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It was 2002 when I came across an image of the best shearling jacket I had ever seen—even until today, almost two decades later. I forget where exactly I discovered it, but the beige suede aviator with a pronounced collar and pockets, worn over a simple white V-neck tee and roomy cream-colored trousers, has stuck with me. It was a runway look from Gucci, then designed by Tom Ford, when the brand was unabashedly sexy.

Sexy: The word that perfectly describes a shearling jacket, particularly if it’s an aviator. When done correctly, the style has presence and commands a room. It beckons passersby to stop, stare, and, on occasion, blush. Ford, perhaps more than most, understands its ability to allure; since leaving Gucci and starting his own label, he usually presents at least one in his seasonal collections. It makes sense when you discover that the man is a Texan—one who owns a ranch, no less. He’s a cowboy, so he gets how durable and insulating the material can be. But he also has the panache and swagger of James Bond, which means anything less than sexy just doesn’t suffice. And it doesn’t get any sexier than that combo, fellas.

Ford, of course, isn’t the only designer that’s a fan. Rick Owens, the chiseled lord of darkness, constantly reinvents the biker jacket, using shearling to bolster the drama of his collections. Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing and Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vacarello have also put forward eye-catching designs, combining the sheared lambswool with corduroy, suede, or denim. And burgeoning names, like Ambush’s Yoon Ahn and Bianca Saunders, have done wonders with textures, proportions, or a combination of both. But if tradition is what you’re after, the folks at Overland and Schott and Levi’s constantly offer up the real deal.

It is important to note that most shearling jackets and coats cost a pretty penny—even if they're lined with sherpa. Yes, there are very good affordable options, but in regards to this category, you’re gonna have to open up your wallet wide to get the look of an authentic cowboy 007. But when you do, rest assured that, with a description like that, you’ll make hearts flutter.

Classic Sheepskin B-3 Bomber Jacket

For fits that imbue the rugged, brawny vibe of the Great Outdoors (but with a streetwise bent), Overland is the name to know. The brand continuously offers a full range of shearling jackets and coats, with this detachable-hood bomber representing an unbeatable value.

Special Edition Sheepskin B-3 Bomber Jacket

If you're looking for something that reads a little less military-inspired and a little more contemporary, Overland also offers up a B-3 bomber in a shade of sand suede that lends it an undeniable sense of sophistication.

Type III Sherpa Jacket

When it comes to a denim jacket, Levi's, the brand that reputedly created the style, is hard to beat. And with a price tag of just $80, the same can be said of this sherpa-lined option.

Vintage Buffalo Leather Trucker Jacket

Schott's been making its shearling toppers for about as long as the style's been around. So, if you want the real deal, look no further than this Buffalo leather jacket with genuine shearling trims and a faux-fur lining.

Bauhaus Shearling Jacket

Rick Owens, king of the underground, offers a shearling-lined leather jacket that is as brutalist as the art style it is named after.

Leather Bomber Jacket with Removable Shearling Collar

If you want shearling, but not all the time, Bugatchi offers up a chic solution. With the collar, this jacket is a stylish, warm shearling number; without it, you've still got yourself a high-fashion leather bomber.

Leather Jacket with Genuine Shearling Trim

Frye's leather jacket with shearling trim will keep you warm and stylish, all season long.

Aviator Jacket

For something lowkey yet elegant, Theory Outlet's (discounted!) aviator jacket is the right move. This one has ample pocket space, a full front zip, and a relaxed fit.

Shearling Jacket

Mr P. keeps things simple, subtle, and effortlessly cool. Pair with boots and jeans, and you have the perfect formula for a fall look.

Italian Shearling Barn Coat

Even the coldest of winter days is no match for this longline coat, complete with a soft, Italian shearling interior, four pockets, and buttons that go all the way up.

Hitching Faux Shearling Lined Denim Jacket

Ruggedly handsome, this denim jacket with shearling lining is cool looking, but feels cozy AF.

Heritage Shearling Flight Jacket

A heavyweight jacket to get you through even the grayest, coldest, wettest days of winter.

Shearling Jacket

You read that price right, but this is an investment piece that'll last you a lifetime. Brunello Cucinelli keeps things looking slim and elegant with this suede coat, lined with shearling inside for invisible—but practical—warmth. You'll never want or need to buy a winter coat again.

Shearling Car Coat

Lamb leather, a spread collar, and dyed shearling make for the perfect combination. This coat exudes luxury, from look to feel.

Stanley Shearling Jacket

For a look that says "elevated grunge," Rag & Bone has you covered. Literally.

Arvel Shearling Trim Leather Jacket

Or, keep things simple, subtle, and soft with this shearling-lined number from Canada Goose.

Hardy Shearling Double Buckle Jacket

For a timeless piece with all the bells and whistles (buckles and zippers?), Reiss has a style that's an aviator-esque classic.

Faux Shearling Longline Coat

Affordable, trendy, and long enough to keep most of your body warm as can be, ASOS throws a chic number worthy of many a fit pic into the ring.

G9 Shearling Harrington Jacket

If you're on the hunt for something classic, it's hard to do better than a Harrington. And if you want to twist that classic just a bit by getting it in shearling instead of a water-resistant textile? Well, all the better.

Reversible Shearling Jacket

Comfy, cozy, completely reversible, and imbued with all the high-fashion cred you could ever ask for thanks to the good folks at Prada.

Burgundy Wrap Faux-Shearling Coat

It's not entirely unheard-of for shearling to get a little funky—especially when it comes to the car coats and rancher coats that were huge in the '70s. But if you want to get into something truly funkadelic, look no further than this burgundy, wrap-around effect number.

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