Every winter season comes with a few obvious things, the snow and the popularity of fur coats.
We know they are fashionable and they look silky and delicious. But before pulling the trigger and buying a new fur coat, there are several things that you might consider first, to make the right decision for you.
Here are 7 of them.
Fur Type
Specific furs have a higher price than others; the price usually depends on their demand, supply, and production costs.
Mink and chinchilla are produced in less quantity, and the fur is difficult to get; they are usually priced starting over $5000.
On the other hand, rabbit and fox furs are generally middle-of-the-road, and you can get them for a lower price.
Shearling and sheepskin are widely available, and their massive supply reduces their overall price; buyers can get a decent shearling coat for about $1000-$1500.
Every fur has a style; some are more silky and soft than others. Similarly, the shades often differ significantly between different types, and you should evaluate the look and feel before reaching a decision.
However, faux fur has also made its way to the central market, and many leading designers offer faux fur coats at a slightly cheaper price.
Although the coats are deceptively good, their feel and the pelt aren’t the same as natural fur. They may look similar at first glance, but once you wear them, the difference between real furs and faux is noticeable.
Nevertheless, this remains the best and most ethical alternative to animal skin.
Craftsmanship Quality
Every brand has some value attached to its products; usually, a non-branded alternative can be bought up to 70% cheaper at a large-scale producer.
Brands often charge a higher price due to their unique style and philosophy.
Brands have to hire professional and notorious designers who can spend their time looking for new styles and premiere designs. They also focus more on the craftsmanship of the fur coat than other off-price retailers.
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You can easily observe the difference in the lining, feel, and weaving between a higher and a lower-quality fur coat, even if they are the same type.
Hence, an essential factor while purchasing a coat is your expectations of the craftsmanship quality. You should clearly know your preferred style and the quality that satisfies your needs.
If you’re ready to sacrifice quality for budget, you can opt for a lower-price alternative at a local store.
However, if you’re looking to get top-of-line fur coats, you might top dollar at a famous brand like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, or Dior, because they tend to maintain their reputation so quality won’t disappoint.
Budget
If we have to mention one and only factor to consider while purchasing, it has got to be the ‘budget or your affordability’- every other factor depends on how much you’re willing to spend on the fur coat.
You can get them for as cheap as $200, and they may go as high as $100 000+ at a prominent designer.
Usually, the cheapest fur coats are made of rabbit fur, and you can easily get them for around $500. They are a good fur coat option, and the natural shade looks good with most winter outfits; you can also get them in different dyes.
However, their texture, density, softness, and feel isn’t as good as other expensive options. Their lower price also results from mass-scale production that reduces the overall cost for the manufacturers.
Mink and chinchilla fur coats are usually priced above $15 000 with most brands; they have a dense pelt with a soothing feel that sets them apart from other fur coats.
On the contrary, we have also seen some faux fur coats that retail at discount stores for about $100- $200. Your budget plays a vital role in determining the fur coat you get.
For a more in-depth look at different types of fur coats and their prices, check this article.
Occasion
Fur coats have different sizes; they can be long, waist-length, or even shorter. A long coat is a wrong choice for everyday use, but on special occasions, it can add to your style and give you a unique look. Similarly, a waist-length coat looks good with jeans and casual outfits, but you can’t wear it for a more formal occasion.
Further, you’ll have to decide on a fur coat based on the weather in your region. Some coat pelts have a higher density, which makes them a good insulator for cold temperatures. They usually are sold at a higher price.
However, if you live near the coast, you won’t need to spend extra to get additional insulation, and a regular coat will do the job. Mink and fox coats usually have higher fur density on the pelt, which makes them good at retaining heat; however, they may be costlier than other available options.
Versatility and Fashion
Many people ask if fur coats are still in style nowadays. We have an article on that, but a fur coat never goes out of fashion. Only designs, cuts, and colors can change every now and a while.
If kept with care and maintained properly, fur coats can last for decades without any noticeable impact. Hence, you might consider a modest, long-lasting style if you’re shipping for one.
In addition, some coats have a luxurious look, while others are more suitable for daily wear. Shearling coats usually look good with jeans, while mink coats are more stylish with formal clothes.
A fur coat is versatile; you can wear it with different clothes to get a fresh look each time. You also have the ability to dye your fur at home using regular hair dye to suit your personality and ongoing fashion.
Maintenance and Care
Fur coats can last for several years if kept in a suitable environment. You need to understand how fur coats are stored before buying them.
For most fur coats, you should store them in a normal temperature area with low humidity.
Furs can’t take direct sunlight. If you’re storing them at a high-temperature place, the fur and dye may fade and decolor, leading to a sturdy look. Hence, you can’t store them in an attic or garage; instead, you should keep them in a hallway closet to maximize their life.
Usually, Furs can break, and the leather might crank if folded for a long time. Therefore, you must use a broad-shouldered hanger to keep its original style.
Also, you must know that furs need a breathable space; you need to ensure the cupboard is ventilated to keep the fur dry and fresh. It also prevents your coat from attracting mold.
If you’re using a garment bag, you should avoid regular air-free bags and use a fur-suitable bag to keep it longer.
Fur maintenance is essential to increase your coat’s life, and you must make arrangements to avoid any regrets later.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
With changing times, some states have started paying greater heed to animal welfare. Although the animal welfare act in the US exempts animals raised for their pet, animal welfare NGOs are actively campaigning against such practices.
It has resulted in many big brands dropping natural fur coats from their catalog and replacing them with faux fur alternatives. Similarly, people are now replacing coats made of animal skins with faux fur wears.
Always ask the retailer about the origin of the fur and the process of fabrication before buying, if you are really concerned about not wearing animal fur.