Everything You Need to Know About Fur Coats (2024)

FAQs

Everything You Need to Know About Fur Coats? ›

Far from being a natural resource, fur production is an intensely toxic and energy-consumptive process, with pelts being dipped in toxic chemical soups and animal waste runoff from fur factory farms polluting soil and waterways.

Far from being a natural resource, fur production is an intensely toxic and energy-consumptive process, with pelts being dipped in toxic chemical soups and animal waste runoff from fur factory farms polluting soil and waterways.

Furs that are labeled designer or are very pale (white, platinum, blonde, champagne) will be at the higher end of these value ranges. Sheep-based furs, persian lamb and mouton, have also held their modest value – people consider these to be the ethical equivalent of a leather jacket.

An excellent fur coat's fur quality will naturally be silky soft to the touch and evenly distributed. A poor-quality fur coat, on the other hand, will contain clumps of fur and won't feel fluffy at all. It will be more rigid, and this is the most fundamental first criterion for determining the quality of a fur coat.

As long as you purchase a good quality fur from a reputable furrier it should last more than long enough to justify the cost. Although the longevity of fur varies from one type to another, a good quality mink coat, with proper care (storage and cleaning every year) can last up to 20 years or more.

Can you wear a fur coat every day? There are no rules as to whether you can wear fur every day. But because of its durability, it is actually made to be worn every day in the colder months of the year.

Furs do not tolerate warm temperatures well, as the heat has a tendency to dry out the furs and leather. Moreover, direct exposure to sunlight can cause fading and the fur can become discolored. It is recommended to avoid storing in an attic or in the garage which can be hot, humid, cramped places.

Russian sable is still the most prized and expensive fur in the world for its legendary silky quality, rarity and light weight.

These days, there have been many functional alternatives other than fur, but fur still remains popular due to its elegance.

If you have an old fur coat you haven't worn in years, consider selling it. Depending on the quality, age, fur type, and condition your coat can fetch you top dollar. But get a professional appraisal before you put a price tag on it.

What is the warmest fur for a coat? ›

Here is a rating of the warmest furs (in descending order): Beaver, Arctic fox; Deer; Silver fox; Sheared sheepskin; Sable; Rabbit.

Real fur will singe up and smell like burnt hair. Faux fur tends to burn like melted plastic. Perform a Pin Test – if you stick a pin in your garment and it goes through without any trouble, it's faux fur. Real fur is much harder to push through with a pin due to the thick, leather lining that's used.

As a natural garment, fur coats need to hang freely, with plenty of space. If they don't, they can get musty or even moldy, which is never good. If possible, store them loosely in several closets if necessary.

If you want your fur coat to last, you should store your coat in cold storage during the summer months. Keeping your coat at home in a closet when it is warm is not good for furs. If the humidity level is too low the natural oils in the pelts will disperse more rapidly causing the garment to become dry and deteriorate.

Every single fur coat especially those made up of all natural fur, need professional cleaning at least once or twice a year. Its recommended to clean your coats during the summer time when the coats are no longer in use.

The U.S. has a Fur Products Labeling Act, which mandates that garments containing fur be properly labeled, and it has a Dog and Cat Fur Protection Act, which prohibits dog and cat fur trade in the U.S. This is due, in large part, to the alleged killing of dogs and cats in China for their fur.

Will Rain Ruin a Fur? A mild rain will not ruin your fur. Just hang the garment up to dry in a well-ventilated room away from direct heat. After it is dry, give the fur a vigorous shake.

Don't comb or brush; simply smooth the fur with your hand. If your coat gets completely soaked with water, it should be taken to a professional fur cleaner immediately so the hides can be treated correctly to prevent shrinkage. If you have a natural fur hat, take special care if it becomes wet.

Because animals need their fur coats more than we do. On animal fur factory farms around the world, millions of rabbits, foxes, mink, chinchillas and raccoon dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages, deprived of the ability to engage in natural behaviors—only to be crudely gassed or electrocuted at the end.

Fur was once seen as one of world's most luxe materials. Now, for a growing number of high-end brands, it is out of fashion.

How do you rejuvenate a fur coat? ›

For hydrating your fur coat, you would need a hair conditioner or fabric softener mixed with two cups of warm water. Combine both in a spray bottle and spray it on the area that needs care. Brush the part gently and let it dry. You can find more information on cleaning and storing your fur coat in our article.

So a law banning the sale and manufacture of luxury pelts like mink, sable, chinchilla, lynx, fox, rabbit and beaver that went into effect in California in January has so far been largely met with a shrug — and one decidedly not of the fur variety.

Painful and Short Lives

The most commonly farmed fur-bearing animals are minks, followed by foxes.

The fur of sheep and lamb, often referred to as shearling or sheepskin, is a by-product of the meat and wool industry and is considered the most common type of fur and one of the most affordable.

Animal prints have been a popular trend in fashion for many years, and they are still going strong in 2023. Animal print fur coats, such as leopard or cheetah, add a touch of wildness to any outfit. They are perfect for those who want to make a statement and stand out in a crowd.

Wearing vintage fur will also add a significant amount of fur back to the markets making unnecessary new fur. Re introducing vintage fur in the market will also have an impact in the fur market reducing prices and making less competitive new fur. Wearing vintage fur coats is ethical and also it is sustainable.

The value of a vintage mink coat depends on a variety of factors, including the condition, size, brand and quality. A small mink coat could sell for under $300 while a top designer coat could sell for over $10,000.

“Real, natural fur coats are typically kept for 30 years or more, passed down as meaningful heirlooms from generation to generation or sold as vintage furs worn or repurposed,” says Kaplan. “Fake fur, on the other hand, is usually kept for six years or less.”

During its peak, in the early 1980s, a mink coat typically cost $8,000 to $50,000 but could go above $400,000 for all-belly black Russian mink. Today it's a different story.

What is the most expensive type of fur coat? ›

The top three most expensive and coveted furs around the globe are sable, lynx and chinchilla. Each of these furs possess characteristics that make them unique, extremely luxurious and highly sought-after.

Inverting the coat makes it more effective because it traps the body heat inside and does not let it go out. By preserving our body heat, it makes us feel warmer.

Beaver fur is also waterproof because of oil produced in castor glands near the base of the tail. The beaver routinely combs this oil in its fur using a specialized split toenail, called a grooming claw. When swimming underwater, beavers close valves in their ears and nostrils to keep water out.

Yes, in 2021 Israel became the first country in the world to ban real fur sales. In the United States, California became the first US state to ban the sale of fur in 2019 (the ban came into effect in January 2023) following similar bans in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley and West Hollywood.

The Main Causes of Odours in Furs

Moisture is one leading cause of odours, so ensure your fur is stored with proper ventilation in a dry location. All furs are susceptible to moisture, but the longer and denser furs are more at risk to developing a musty smell due to moisture being held within the fur.

A real fur coat isn't something you can throw in your washing machine or even wash by hand. Just like your skin and hair, real fur pelts require natural oils to keep them in great condition.

These clothes moths are best avoided by spraying lavender or cedarwood oil around the house on a regular basis, as well as regularly dusting your fur with rubbing alcohol. To keep them out of the closet while also keeping your furs smelling good, place a good-smelling natural repellant near your furs.

When you dry clean your winter fur coat, you're making a deal with your dry cleaners. This deal ensures that all embellishments stay intact and water damage remains minimal. More importantly, it will add several years to the life of your fur coat.

Insects can completely destroy the hair on large surfaces of fur plates, leave visible “bald spots”, make the fur product untid and heavily worn out. Areas damaged by moths are most noticeable on products made of fox fur, astrakhan, sable, as well as coats of transverse mink.

The Importance of Humidity Control

If the humidity is too low (dry air) the natural oils in the pelts will evaporate more rapidly causing the garment to become dry and deteriorate. If the humidity is too high (damp air) they pelts can rot at a fast rate.

How cold should it be to wear a fur coat? ›

The best temperature to wear fur coat is at below 55F, when you will get the best out of your furry garment. In essence, the colder the weather, the better the results.

The short answer is yes, and you can definitely wear fur in the snow! In fact, fur is actually a great material to wear in cold weather since it's so warm and cozy. Faux fur can be worn in the winter as a way to stay warm and stylish.

Animals' hair has some natural oils that keep the water away and allow it to stay dry even when it downpours. In other words, average rain and snow storms are not dangerous for your fur coats, so you can be confident wearing them and not being afraid you'll destroy their original look and properties.

Furs are natural water repellants. The long guard hairs keep the animals dry plus the natural oils repel the water also. Even if for some reason you fall in the snow the fur will be fine.

Mix 1 part isopropyl alcohol with 1 part water and apply it directly to the stain. Because fur coats are delicate, you should always avoid using any type of cleaner or solvent, and use as little water as possible. Rub the stain gently with a white cloth and allow to dry.

All furs are cleaned using a special non-immersion process commonly referred to as the furrier method. Linings are hand cleaned to remove make-up, dirt and stains. Furs are gently tumbled with solvent impregnated powders.

Like virtually every other article of clothing (certain brand-name jewelry excepted), the moment you take a fur home, depreciation kicks in, and its value begins to diminish. Fur pelts also dry out over time, so the longer a coat has been sitting in your closet, the less valuable it has potentially become.

Be sure to buy real fur. It is easy to tell the difference between a faux fur and a real fur coat if you know what to look for. Do not be afraid to look at and touch the fur. Real fur will feel soft and silky while faux fur which is made from petrochemicals will be rough and feel synthetic.

Real fur will singe up and smell like burnt hair. Faux fur tends to burn like melted plastic. Perform a Pin Test – if you stick a pin in your garment and it goes through without any trouble, it's faux fur. Real fur is much harder to push through with a pin due to the thick, leather lining that's used.

It is worn by indigenous people and the Inuit people for many years, and it is because fur offers amazing insulating qualities. Fur, while not as popular as it once was, is still worn and produced these days. Countries such as China, Denmark, and Poland are known to be their biggest producers.

What animal fur is worth the most? ›

Russian sable is still the most prized and expensive fur in the world for its legendary silky quality, rarity and light weight. A little sable jacket starts at about $16,000 and a top quality silvery coat can run upward of $150,000.

During its peak, in the early 1980s, a mink coat typically cost $8,000 to $50,000 but could go above $400,000 for all-belly black Russian mink. Today it's a different story.

Will Rain Ruin a Fur? A mild rain will not ruin your fur. Just hang the garment up to dry in a well-ventilated room away from direct heat. After it is dry, give the fur a vigorous shake.

Farms in the US are certified by Fur Commission USA while, in Canada, farmers follow codes of practice developed by the National Farm Animal Care Council. So the North American fur trade also satisfies our second ethical criterion: no unnecessary pain or cruelty is inflicted on fur animals in North America.

Yes, in 2021 Israel became the first country in the world to ban real fur sales. In the United States, California became the first US state to ban the sale of fur in 2019 (the ban came into effect in January 2023) following similar bans in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley and West Hollywood.

The best temperature to wear fur coat is at below 55F, when you will get the best out of your furry garment. In essence, the colder the weather, the better the results.

Real fur is biodegradable and the quality is more durable than faux fur, meaning it lasts a lot longer. The biggest rule when it comes to sustainable fashion is instead of buying many cheaper clothing options, one should buy fewer more durable items that you can wear time and time again.

Many people argue whether the production of fake fur or real fur is better for the environment. Very little U.S. federal law exists regulating the treatment of fur animals. The Animal Welfare Act, which works to ensure humane treatment of animals, specifically exempts fur animals that are raised for their pelts.

Kim Kardashian, who no longer wears real fur or exotic skins, has 13 products for sale, including mink fur coats, python-skinned skirts, and crocodile handbags worth thousands of dollars.