As the temperature dips and the fashion world retreats into its most tactile phase, one texture reigns supreme: shearling. No longer just a relic of the 1970s or the uniform of WWII aviators, the shearling jacket has undergone a high-fashion renaissance in 2025. From the buttery, leather-trimmed masterpieces at Toteme to the avant-garde leopard prints at COS, this season’s offerings prioritize both extreme insulation and sculptural sophistication. Whether you are seeking a rugged oversized bomber for urban exploration or a sleek, reversible coat that transitions from day to night, the modern shearling is a definitive investment in comfort. In a landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, these plush, hard-wearing icons remind us that the most luxurious way to stay warm is also the most timeless.
The Aviator Reinvented: From Cockpit to Catwalk
The aviator jacket remains the undisputed anchor of the shearling category, but for 2025, the silhouette has been refined for a more polished urban look. Leading the pack is the Toteme Leather-Trimmed Shearling Jacket, a piece that has become a viral sensation for its boxy, clean-lined aesthetic and high-contrast piping. By stripping away excessive hardware and focusing on the purity of the cream-and-chocolate palette, designers are proving that the aviator can be as elegant as a tailored blazer. These jackets are best styled with glossy leather trousers or sleek black denim to balance the inherent bulk of the fleece.
High-street brands like Arket and Jigsaw have also mastered this trend, offering “clean aviators” that provide the same structural impact at a more accessible price point. The 2025 iterations often feature slightly dropped shoulders and oversized collars that can be buckled up to create a dramatic funnel neck—a key trend for the season. This fusion of rugged heritage and modern minimalism ensures the aviator jacket remains a versatile staple, capable of grounding everything from a floral midi dress to a basic turtleneck and jeans ensemble.
Reversible Luxury: The Two-in-One Investment
For the savvy collector, the reversible shearling jacket is the ultimate expression of functional luxury. Brands like Maje and Joseph have championed this “two-in-one” approach, offering pieces that feature a smooth nappa leather or suede finish on one side and a full-pile “teddy” texture on the other. The Joseph Calla coat, for instance, has become a cult favorite for its “buttery soft” feel and light beige tones that make it suitable for both deep winter and the chillier days of early spring.
The beauty of the reversible jacket lies in its versatility; it allows the wearer to switch from a rugged, textured look to a sleek, understated leather finish in seconds. This adaptability is particularly valuable for those looking to maximize their cost-per-wear on a high-end investment. As 2025 continues to favor “quiet luxury” and sustainable, long-lasting wardrobes, these dual-purpose coats are being recognized as the smartest way to invest in the shearling trend without being tied to a single aesthetic.
Texture Play: Beyond the Natural Palette
While classic tan and espresso remain the foundation of the shearling world, 2025 is seeing a surge in “conversation starter” textures and colors. COS has made waves with its Leopard-Effect Shearling Jacket, a bold departure from neutral tones that proves shearling can be playful and directional. Similarly, brands like Whistles are introducing unexpected shades like “spring green” or olive, offering a unique take on the traditional sheepskin look that feels fresh and seasonally transcendent.
This shift toward “fun shearling” also includes the rise of mixed-media designs. We are seeing jackets that combine shearling panels with quilted down, as seen in Mackage’s latest collection, or shearling-lined hoodies from brands like Coach. These hybrids provide the warmth of traditional fur with the technical edge of modern sportswear. By experimenting with pattern and contrast, designers are expanding the vocabulary of shearling, ensuring it appeals to the avant-garde fashion enthusiast as much as the classicist.
The Rise of High-Performance Faux
As ethical fashion becomes a non-negotiable for many, the quality of faux-shearling has reached unprecedented heights. No longer synonymous with “synthetic-feeling” alternatives, the new generation of faux-fur and teddy jackets from H&M, Zara, and Stand Studio offers a premium look and weight that rivals genuine sheepskin. Zara’s “fireman clasp” jackets and Mango’s faux-suede iterations provide the same cozy volume and “cool-girl” silhouette without the luxury price tag or the use of animal products.
These faux options are often lighter in weight, making them ideal for layering in transitional weather. They also allow for more experimental silhouettes—such as oversized car coats and “donkey coats”—that might feel too heavy in real leather. For those looking to tap into the “shearling aesthetic” on a budget, these high-street versions offer a convincing, stylish, and durable entry point. Whether real or faux, the 2025 shearling jacket is a celebration of texture that promises to keep the winter chill at bay with undeniable panache.
