Let’s start with the question we’re probably all thinking: does shearing hurt sheep?
The short answer is no—not when it’s done properly by a trained professional.
In fact, shearing is a bit like giving a very large, very stubborn, long-haired Army recruit a haircut. There may be some initial resistance, but once it’s over, there’s a pretty good chance they’re feeling a whole lot better.
And there’s a reason sheep need to be shorn in the first place.
Unlike their wild ancestors, domestic sheep don’t naturally shed their winter coats. Their wool continues to grow, which means that by the time summer arrives, they can be carrying an impressively heavy, thick fleece. Imagine wearing a huge woolly jumper on a hot, humid day—and then imagine never being able to take it off.
So, shearing isn’t simply about collecting wool. It’s an important part of looking after the sheep.
Why do sheep need to be shorn?
- They don’t naturally shed their wool: Domestic sheep rely on shearing to remove their winter coat.
- It helps prevent overheating: A thick fleece can trap a lot of heat during warmer weather.
- It helps prevent illness: Heavy, dirty wool can attract insects and increase the risk of problems such as flystrike, which can be extremely dangerous.
- It makes moving around easier: Removing a heavy fleece allows sheep to walk and move more comfortably.
But doesn’t shearing frighten them?
Well… initially, yes, it can.
Sheep are prey animals, so having a larger, stronger creature grab hold of you is understandably a little unsettling. But professional shearing is designed to be quick, controlled and as stress-free as possible.
When done correctly, the sheep is carefully positioned and the fleece is removed efficiently. In many cases, the whole process takes around 90 seconds. For context, the world record is less than half that time.
And here’s the interesting part: as soon as the fleece starts coming off, the sheep can begin to benefit from it. That heavy, hot coat is gone, and they can move more freely and comfortably.
For a sheep that has been shorn before, it’s also not exactly a surprise. It’s part of the annual routine.
So, while being handled and shorn might not be their favourite couple of minutes of the year, proper shearing should not cause pain. Think of it more as a brief inconvenience with a very welcome payoff: being considerably cooler, lighter and more comfortable.
But what about injuries?
This is where the quality of the shearing really matters.
There is a world of difference between careful, professional shearing and rushing the job. Hasty or careless shearing can result in cuts and injuries, which is why animal welfare standards are so important when wool is being sourced.
We’re proud to work with brands that take this responsibility seriously. The brands we choose have strict in-house regulations around animal welfare when sourcing their raw materials.
Our premium Brand Partner, Rowan, is committed to sustainability and environmental protection and works closely with its suppliers and partners to ensure its wool is produced responsibly and ethically. Rowan also uses recycled yarns as part of its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
So, when you see wool in a product, it’s worth asking where it came from and how it was sourced. Good wool production isn’t just about the quality of the fibre—it’s about how the animals, people and environment involved in producing it are treated too.
And finally, perhaps the most important point of all:
Thank you, sheep.
For the wool, the warmth, and your annual contribution to keeping the fashion world cosy.
We owe you one.
Half-Shorn Sheep, Cary Wolinsky, 1986 – Put This On.