Material Care Guide"Mouton"

Table of Contents）

・What is mouton?

・Care tools

・Everyday care methods

・How to care for mouton boots at the end of the season

・How to store them during the off-season

・Introducing helpful care items

What is mouton?

In Japan, the term "mouton" is widely used, as in "mouton boots," but overseas it is often called "sheepskin." Both refer to sheep's fur, but there is a slight difference between them.

Mouton is processed sheep fur, often trimmed to a uniform length and finished with dyeing, waterproofing, or stain-resistant treatments, which makes it a durable material that is easy to care for on a daily basis.

Mouton: The French word for "sheep." Mouton refers to sheep fur that has been trimmed to an even length, dyed, or processed to be soft.

Sheepskin: The English term for "sheep's skin." It refers to a more natural form of sheep fur, with the wool still attached to the hide.

Care Tools

For caring for mouton or sheepskin, a soft-bristled brush is generally the best choice. For products with longer fur, a pet grooming brush or clothing brush can also work well. For boots with a suede exterior, a brush with harder bristles, such as brass, mixed into the center is sometimes used.

Avoid washing in a washing machine. Also, never use bleach, harsh detergents, or alcohol, as these will damage the mouton.

・Brushes (clothing brushes or specialized brushes)

＜For Mouton Boots＞

・Rubber brush

・Shoe brush
・Sponge (two types: hard fiber and soft fiber)

※Items that are even more effective when used together
・Sandpaper (400 grit)

・Waterproof spray
・Nourishing mist

・Deodorizing mist

Everyday Care Methods

If mouton or sheepskin isn't cared for properly, it can gradually become stiff, shed fur, or develop mold. Care must be taken especially when dirt or moisture is left on the material, as this can damage the fur.

The basic rule is to brush lightly after use. Brush gently in the direction of the fur. This alone can prevent dust and tangles.

For dust or light dirt, gently dab with a dry cloth to wipe it away. Rubbing too hard can cause the fur to fall out, so handle it gently.

How to Care for Mouton Boots at the End of the Season

Mouton boots generally have a suede exterior and a fur lining on the inside. Since some recent products use synthetic materials, please check the material before caring for them.

1. Use a rubber brush to gently scrub away dirt from the surface. If you don't have a rubber brush, a sand eraser can be used as a substitute.

2. Remove dirt with a sponge. It's convenient to have two types: one with hard fibers and one with soft fibers. First, use the hard-fiber side against the direction of the fur (against the grain) to remove dirt. Then, use the soft-fiber side to gently smooth the fur back into place (with the grain).

3. Sandpaper is a useful tool for particularly stubborn stains. Use it to gently stroke the surface of the mouton boots. Be careful not to press too hard or rub too much, as this can damage the surface of the material.

4. Once the dirt is removed, spray a commercially available nourishing mist over the entire boot to nourish the material. Test it first on an inconspicuous spot before applying it all over, and watch for any color fading.

5. Once the mist has dried, use a brush to smooth the fur back into place.

6. To care for the interior, brush it with a clothing brush. Afterward, spray a deodorizing mist inside the boots to refresh them.

7. Finally, spray waterproof spray over the entire boot to finish. If odor is a concern, dry the boots in a well-ventilated, shaded area rather than in direct sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading.

With proper care, the material's original texture is enhanced, giving it an overall soft brightness. Regular care helps maintain the softness and warmth for a long time, allowing you to keep enjoying it comfortably the following year as well.

Storage Methods for the Off-Season

Preventing Mold with Non-Woven Fabric

For storing mouton boots, we recommend placing them in a breathable, non-woven fabric bag. This prevents moisture from building up and reduces the likelihood of mold developing.

Boosting Protection with Desiccant

Placing a desiccant packet inside the non-woven fabric bag along with the boots makes it harder for them to absorb moisture, further helping to prevent mold.

Points to note when storing

Please store the boots in their box on a shoe shelf. A cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is ideal. If you're storing them on a shelf that isn't opened very often, be sure to air them out periodically—for example, once a month.

Items to help with care

▲Shoe Fresh

This deodorizing and moisture-absorbing item is made with over 80% fragrant red cedar grown in a national park in Arkansas. In addition to placing it inside boots or sneakers, it's also great for use in drawers or shoe boxes as a way to guard against insects and mold.

▲Shoe Shine

Founded in 1936, this long-established German brush maker is known for its reliable craftsmanship by skilled artisans and simple designs that make the most of natural materials.

▲Leather Waterproofing Spray

Made using only natural materials such as orange terpene oil and lanolin, with plant-based ingredients that are organically grown and non-GMO. No organic solvents are used during production, and the spray features a refreshing scent derived from natural citrus oils.

▲Cotton Flannel

This soft flannel is made of 100% unbleached, undyed cotton, giving it a gentle texture soft enough to make you want to press it against your cheek.

▲KENT Wool Care Clothes Brush

The randomly arranged bristles effectively remove dust, and the brush is made with an unwavering commitment to natural materials, using no synthetic fibers whatsoever.

▲KENT Cashmere & Wool Care Clothes Brush

Made with soft, long boar bristles, this brush gently removes dust and dirt while preventing static electricity. Its large, round brush surface makes it easy to use and ideal for caring for a wide range of garments, from cashmere to wool.

▲KENT Handbag-Size Wool Care Clothes Brush

Made with firm boar bristles, this brush can also be used on jackets, wool, and suede.

Brands Working With Wool Materials

SHEPHERD

Founded in Sweden in 1982, SHEPHERD makes use of sheepskin's excellent insulating and moisture-wicking properties, adapting it to modern life through shoes, cushions, and rugs. The brand offers products that are gentle on both the environment and people, thanks to animal-welfare-conscious farming methods and testing by third-party organizations.

Owen Barry

Owen Barry is a brand born from a family business founded in 1948 by Owen Barry, which has been engaged in sheepskin and leather tanning for five generations. Today, the company offers high-quality sheepskin products and accessories that are trusted around the world.