Frequently Asked Questions

ORDERS

Pre-order means that the item isn’t available immediately, but you can order stock that is expected into our warehouse. The item will be allocated to you, and we will send it to you as soon as it arrives with us. Sometimes we have stock sell out before it arrives so if you don’t want to miss out, we advise you order on pre-order!
This time will vary depending on the item – it can be anywhere from two weeks up to four months. If you do order an item on pre-order, we will email you to let you know the expected time frame and give you the opportunity to switch to another item if you’d prefer not to wait.

Yes, you can as long as the tags are still attached, and the item is unused. Please see our returns policy for more information. We are happy to help if you need advice on what might work better for your space. Please email customercare@wilsondorset.com to let us know, and make sure your name and/or order number are noted.

In the rare case your order arrives damaged, it isn’t what you ordered, or any items are missing, please contact customercare@wilsondorset.com within 48 hours of receiving your delivery. Make sure you have your order number and provide a description of what’s wrong, and we’ll do our best to get it sorted for you ASAP.

Yes, you can as long as the tags are still attached, and the item is unused. Please see our returns policy for more information. We are happy to help if you need advice on what might work better for your space. Please email customercare@wilsondorset.com to let us know, and make sure your name and/or order number are noted.

In the rare case your order arrives damaged, it isn’t what you ordered, or any items are missing, please contact customercare@wilsondorset.com within 48 hours of receiving your delivery. Make sure you have your order number and provide a description of what’s wrong, and we’ll do our best to get it sorted for you ASAP.
We know you’re probably excited to get your hands on some new sheepskin goodness! We ship with a variety of different couriers worldwide and there can be many different reasons that a package can get stuck. The best starting point is to get in touch with the relevant delivery company. Failing that, you can send an email to customercare@wilsondorset.com and we will get in touch with our courier representative and try to get it sorted for you from our end.
Yes, we send our products worldwide. Please note, outside of New Zealand and Australia our Shaggy Bean Bags are shipped unfilled.

SHEEPSKIN

Sheepskin has natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can help in reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi. This makes it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Sheepskin is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to other materials, making it a great choice for home furnishings.
Our sheepskins are a by-product of the meat industry. In the year ending June 2024, approximately 23.31 million sheep were processed in New Zealand, of which 30% - 50% of the sheepskins ended up in landfill. We feel that it is important to honour the animal by making full use of it and extending the useful life of this wonder fibre.
Our sheepskins are sourced in New Zealand and we do the tanning and manufacturing northwest of Beijing, China (near Inner Mongolia). Robert Wilson, the father of one of our founders, Ben Wilson, supported the factory set up in the 1990s along with our kiwi technical director Leroy, who now splits his time between New Zealand and China. The techniques are approached like a craft. Leroy is one of the best tanners in the world; him and his team have honed the craft over 30 years. This is a long-term partnership that’s not only business, but friendship – and one we are very proud of.
Tanning is the method by which our products are preserved. It involves blended recipes that maintain the natural fibre’s colour, shape and construction.
The hide or skin is immersed in a formula designed to bond the collagen proteins that make up the skin. Tanning has been practiced for thousands of years to preserve the natural wool fleece and retain the longevity and quality of the leather.
We use a variety of dyeing systems depending on the end use of the sheepskin. None of our dyeing methods use AZO dyes and we are compliant with EU Reach regulations.
Sheepskins are not bleached in the way that fabrics are bleached to achieve a white colour. We use minimal bleaching in our washing processes to protect the softness of the fibre. Our tanning process does result in a ‘whitening effect’ on the wool fibres.
No, and our sheepskins are tested regularly to ensure that they do not contain harmful chemicals. Chemical standards differ worldwide, and we monitor and manage this process carefully to make sure we are adhering to local and international standards. Our factory executes robust testing protocol to ensure the absence of pesticides and heavy metals. With low levels of safe chemicals, the factory are able to achieve the OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD for the safety of our products in close contact with human skin. Because we significantly reduced our water consumption, we’re also able to minimise the overall use of chemicals. This not only benefits the environment but also aligns with our commitment to promoting a healthier, more sustainable approach. By reducing the use of chemicals, we also safeguard the natural qualities of our sheepskins. We believe that every step counts in our journey towards creating products that are not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious.
We use a variety of breeds raised in New Zealand. We carefully match the properties of specific breeds with the optimal end products. This typically incorporates a mix of breeds that may include Romney, Border Leicester, Coopworth, Dorset, and sometimes Merino. Sheepskin tanners sort skins firstly by specifying the fineness and style of wool that is needed for the specific sheepskin products. It is the features of the wool that is most important rather than which breed it is sourced from.
Please seek advice from your health professional. If you are intending to use sheepskin for sleep, Plunket advisors say, "If you want to use a sheepskin, use a short-hair type, and cover it with a sheet." It is important that consumers follow the advice of their local childcare professionals when choosing bedding or comforters for their babies. This advice will vary from country to country.

PRODUCT SELECTION

Our colours are muted natural tones designed to fit into a variety of living spaces, so it’s hard to go wrong. The colour that will look best in your space is a personal choice, however you may want to consider: is it a warm toned or cool toned space? Do you want it to add texture or contrast? For warm spaces (think timber and creamy tones), Mt Gold, Bendigo, and Lindis are good options. For cool toned spaces (think metal, grey and blues), Matuki and Minaret are often winners. Dublin Bay is an excellent neutral tone that can fit warm or cool spaces. The colours can look very different in different spaces and lighting, so if you're unsure feel free to order from our sample library or get in touch.

Mt Gold is the best colour option if you are concerned about fading. If you’re unsure, get in touch with our friendly staff in store or contact customercare@wilsondorset.com.
Our Shaggy Wool pile is sourced from unshorn sheep aged less than 12 months old and is typically 40-50mm in length. This wool is not as wild as its extra shaggy counterpart as it has not endured the harsh conditions of years out in the elements. With its soft texture and depth of colour, it provides contrast and interest to interiors while making surfaces more comfortable. Our Extra Shaggy Wool pile is a celebration of the innate characteristics of wool in its purest form - preserving the natural curl and growth of unshorn sheepskin. The pile length can vary between 60-80mm, depending on the natural growth of the fleece. Plush and silky to touch, these rugs are ideal for spaces needing texture, warmth, or an extra layer of interest.

CARE

One of the reasons we’re so passionate about replacing synthetics in the home with sheepskin is because it is easy to take care of and forgiving of life’s accidents and spills. With a bit of basic care, your sheepskin product will look and feel good for a lifetime. Here are our top tips below:

The five golden rules of sheepskin care

  1. They love a good shake.
  2. For larger items, like our Shaggy Bean Bags or Floor Rugs, a good vacuum every now and then will remove accumulated dirt or crumbs.
  3. If you are keen to preserve the original colour of your sheepskin, avoid direct sunlight. Because it’s a natural fibre, prolonged exposure to sun will change the colour or give a fade on the area where the sunlight hits the sheepskin.
  4. When you spill something on your sheepskin, act quickly. Take a read of our spot cleaning rules and remember, dab don’t rub.
  5. If you’re unsure about a spill or stain, take it to a drycleaner with experience cleaning sheepskin.

Please see our Care Guide for specific instructions.

Natural fibres, like sheepskin, linen, leather and cotton, will fade in direct sunlight. Plastic-based materials can be more colour-fast but, as we know, have other negative impacts. If the spot where you are considering placing your product is particularly sunny, we would suggest Mt Gold as the best colour option.

We find the best way to keep our sheepskin looking great is to run our fingers through the sheepskin fibre or give it a good vacuum. This keeps the natural curls intact.

While brushing can be nice for ‘straighter fibres’ we don’t recommend it for our natural curly sheepskins as, just like with human hair, it can make it look fluffy and frizzy.

If you do choose to give your sheepskin wool a brush, it’s best to use a wire comb brush (like a pet brush). Make sure you air dry it away from sunlight and direct heat.

If you have regrets after brushing your sheepskin, you can lightly spritz the wool fibres with cool water and run your fingers through it to help revert the wool back to its original state. See our Care Guide for more details.

THE SHAGGY BEAN BAG

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Shaggy Bean Bags will be shipped prefilled, however the beans do compress over time and topping up is recommended. We don't currently sell beans separately, but we have partnered with Ambient Lounge to offer a 15% discount on your first top up by using the code WILSONDORSET at checkout. For the best experience, we recommend the Premium Ultra-Bean (100% recyclable, high-density beans, available in Australia) or the Premium Bean Filling (for our New Zealand customers). Alternatively, Ecobeans are another great option.

REST OF WORLD
Due to the increased volume (and therefore cost) of the Shaggy Bean Bag when it is filled, we ship international orders unfilled. We do not yet have a directory for bean bag filler internationally, but we understand they are commonly found in DIY and larger craft stores. If you are looking for an online supplier, searching 'bean bag filler' should give you a number of options. You will need about 320 litres to fill your Shaggy Bean Bag.

You’re welcome to use alternative fillers at your discretion, but please note that this may affect the signature feel of your Shaggy Bean Bag.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Shaggy Bean Bags will be shipped prefilled, however the beans do compress over time and topping up is recommended. We don't currently sell beans separately, but we have partnered with Ambient Lounge to offer a 15% discount on your first top up by using the code WILSONDORSET at checkout. For the best experience, we recommend the Premium Ultra-Bean (100% recyclable, high-density beans, available in Australia) or the Premium Bean Filling (for our New Zealand customers). Alternatively, Ecobeans are another great option.

REST OF WORLD
Due to the increased volume (and therefore cost) of the Shaggy Bean Bag when it is filled, we ship international orders unfilled. We do not yet have a directory for bean bag filler internationally, but we understand they are commonly found in DIY and larger craft stores. If you are looking for an online supplier, searching 'bean bag filler' should give you a number of options. You will need about 320 litres to fill your Shaggy Bean Bag.

Approximately 320 litres.
The beans inside our Shaggy Bean Bags are standard-sized polystyrene beans, designed to create the signature hugging comfort and help maintain the bag’s shape. It is no understatement to say our current reliance on polystyrene has kept us awake at night. When we switched our cushions, footstools and stone sets to Wisewool wool fill we hoped we could do the same with our bean bags, but realised it made the Shaggy Bean Bag too stiff and heavy. We are currently testing plant-based alternatives to polystyrene and hope to roll this out in 2025.
This will depend on how much use your Shaggy Bean Bag gets. A good rule of thumb is a small top up every year. Generally, we recommend between 50-100 litres depending on how deflated it has become. Please note that the quality of the beans will affect how long the Shaggy Bean Bag keeps its shape, so buy high quality fill where possible. If you have only recently bought your Shaggy Bean Bag and it appears deflated, please contact us.
There are between 8 to 10 skins in a Shaggy Bean Bag.

THE SHEEPSKIN RUG

Sheepskins are both lightweight and robust making them wonderfully universal. They are often used over furniture to add comfort, or as floor rugs, picnic rugs or car seat covers.

There are no rules, but a good place to start is to consider the size of the space or furniture where you plan to use it. Our sheepskin rugs are named after the number of sheepskins used to make them. They start with The Single and go up to The Octo, which is made from eight sheepskins sewn together. Generally speaking, The Single is great for small pieces of furniture, The One + Half or The Double tend to work well on benches or armchairs. Our larger sizes, The Quarto, The Sexto and The Octo are usually used for couches and as floor rugs. If you're unsure, get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.

FLOOR RUGS

We recommend vacuuming and giving it a shake out regularly. You can see our Care Guide for specific cleaning instructions.

Yes, we do! Please email customercare@wilsondorset.com with the colour you're after and the size, and we'll get back to you with a quote. Generally, the lead time is about six months from order confirmation.

THE STONE SET

The Footstool is the same size as the medium/middle stone from The Stone Set. The big and little stone are only available as part of The Stone Set.

THE PRAM LINER

You might be surprised how easy it is – you should only need to spot clean any little spills, however if a bigger accident happens you can gently machine wash with wool wash if you need to. See our cleaning and care guide for more information.

CUSHIONS

Yes we do! We sell wool-filled cushion inners that have been filled in our warehouse with loose New Zealand wool - you can see our wool-filled cushion inners here.

THE UNISEX SLIPPER

Like all things, a little bit of care can go a long way. Our sheepskin slippers are designed for indoor use. You should only need to spot clean if there’s a spill on the wool. If you are concerned that they’ve gotten damp, you can sprinkle baking soda inside them, leave them overnight, then shake it out. Overtime they will mould to your feet making them extra special and comfy, however if you think you won’t be using them for a while, you can stuff some tissue paper into them to help keep their shape.
Our slippers are in EU sizes. Because leather can stretch over time with frequent wear and warmth from your feet, its best to go a size down if you’re unsure. Please use our size chart for more guidance.

Yes, of course, as long as they still have their tags and haven’t been used. Please email customercare@wilsondorset.com to let us know, and make sure your name or order number, and the size you’d like to swap to, are on a note inside the package. Please see our returns information for more info.

THE LAPTOP CASE

Yes, if you have a standard laptop and buy the appropriate size you should be able to also fit a notebook or power cord.

THE HOT WATER BOTTLE

For filling and general use of your hot water bottle we recommend you leave the cover on. However, if you want to remove it, you’ll find there is a small zipper down the back of the cover.

SUSTAINABILITY

Reducing the environmental impact of our production is a huge priority for us at our production facility. Check out our Sustainability page for a list of recent initiatives.

As a team we are always working to embody our shared ethos.

We care about the environment, that is why we take a byproduct, potentially destined for landfill, and turn it into beautiful products we can cherish for a lifetime.

We completed our first BCORP assessment with an overall Impact Score of 33.3 which showed we had a lot of room for improvement. Areas around governance and environment are key spaces needing our attention.

We have an action plan which has been on the backburner while we have navigated the challenging economic environment. Our little team just couldn’t quite stretch that far.
We are excited to be in a position to tackle some of this action plan in 2025 and look forward to sharing an update when we retake our assessment.

Here are some things we have been working on in the meantime:

• In November 2022 we removed all synthetic fibres from our stone sets, footstools and cushions and replaced it with New Zealand Wisewool wool fill.

• In April 2023 we started an employment pilot for people in our local community with intellectual disability. In August 2023 we transitioned this team to permanent employees. Read more about this program in our Blueprint.


And we have a number of little practices in place:
• We share rides if we’re going to the same place (often piling into our warehouse van!).
• We use re-usable cups for our coffees (in fact the team made their own coffee cups in a collab with one of our product suppliers).
• We recycle everything we can with our amazing local Wastebusters team.
• We are really excited about tackling the big issue around product packaging.