Short-wool hides are the compact, practical choice: they have a sleek look and are the easiest to maintain. Below, I’ll tell you what to look for.
Why short-haired wool?
Short, dense wool is sturdy and resilient, allowing it to retain its shape well and resist flattening, even in areas where you sit frequently. The sleek, compact look fits beautifully into a modern or minimalist interior, and maintenance is minimal. Plus, it remains wonderfully soft and warm. Many short-haired rugs come from the Texel sheep, a well-known Dutch breed with thick, sturdy, and warm wool. 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:
- 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 short-haired skins are alike: the density and color vary from animal to animal. My skins come from Europe, where the finest skins are sourced, and all shades are natural—never dyed. Here’s a selection of the colors:
Compact, soft, and odorless
Even though the wool is short, it’s certainly soft: at the tannery, each pelt is brushed an extra time to ensure supple wool with a beautiful sheen. Just as important is the scent. Hides from a short, inexpensive tanning process often carry a strong goat or barn odor, which spreads quickly throughout the home. By adjusting the tanning process in collaboration with my tanneries, that odor has disappeared, and the hide now has a neutral scent.
What size do you need?
Size is key when it comes to a hide: it has to be the right fit for the space and for what you want to use it for. 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. A pelt has an organic, natural shape—not a rectangle—so focus primarily on the length.
Need advice?
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. Shipping 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 about the wool length or size? Feel free to call or email me, or make an appointment to visit the showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.
Responsibly and cleanly tanned
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 hide is a byproduct of the meat industry: by having it tan, nothing goes to waste. That very idea was the inspiration behind Leatheroverstock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short-haired sheepskin?
A hide with short, dense wool instead of long locks. This gives it a compact, sleek look, helps it retain its shape well, and requires the least maintenance of all wool lengths.
Who is short-wool a good choice for?
For those who want a sleek, practical hide that can withstand daily use. Short-wool hides don’t flatten easily, are easy to maintain, and remain wonderfully soft—ideal for sitting on or placing on the floor.
What’s the difference between medium-length and long?
Short-wool hides are the most compact and sleek. Medium-length wool falls in between in terms of fullness, while long-wool hides feature long, decorative locks. Short-wool hides are the most practical choice.
Are the short-haired 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 short-haired sheepskin?
Very low-maintenance; short-wool is the easiest to care for. 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.”
