Responsible shearling

The longer a product lasts, the fewer resources are needed to replace it.

Shearling, A Responsible Choice

Shearling is a natural, sustainable by-product of the food industry - a precious waste material that might otherwise go to landfill. It’s 100% natural, biodegradable, and offers a long lasting alternative to fossil fuel-based synthetics like faux shearling or faux fur.

Shearling is never farmed for its pelt, unlike real fur, which is farmed solely for fashion. It also needs no washing, is naturally breathable, incredibly durable, and when it’s designed and made well, can last a lifetime.

Responsible Sourcing

All of our shearling is 100% sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG) which is the leading organisation for environmental and social standards in the leather industry.

LWG audits cover everything from chemical use and waste management to traceability, working conditions, and overall sustainability. The tanneries we work with are Gold Standard which is the highest level of certification.

We work with the best tanneries in the industry, who, through decades of collaboration, have become long-standing partners. We choose to work with only a select few because of their expertise, consistent quality, and Iberian provenance. Importantly though for us, these tanneries tan the shearling in the same region it’s sourced from, supporting a more responsible production.

These tanneries share our values of responsibility, reliability, and honesty, and consistently supply Gushlow & Cole with the highest quality shearling. They also work with many of the world’s leading fashion houses, including those within the LVMH group.

Every tannery has its own special, unique qualities and subtle differences in finish, quality and weight. We carefully consider the correct shearling for each design - how it will feel to wear, how it will make up, and if it will age well or change over time. Our deep, hands-on experience working with shearling gives us a unique understanding. This considered approach means each piece is more thoughtful, more responsible and made to last.

Our Workshop

All design, sampling, and production for us takes place in our workshop in Kent or within a 30-mile radius. By keeping every stage of the process close to home, we naturally reduce our carbon footprint, and avoid shipping multiple samples and collections from one country to another.

In our workshop, we use traditional British artisan techniques which have been passed down through our family. Preserving British craftsmanship and sharing these rare skills is important to us all at Gushlow & Cole, and something we always look to pass on through employment, education, and internships.

Running our own workshop means we only produce in small runs, we make to order, and can offer our customers free lifetime repairs.

Traceability

Traceable make: In 2013, we launched our ‘Made By Label’.

We believe you should know exactly where your clothes come from and who made them. Our Made By label tells you the name of the maker behind your item, so you can trace its journey from workshop to wardrobe. It’s our way of being transparent, celebrating traditional skill, and giving you a genuine connection to the people who make your clothes.

Traceable shearling: The tanneries we work with source their raw materials from regions within their own countries. While current technology doesn’t allow us to trace our shearling to the exact farm, the tanneries document the origin and traceability of their materials to meet LWG traceability standards.

Social responsibility

We are a close-knit, women-led team built on family values. Working in a fair, decent, and honest way, we treat every supplier with respect and by making locally, have built strong, long-term relationships with our community of makers.

British manufacture matters to us. It safeguards traditional craftsmanship and makes sure that every stage of production meets our high-quality standards.

To give back to our community and encourage interest in British manufacturing, we offer internships to students from local colleges. It’s important to gain hands-on experience in a real working studio, so since 2017, we’ve partnered with schools and colleges, helping to set course briefs and run workshops for Fashion and Textile students, inspiring the next generation of makers

Our community supports us in return, from our makers to our customers. Whether you're wearing one of our pieces, working with us, or simply following our journey, you’re part of this community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shearling?

Shearling is the hide of a lamb that has been tanned with the wool still attached. It’s called a shearling instead of sheepskin, because it comes from a lamb not a sheep. Shearling comes from a smaller, lighter lamb as opposed to a sheep which is bigger and heavier.

It’s warm, breathable, naturally insulating, and incredibly durable. A material that, when cared for, can last for decades.

Does Gushlow & Cole use fur?

No. We only use shearling, which is a by-product of the food industry and never farmed for fashion. It’s a natural, biodegradable material that’s long-lasting and breathable.

Where does Gushlow & Cole source shearling from?

We work exclusively with Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified tanneries. Mainly in Spain and Portugal, that meet the highest standards for environmental management, chemical use, traceability, and social responsibility.

With over 30 years of experience, and generations of family knowledge before that, we know how to select the best shearling for quality, durability, and feel.

Where is Gushlow & Cole made?

Every piece is handmade in our Kent workshop or within a 30-mile radius, using traditional artisan techniques passed down through our family.

Does Gushlow & Cole make to order?

Yes. We produce in small runs and make to order, helping to reduce waste.

Why doesn't Gushlow & Cole produce large seasonal collections?

We design timeless styles that last for years, not just a season. Producing in small, thoughtful collections allows us to maintain quality, reduce waste, and avoid overproduction.

Does Gushlow & Cole offer repairs?

Yes. We offer free lifetime repairs on all our pieces. Shearling is designed to last a lifetime, and so is our commitment to looking after it.

How does Gushlow & Cole support craftsmanship and community?

We are committed to preserving British craftsmanship through education, internships, and local employment. Every Gushlow & Cole piece includes a Made By label, celebrating the skilled artisan who made it.