As soon as the chilly season rolls in, folks eagerly don their fur coats. But many of them ask if their natural or faux fur coats and jackets can support rain. In this article, we will address in detail this matter.
Briefly, you can wear a real fur coat in the rain but be cautious about heavy showers. As for faux fur coats, rain might damage the synthetic fibers, so consider carrying an umbrella.
Is Real Fur Waterproof?
Real fur coats can cope with light rain because the underfur acts as a barrier against moisture. However, heavy rain will saturate the fur and reduce its insulation properties.
Fur has some natural water-resistant properties because of these elements:
- Natural Oils: Natural fur contains natural oils that help repel water to some extent. These oils act as a barrier, allowing water droplets to bead up on the surface of the fur rather than immediately soaking into the fibers.
- Density of Fur: The density and thickness of the fur can affect its water resistance. Fur with a thicker and denser pile may provide better water repellency compared to thinner fur.
- Tanning and Processing: The tanning and processing of fur can impact its water resistance. Certain treatments applied during the fur processing can enhance its ability to repel water.
For extra protection, apply a water-repellent spray made for fur. This forms a barrier on the fur, so water droplets slide off rather than sink in.
Regular maintenance is key to keep real fur coats in good condition. Store them on wide-shouldered hangers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.
What Happens to Fur Coats When Soaked?
Fur coats have consequences when soaked. They become heavy, losing their shape, color fading and texture becoming matted. Furthermore, moisture can cause bad odors and mold/mildew growth. This needs to be avoided.
Water makes fur coats heavy. This added weight stretches the coat and washes away natural oils, making it dull and fading its color. Wet fur clumps together, losing its softness. Trying to brush a wet coat is not a good idea as it could break the strands.
Moisture also causes health risks. Mold and mildew can cause irreparable damage to the fur and the coat’s material. The sooner this is dealt with, the better.
Fur Commission USA states that prolonged rain showers can lead to discoloration and texture deterioration. Therefore, using protective covers or not wearing fur coats during rainfall is advisable.
Do Fur Coats Get Damaged by the Rain?
Yes, fur coats can get damaged by rain, especially if they are exposed to heavy or prolonged moisture.
Use a water-repellent spray designed for fur. It creates a barrier to keep water out.
Avoid wearing it in heavy rain or snow. Too much rain can damage the fur.
Store your fur coat in a cool, dry place with no direct sunlight. Use a breathable garment bag or wrap it in acid-free tissue paper. This will help maintain its shape and protect it from humidity.
My friend found this out the hard way. She wore her mink coat in the rain – and the next day it was matted and ruined. Now she takes precautions when wearing her furs in bad weather.
Is Faux Fur Waterproof?
Faux fur is not waterproof. Unlike natural fur, it absorbs moisture. If you wear a faux fur coat in the rain, it’ll get soaked.
But, you can make it more water-resistant by using special coatings or sprays. These treatments aren’t permanent and need to be reapplied.
To protect it from getting wet, wear a waterproof layer or an umbrella.
If your coat does get wet, don’t try to dry it with heat. Gently squeeze out the moisture and hang it up to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
Does a Faux Fur Coat Get Damaged by Water?
A faux fur coat can be easily damaged by rain. Its synthetic material may become matted & clump together when wet, ruining its appeal & texture.
Plus, heavy rain may seep through the fabric, discoloring or creating mildew. To protect it, use a waterproof spray or carry an umbrella. Or, check for coats specially designed to be water-resistant.
Here’s a quick story:
Jane, a fashion enthusiast, recently bought a gorgeous faux fur coat for winter. One day, she was caught in a rain shower. She rushed to find cover, worrying about her coat. Luckily, it was spared from lasting rain. But, upon inspection, the fur fibers were slightly matted. This made Jane realize the importance of being prepared for such situations. She got a waterproof spray for future rainy days.
Final Takeaway
Fur coats are naturally resistant to rain since they come from animal skin. But be aware that heavy rain might alter your fur especially if it’s expensive.
Faux fur coats on the other hand can be quickly damaged by the rain and they need to be protected by layers of anti-rain coating or by an umbrella.
If your coat changes its color, consider applying dye at home.
