FAQ

Yes. Every skin is real New Zealand Merino sheepskin on a natural suede hide. Nothing synthetic, no printed backing, no imitation pile.

Both are genuine New Zealand Merino sheepskin. The difference is the length of the fleece. Our curly short-wool skins have a tidy fleece that sits close to the hide and stays neat, so it holds its shape underfoot and picks up less dust. The long-wool skins have a deep, plush pile of about 2-3 in, the kind you sink your hand into. It comes down to the look and feel you want.

New Zealand. That's where the skins are sourced and tanned.

We specialize in seconds, also called B-grade skins. These are real New Zealand sheepskins that carry a small cosmetic mark. It might be a slightly irregular shape, or a little variation in color or fleece across the skin. That is the only thing keeping them out of the top grade, so we can buy them for less and sell them for much less.

It refers to appearance, and nothing else. The top grade is judged on strict looks: even shape, even color, even fleece. A second misses that bar somewhere, usually by a small margin. The softness, the density and the strength of the hide are exactly the same.

Usually not, unless you go looking for it. The marks are small things, like a slightly uneven edge, or a patch where the shade sits a little lighter than the rest. Every sheepskin is a natural product, so some variation is normal on any skin. On a second there is simply a bit more of it, and that is what you are paying less for.

Yes. The grade is decided on looks alone. The wool is the same wool and the hide is the same hide, so a second wears and lasts exactly like a top-grade skin.

No. Ivory is the natural, undyed color of the wool, and it's the most light-stable shade we sell. The other colors are dyed. Dye reacts to UV over time, so keep dyed skins out of harsh, direct sunlight to avoid fading.

Sheepskin is naturally breathable, which is why a lot of parents like it. With very young children we'd still say supervise them on it, as you would with any bedding or blanket. If you'd prefer, give the skin a wash before first use.

Day to day it's low-maintenance. The lanolin in the wool helps it resist dirt and odor, so a shake and an airing goes a long way. For washing and drying steps, see our sheepskin care guide.

A single is about 35 in long, good for a chair, a sofa corner or the end of a bed. A double is about 67 x 24 in, which suits a bench, a sofa runner or a bedside spot. The large rug is about 67 x 43 in for a floor or the center of a room. Every skin is natural, so sizes are approximate. There's more detail in our size guide.

We ship from within the USA, and delivery usually takes 1-2 business days. Every order is tracked.

Shipping is free on orders over $99. Under that, the exact shipping cost is shown at checkout before you pay.

Yes. You'll get an order-confirmation email when you buy, and a separate tracking email once your order ships.

You can return within 30 days. The full terms are on our returns and refunds page.

Yes. Each skin is natural, so shape, color and fleece vary a little from one to the next and from the photo on screen. If you're not happy with the one you received, contact us and we'll sort it out.

Email hello@nordicsheep.com or call +1 470 924 0149. Our customer service hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00-15:00 Eastern Time.