades come from the sheep themselves and are never dyed. Here’s a selection:
Need some inspiration?
Looking for some inspiration? Whether you’re looking for a subtle accent or a real eye-catcher, in the inspiration room you can see how others have incorporated them into their homes—from the living room and bedroom to the office. Plenty of ideas to help you finish off your own interior.
Need help choosing?
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 rate us a 9.7. Not sure if XXL is the right size, or need some advice? Feel free to call or email me, or make an appointment to visit our showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.
Sustainably tanned
My XXL sheepskins are sustainably tanned according to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100: a tanning process free of heavy metals or other harmful substances. They don’t carry the official certification mark, but they do meet that standard. And just like all my sheepskins, they’re a byproduct of the meat industry; by having them tanned, nothing goes to waste. That’s also the reason I started Leatheroverstock in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is an XXL sheepskin?
XXL is the largest size: typically starting at around 130 cm in length, with the very largest reaching up to about 150 cm. I measure along the long side (not diagonally) and include the wool in the measurement.
Why are XXL sheepskins so rare?
Since sheep don’t naturally grow very large, and not every breed has the potential to grow that big, XXL sheepskins are only available occasionally—making each one a special find.
Is a sheepskin safe near the fireplace?
Wool is naturally flame-resistant and self-extinguishing, offering greater fire safety than many synthetic materials. Just don’t place it too close to the fire; turn it over occasionally and lightly mist it with a plant sprayer.
Are the XXL 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 an XXL sheepskin?
Low-maintenance. Shake it out every now and then and, if necessary, comb it with a wool comb if the wool starts to flatten; for a small stain, use a slightly damp cloth. Never put it in the washing machine. You can find detailed tips in the blog post on cleaning and maintaining sheepskins.