Afghan, penny lane & shearling coats

Afghan coats, penny lane coats and shearling jackets: real sheepskin with the fleece in, suede with shaggy faux-fur trim, and the Y2K versions in faux suede and faux fur, from labels such as West, Xanaka and Allander. Each one is measured flat across the chest and down the length. It is a small rail, a handful at a time, and it grows as pieces come in; the line above shows what is in stock today.

Every coat is checked for dry or cracked suede, matted or shedding fleece and the state of the lining, and the listing says what we found. Real shearling is heavy and smells faintly of sheep; faux versions are light and need no special care. The listing says which is which, from the label and the back of the hide.

How they fit: these are worn over knitwear, so compare the chest measured round with a jumper you own and allow room. The size on the listing is the size the piece fits on our model, a UK 8, or the label size.

Where the name comes from, how to tell the 70s original from the 2000s revival and how they size is in the penny lane and afghan coat guide.

How do I care for a sheepskin or afghan coat? Brush the fleece, air it after wear, keep it away from radiators and have the suede cleaned by a specialist; never machine wash it. A faux-fur penny lane can be hand washed cold and dried flat, with the trim combed while damp.

Can a vintage afghan coat be worn in the rain? Briefly. Suede marks and stiffens when soaked: shake it off, hang it to dry at room temperature and brush it. Faux suede takes rain better.