Grading Shell Hide and Shearling Together
On a shearling aviator, the outer shell hide and the shearling lining need to be graded and paired as a set, not sourced independently and matched later. Shearling density and pile length vary between hides, so a factory needs to hold enough graded shearling stock to build a consistent size run — a jacket in size 40 and size 46 should have visually matching collar and cuff shearling, not whatever happened to be left over.
Collar Construction
The shearling collar is the focal point of the garment and the hardest part to get right. It needs enough structure to stand or fold cleanly, a clean bound or piped edge where it meets the shell, and secure attachment that survives being flipped up and down repeatedly through a season of wear. Some programs use a removable collar (snapped or zipped) so the jacket can transition between a shearling-collar winter look and a plain-collar shell for warmer days — worth specifying early if that flexibility matters to your line.
- Shell hide and shearling lining graded and paired as a matched set per size run
- Bound or piped collar edge where shearling meets the leather shell
- Optional removable/zip-off collar for cross-season versatility
- Interior body lining (often quilted) separate from the shearling collar spec
- Reinforced cuff and hem where shearling trim meets leather panel
Why Lead Times Run Longer
Because shell hide and shearling need to be sourced and matched together, sample lead time on shearling aviator jackets typically runs 12–16 days rather than the 7–10 days common for a standard leather jacket, and bulk production takes 30–35 days. Brands planning a winter drop should factor this into their calendar and start the RFQ process earlier in the season than they would for a non-shearling style.
Starting a Shearling Program
Hashbloom International sources and pairs shell hide and shearling in-house for aviator jacket programs at a 50-piece MOQ per style and colorway. Submit your reference and target delivery window through the RFQ page and we will confirm shearling and hide availability alongside your quote.
