With their plush texture, and lovely, rich appearance, high-quality sheepskin rugs add a luxurious touch to any home. However, because of the broad range of rugs available from which to choose, some people wonder how they can be sure of selecting the highest quality sheepskin available. Below are some tips on what to look for when shopping for top-quality sheepskin:

Wool Loft and Density

The first thing to look for when shopping for the perfect sheepskin rug is the wool quality. This term primarily refers to the length, density and “loft.” Top-grade sheepskin features a high wool density and exceptional loft, the latter of which refers to its ability to stay straight and upright. Low-quality sheepskin rugs often quickly flatten and become matted or tangled, but high-quality rugs are made from wool fibres that keep their loft. To achieve high quality standards, sheepskins should also possess the appropriate length and density. Even though lower grade sheepskins may feature the right length, if the fibres are not dense enough, they won’t retain the aforementioned loft, and you’ll wind up with a shaggy looking rug.

Consider the Colour

Colour is also an important factor. High-quality sheepskin rugs should have a beautiful, natural tone, unmarred by discolourations or stains in the underlying wool. There should be few or no visible imperfections. Finally, premium sheepskin should have a soft, silky feel and be luxurious to the touch. Equally important is the underside of the sheepskin rug, and the quality of the leather. It should be supple, yet strong, and free from defects such as holes, cracks or odours. The smell is important, since a chemical smell, often apparent in low-quality sheepskin, may indicate the tanning process was not completed in the best way.

Shape and Size

Premium sheepskin rugs are typically more uniformly shaped than low-quality rugs. In most cases, budget-grade sheepskins feature a shorter length, whereas premium sheepskin rugs meet the minimum length requirements. These high-quality sheepskin rugs feature a full, attractive shape and a rounded neck area, which adds to their beauty. Low-grade sheepskins, on the other hand, are sometimes thinner and longer, with pointier neck areas. This is sometimes an indication that the hide was stretched inappropriately to achieve a specific length.

Spotting Fakes

In addition to low-quality sheepskin rugs, the market has also been stormed with rugs that are flat out fakes. Some of them are even sold with the inference that they are genuine. Others are marketed as imitations, but come with claims that they are just as lovely and sumptuous as real sheepskin, which is impossible.

One of the best ways to determine if a sheepskin is real is by simply touching it. This is because it is typically easy to tell synthetic material from authentic wool, which feels completely different. The rug’s hair should feel silky smooth to the touch and have a denser consistency than man-made material. You should also examine the back of the rug, as fakes are typically attached to a man-made backing, where authentic sheepskin comes attached to the actual animal hide.

Additional Considerations

When it comes to deciding between fake and genuine sheepskin, some individuals assume that the more eco-friendly way to go is faux sheepskin. However, this is not correct. Imitation sheepskins are manufactured from plastic, which is derived from oil, and everyone knows the issues with that particular substance. Therefore, because natural sheepskins are typically a byproduct of the meat industry, they are not associated with sustainability problems.

Ultimately, the best way to make sure you acquire a genuine sheepskin is to buy it from City Cows, where all sheepskin rugs are made from the highest quality animal hides. Get one or more today and add luxury and warmth to your home whilst enjoying the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are getting an authentic product.