A longwool sheepskin rug, sometimes written long wool, is a genuine New Zealand Merino skin with a deep, silky pile of about 2 to 3 in. It is the softer and more dramatic of our two fleece types, and the one people reach out and touch first.

Why pick longwool over curly

Depth is the whole point. The long fibres catch the light and move, so a longwool sheepskin rug reads as the more luxurious option draped over a chair, across the end of a bed, or anywhere it is seen more than it is walked on.

Because the pile is long, it does flatten where weight sits for a long time. Brushing it out brings the loft back, but if the skin is destined for a busy floor or a chair used daily, the curly short wool holds up better.

The three sizes

• Single, one whole skin, about 35 in long, in eight colors. Our deepest-stocked skin. $79.
• Double, two skins seamed into a runner, about 67 x 24 in, in six colors. $135.
• Quad, four skins seamed into a rectangle, about 67 x 43 in, in six colors. $249.

The palette runs from natural Ivory and Linen through Steel, Taupe and Wolf Tip to Chocolate and Black. Ivory is undyed and the most light-stable. Keep the dyed shades out of harsh, direct sun, since the dye fades under UV over time. Sizes are approximate, as every skin is shaped by the animal it came from, and the size guide has the detail.

Care and delivery

Shake and air it regularly, and brush the pile with a wide-tooth comb to keep it open. For a full clean, hand wash in cool water, press the water out without wringing, and dry it flat away from heat. Orders ship from within the USA, shipping is free over $99, and returns are open for 30 days.