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Name: Severyn Furs
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How to Store Fur Coats at Home

Why fur coat storage is essential.

While furs are undoubtedly luxurious, cozy, and beautiful, they require special handling when it comes to storage. After all, a properly maintained and stored fur coat could last decades.

Regardless of where you live, chances are you’re not going to continue to wear that beautiful jacket all year long. No, at some point, you’re going to need to store it. Your first inclination might be to toss it on a hangar and stash it away in a closet.

If you want it to last, that would be the wrong thing to do.

A proper storage area needs to be cool, dry, and well-ventilated. This prevents mold from growing and allows the garment to retain its elegant sheen.

So what are the ideal long-term conditions for fur? We call it the 45/55 rule as it applies to both temperature and humidity.

The ideal temperature for storage.

You should keep your furs between 45°F and 55°F. This temperature range keeps the fur’s natural oils from breaking down.

The ideal humidity for storage.

Just like the temperature, the best humidity conditions should be between 45% and 55% humidity. This prevents mold from growing and also serves the oils.

The best way to store a fur coat.

If you’re looking at your Nest thermostat and wondering, how do you keep the temperature and humidity just right, you’re not alone. However, that’s why professional furriers offer cold storage options for all of your fur coats and accessories.

When you’re done wearing the elegant garment for the season in mid to late spring, head down and drop it off with your local furrier. Most furriers offer storage options, but if they don’t, they’ll know who does in the area.

They will usually conduct a thorough inspection of the fur, pack it up, wrap it up, and store it properly until you’re ready to pick it up the following season. Usually, it’s a full-service storage option. Professional furriers know precisely how to care for your luxury piece and will ensure it remains in top shape for the next time you’re ready to wear it.

How much does professional cold storage cost?

The total costs to store the fur depend on the location and total garments you have stored. However, in general, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $150 for cold fur storage.

Like most things in life, costs vary greatly depending on where you live. Someone living in Chicago may pay different fees than someone in New York. More competition in a given area could result in lower costs as well.

In addition to location, if you’re storing multiple garments, most furriers will offer a discount. So don’t hesitate to take your jacket, cape, and hat down to your local furrier for storage.

If you must, here’s what you need to do to store fur coats at home.

Fur hangers are designed to retain the shape of the garment.

First of all, we highly discourage storing your furs at home. It’s challenging to get the conditions just right in your home.

So what do you do if storing at home is the only option? Here are a few considerations for keeping fur coats (or other accessories) at home.

Free hanging. Instead of folding up in a box or bag, be sure to hang the garments freely, so they retain their look and don’t get creases.
Proper fur hanger. Using a hanger designed for the weight and shape of the fur coat is essential to keeping the form. When a fur coat is on the wrong type of hanger for months on end, you might find the shoulders will lose their shape.
Let them breathe. Your first thought might be to wrap them in plastic to protect them. However, the proper way is to cover them with a cotton bag as that will allow the garment to breathe.
Avoid sunlight. Find a place that does not have direct sunlight on your garment. Sunlight has harmful UV rays that can affect the coloring of the hairs and dry out the garment.
Stay away from the basement. Many fur lovers want to place their jackets in the basement as it’s probably the coolest place in their house; however, keep in mind the basement typically has the highest humidity levels as well.
Watch out for pests. Lastly, make sure you store the fur in a place that is free of pests. Rodents and bugs find fur particularly appealing and will destroy a jacket quickly.

Fur coats are costly investments that will grace your wardrobe for years if properly maintained. If you must store them at home during the warmer months, be sure they are stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You should also avoid storing them in areas with moisture or high levels of humidity.

The best way to store a fur coat would be at a professional furrier who will take care of all your cold-storage needs and ensure you never have to worry about how to keep your furs looking their best for years on end.

What to do with that Inherited Fur Coat

How to determine if the fur is real or fake.

After you receive possession of what appears to be an elegant and beautiful fur jacket, you’re probably wondering whether it’s real or fake fur.

Fake fur, after all, won’t be nearly as valuable or as comfortable as the real deal. So determining whether you have an authentic garment on your hands is one of the first things you should do.

If you’re familiar with fur coats and accessories, then you might be able to identify faux fur just by looking and feeling it. Keep in mind that faux fur has become increasingly sophisticated over the years, and an untrained eye might not be able to determine faux from real.

You can do a few things to determine whether or not you have an authentic fur or a knock-off.

Look test. Animal fur is complex and is designed for warmth. That’s why there are multiple layers to it. Look closely at the hair as you lightly blow on it. You’ll want to see to the base of the fur. With real fur, you’ll see shorter curly hairs with longer hairs protruding out. However, fake fur will be uniform, with all hairs generally the same size and color.
Burn test. Don’t be scared; it’s just a tiny piece and won’t harm the jacket. Take a small clipping of fur and hold them over a flame. Fake fur will have a plastic scent and will harden into a ball. Real fur will smell like burnt hair; we all know that smell.
Take it to a pro. A professional furrier deals with furs every day. They can spot a faux fur the second it walks into their shop. If you want an expert opinion, take your newly acquired jacket to a reputable furrier and get their take. They won’t steer your wrong.

Have the fur inspected and repaired.

At this point, you’ve determined that you have an authentic fur coat. If you took it to a furrier to decide whether or not the fur is real, then they might’ve given you a bit more information, such as who made the coat and where and when a furrier made it. These indicators will provide you with some insight into the jacket’s value.

Now it’s time to have the coat thoroughly inspected and repaired. Over the years, the coat could have some wear and tear, and you’ll want to get it back to pristine condition. So take the coat to a furrier specializing in inspections and repairs to have them check it out thoroughly inside and out.

The first thing they’ll inspect is the overall general condition of the coat. They’re going to look closely at the fur and liner to assess whether or not they can repair the coat.

Next, they’ll identify any rips and tears in the jacket and repair them. With their experience and expertise, they’re usually able to fix minor tears without damage to the fur and will be unnoticeable when they’re done.

Lastly, they’re going to re-attach any buttons and fix any zippers that may have fallen off or were damaged over the years. Their goal is to make the jacket look new and functional like new as well.

Once the furrier completes the repairs, you’re going to want the jacket to look and smell fresh.

Professional cleaning.

A jacket that has been tossed in a closet or basement for a few decades might not smell very fresh. It may also be covered in dirt and grime, which will detract from its luster.

You’ll want to have the coat professionally cleaned by a furrier or a service that specializes in furs. Often that same furrier that told you the fur was real conducted the inspection and made the repairs can also clean the fur.

Beware; however, you may read online that there are ways for you to clean the fur yourself. You may be tempted, but keep in mind that your inherited fur coat might be a valuable vintage piece and should be professionally cared for. That’s why we recommend taking it to a professional cleaner as they’ll be sure to handle the jacket with care.

Store it to preserve the elegance.

At this point, the inherited fur coat is repaired and cleaned. You now have a vintage coat that looks as new as when you inherited it.

But how do you keep it that way?

The best way to maintain your fur coat is by having it stored by a professional.

Fur is organic material that will break down just like any other material if given the opportunity. However, to do so, it needs particular atmospheric conditions. However, fur storage companies maintain a humidity level and temperature that reduces the chances of your material breaking down.

You might want to wear the jacket more frequently during the colder months. That is perfectly fine. Take the jacket out of storage and store it in your closet between uses. Nevertheless, when you’re done wearing your coat for the season as it is getting too warm out, take it to a furrier for storage. They’ll ensure that it is secured and enclosed in an environment perfect for the fur.

Congratulations, you have a beautiful fur coat.

Now that you know what to do with your inherited fur coat, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to preserve its elegance and value. Have the jacket inspected and repaired by a professional furrier, then have it professionally cleaned before storing it away for the warmer months.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your vintage fur coat for years to come.

How to Buy a Fur Coat: What You Need to Know

Finding an experienced furrier.

When you’re shopping for the perfect fur coat, either for you or as a special gift, it’s essential to start by finding a reputable and experienced furrier; As not just, any furrier will do.

You want someone knowledgeable in the different types of furs, various styles and can help you find the perfect coat for your needs. After all, you’re making quite the investment, so having someone helping you along the way will be in your best interest.

Experienced furriers are generally easy to find. Most will have been in business for years and only specialize in furs. These are typically small businesses that have been family-run fur salons, and that’s all they do. Furs are their expertise.

Big departments stores that sell furs are generally a bad option as they don’t have experts on their staff. Their staff sells all sorts of products, whereas a fur salon focuses on fur coats and accessories.

Also, keep in mind that this furrier will be the best option for maintaining your new purchase. They’re experts in cleaning and storing the fur, so it lasts the test of time.

Real fur vs. faux fur, and which should you choose?

Many people get fur because it is the ultimate in luxury fashion. It’s luxurious, stylish, and chic all at once. However, be on the lookout for faux fur imitation products. These coats and accessories may look like the real thing from afar, but once you put them on, you’ll quickly realize there’s a big difference.

You can’t get that same sleek look with faux fur because the fibers are nowhere near as elegant and soft as real fur. Real fur also has an air of the best quality to it, while faux fur often looks like last season’s rejects. Side by side, it’s easy to see which one is for you.

Purchasing a natural fox coat may be more expensive than its faux counterpart, but for a good reason. It will never go out of style and will last you years longer than its synthetic counterpart.

Remember, when you buy an authentic fur coat you’re getting amazing quality and durability.

Narrow down the types of fur you want.

Coyote Fur

At this point, you realize you want an authentic fur jacket, and you’ve found the furrier you want to work with. Now it’s time to think about which fur is right for you.

Not all furs are the same. They have a different feel, various protective properties, and some are even warmer than others. It’s all a matter of what you’re in the market for and what matters to you.

If you’re looking for something a bit more fluffy, then fox or coyote might be a good idea. However, you might not have the soft silky feel you want with coyote.

Sable Fur

Perhaps you want something a little sleeker, like a lamb shearling or a mink jacket. Both are great options but give a different look and feel than other pelts.

There are also combinations of different furs you can go with. You might want the sleek feeling of a shearling, but with fluffy cuffs and hood, that fox can bring to it. An expert furrier can guide you in the right directions or even have a custom-made garment just for you.

We’ve discussed other types of furs before, so check those out to learn more about the different types of piles.

Shorter or longer: various styles of fur coats.

This is a significant decision by any fur lover, novice or experienced: which jacket style is best for you. In fact, you might already have a style in mind if you’ve made it this far.

Where you live, and your outdoor activities might dictate this option more than other options.

Are you looking for something shorter for a sassier look? Or maybe something longer like a full-length or seven-eighths length for a more confident and sophisticated look?

There are plenty of styles and options so be sure to take a look at all of them to see which fits you the best.

Color options for fur jackets.

Royal Blue Fox Cape Poncho with Black Fox Collar and Cuffs

Royal Blue and Black Fox Fur

When it comes to choosing the color of fur for your next coat, you can go with something more natural or dyed.

The natural colors have a more traditional appeal and highlight the beauty of the fur itself. Like fox, for example, has beautiful and elegant golden browns and tans. Maybe a darker natural color is what you’re after; you might consider a dark mink that almost appears black.

You can get just about any type of fur in a dark natural color. But what if you’re going for something more fun?

In addition to the natural colors, furs can be dyed into just about any color you can imagine. Red? Blue (like natural blue)? If you can imagine it, you can get a coat in that color. Again, that’s why you go to an expert furrier who can dye the fur the color you want.

New vs. vintage fur coats.

So you’ve determined the style of the coat with the colors that you want, but there’s one last question. Do you want something new or an aged vintage fur coat?

With a new fur coat, you’ll be able to choose your style and color and get the coat exactly how you want it. But with all of that, customization comes with an increased price.

Vintage fur coats, however, can be found at deep discounts – sometimes. Some vintage jackets are considered antiques and will demand a higher price, but others you might be able to pick up relatively inexpensively. The downside of vintage fur is that you’re limited on options. Styles may have changed over the years, and the stock on hand is all you have to choose from.

Like many other luxury items on the market today, fur coats offer a lot of benefits, but there are so many considerations to think about when buying a coat.

They provide warmth and protection against the elements; they’re durable and can last for years.

When you buy a quality fur coat from a reputable furrier, whether it is new or vintage, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’re buying high-quality fur that is going to grace your wardrobe for years to come.