Leather guide
Two leathers. Both real.
We cut every leather jacket from lambskin or sheepskin. Here's how they differ, the finishes you'll see, how to tell real leather and how to look after it.
We never use cowhide or buffalo. Our few faux styles are clearly labelled “vegan leather”.
Lambskin
Soft · light · close-fitting
Sheepskin
Sturdy · warm · everyday
Side by side
Which should you buy?
Feel
Buttery and supple from the first wear. Drapes close to the body.
Firmer at first, and softens as you wear it.
Weight
Lighter. Comfortable for long days.
A little heavier, and warmer on a cold night.
Wear & ageing
Marks more easily, so treat it like a good pair of shoes.
Takes everyday wear in its stride.
Best for
Fitted and slim styles, where softness and drape matter most.
Jackets for everyday wear and riding.
Finishes
Smooth or antique.
The two finishes you'll see in our jacket names.
Smooth
An even colour with a clean, low-sheen surface.
Antique
Colour that's lighter on the high points and deeper in the folds, for a worn-in, vintage look.
Is it real?
How to tell real leather.
“Genuine leather” on a label can mean very little. These five checks work on any jacket, ours or anyone's.
Hides in the workshop- 01 Read the label. Real leather is labelled as leather. “PU”, “bonded”, “synthetic” or “vegan” leather is not real leather.
- 02 Look closely. Real leather has natural marks, uneven pores and a texture that varies. A perfectly regular pattern is usually printed.
- 03 Press it. Real leather wrinkles and moves under your thumb, a little like skin. Faux leather doesn't.
- 04 Smell it. Real leather has a rich, natural smell. Faux leather smells of plastic or chemicals, or of nothing at all.
- 05 Check the back. Where you can see it, the back of real leather is fibrous and slightly rough. Faux leather often has a fabric or paper-like backing.
Care
Looking after your jacket.
Cleaning
Brush off dust with a soft brush or a lint-free cloth. Spot-clean marks with a mild leather cleaner or a little mild soap and water, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Conditioning
Rub in a leather conditioner with a soft cloth, in small circles, to keep the leather supple and stop it cracking. A leather polish or wax adds shine and protection.
Storing
Hang it on a wide, padded hanger. If you have to fold it, fold or wrap it carefully so it doesn't crease.
Ironing
If it ever needs ironing, put a thick sheet of paper or cloth between the leather and the iron. Never iron leather directly.
Questions
What people ask about our leather.
Do you use cowhide?
No. We use only lambskin and sheepskin, never cowhide or buffalo.
Is lambskin too delicate for daily wear?
Not with normal care. It's softer than sheepskin and marks a little more easily, so keep it clean and condition it now and then (see the care tips above).
Do you sell vegan leather?
We make a few faux styles. They're clearly labelled “vegan leather”, so you always know what you're buying.
How do I know my jacket is a genuine Charmshilp?
Every Charmshilp jacket carries a QR passport tag. Scan it and it opens our leather passport page.
Will a new jacket smell of leather?
A little. Real leather has a natural smell of its own, and it's one of the ways to tell it's real.