On a 35-degree Celsius mid-summer day in Bowral, a reviewer stumbled upon a Wilson & Dorset Summer Sale and was immediately drawn to the brand's exceptionally soft sheepskin products. The Shaggy Bean Bag, later described as "life-changing" for its comfort, became the first of several purchases.
A Growing Collection
Six months later, the reviewer owns four Wilson & Dorset items. These include the Single Sheepskin thrown over an ottoman ($179), the Shaggy Bean Bag ($1,890), a Footstool ($589), and two Cushion Covers ($129 each). The bean bag, crafted from eight sheepskins sewn together with a 100% cow hide non-slip base, remains firmly in place even on wooden floors.
Comfort and Quality
The bean bag's 320 litres of microbeans provide support for various body shapes, allowing users to mould it to their preferred position. Weighing approximately 16 kilograms, it can be easily moved around the home. The reviewer notes that family members often compete for the bean bag on weekends. When paired with the Footstool, the comfort is taken "to the next level."
Brand Background
Wilson & Dorset was founded in Wanaka, New Zealand, by Ben Wilson and Amanda Dorset. The brand has earned international recognition for reimagining sheepskin as a contemporary design material. While it operates a single bricks-and-mortar boutique in Bowral, it also has flagship stores in New Zealand and a pop-up in Melbourne. All products are crafted from premium New Zealand sheepskin, celebrated for its natural warmth, breathability, and durability.
Why Sheepskin?
According to Wilson & Dorset, sheepskin offers several natural benefits. It is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic due to lanolin, a naturally occurring wax that resists bacteria and fungi. Sheepskin is thermo-regulating, keeping users cool in summer and warm in winter. It resists fire up to 200°C, shrinking but not catching flame, making it safer than synthetics near fireplaces. The lanolin also creates a water-repellent barrier, making spills easy to blot. Wool fibers are stronger than steel gram-for-gram, able to bend over 20,000 times without breaking, ensuring long-lasting durability with basic care.
