SAEDNEWS: Pustin-doozi (sheepskin tailoring) is one of the traditional handicrafts that has long flourished in Mashhad.
It is not precisely known when humans first began using sheepskin clothing, but based on cave paintings, it is believed that around five hundred thousand years ago, early humans used animal skins as garments. Its origin dates back to the time when humans first thought of using animal hides to keep warm—an idea evidenced by ancient wall paintings. According to Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, the legendary first king, Keyumars, wore a leopard-skin garment known as poostin-e palangineh (leopard hide).
From the 1960s onward, the poostin trade in Iran flourished once again, with exports from Khorasan reaching both domestic and international markets. Following the establishment of the Iranian Leather and Fur Industries Company, several factories were built across regions such as Khorasan and Lorestan. This product closely resembles Afghan leather goods, and Afghan poostin products have maintained a stronger global market position, often competing successfully with Khorasan’s poostin in terms of price and quality.
Poostin, or fur clothing, refers to a winter garment made entirely or largely from the hides of wool-bearing animals. It is one of the oldest forms of human clothing, tracing its origins to early humans in Africa. Unlike leather, in poostin the animal’s wool remains intact. Wealthy individuals traditionally used the skins of tigers and leopards.
This craft has been passed down through generations—from men of the past to the women artisans of today. Currently, Razavi Khorasan (particularly the Shandiz region) is one of the main centers of poostin-making. The climate of the region has likely contributed to its suitability for this craft. Khorasani poostin stands out from those of other countries due to its authentic Iranian designs, such as the zaghaleh-pardazi chahar-baghal (a traditional pattern), embroidered on the hide using colorful threads. The art of poostin-doozi (fur tailoring) dates back to before World War II, when poostin garments were among Iran’s export goods.
Thanks to its warmth and durability, fur clothing has long been worn across the Middle East and colder regions worldwide. In Canada, fur garments are particularly popular during harsh winters. In many developed countries, fur attire is considered a luxury fashion item, while in polar regions it remains a practical necessity due to its excellent insulation.
Traditionally, fur clothing has been part of the cultural heritage of Scandinavia, Japan, and Russia. Northern Russia and Turkmenistan were once key centers for exporting fur to Europe, the Middle East, and even North Africa. Because of its accessibility and insulating qualities, fur continues to be used by both indigenous peoples and modern societies. Today, Iranian handmade poostin products are exported to Iraq, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan.
The production process begins by carefully separating the hide from the animal, then soaking it in water for two days. After soaking, the hide is thoroughly washed to remove any excess fat. Next, the back of the hide is coated with barley flour and salt, folded, and left to rest for some time.
Once ready, the surface is smoothed—traditionally with stone, but nowadays with special sandpaper—until it becomes even and soft. The hide is then dyed, usually in brown tones, though other colors such as purple, black, and navy blue are also used.
At this point, the hide is ready for cutting. Pre-made patterns are placed on the hide, which is then cut into pieces and sewn—either by machine or by hand—into products such as coats, slippers, handbags, vests, hats, and scarves. Hand-sewn items are more valuable and of higher quality. Embroidery and color embellishment are often used to decorate the finished poostin.
Today, Razavi Khorasan, particularly the Shandiz region, remains one of the primary centers for this ancient craft. Poostin-doozi is among Shandiz’s oldest handicrafts and continues to be exported to neighboring countries and Russia, preserving a timeless tradition that blends practicality, artistry, and cultural heritage.
