What is a Mink Coat?
A mink coat, as its name implies, is a coat that is made from the fur pelt of the mink. The mink is a small animal that is known for the lush and luxurious qualities of its fur. Since the average mink weighs in at only a little over two pounds, creating an entire outer garment made from this valuable fur can be a real challenge and the price can quite high. While genuine mink coats are not for everyone, using mink pelts in fashionable garments has long been a sign of wealth and status.
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Types
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Mink coats come in a variety of lengths and styles, ranging from dramatic full-length coats to short, cropped jackets. Mink strollers, as the name implies, might be worn by an elegant woman out on a stroll. Strollers are generally three-quarter length coats and tend to have a simpler, less formal design. Some coats may feature a combination of furs by using sable, fox or chinchilla for trim or as collars and mink fur for the rest of the coat.
Quality
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The quality of a fur coat is determined by a number of factors. Pelts obtained from female minks may be lighter in weight and have a softer, silkier quality. Male pelts tend to be a little thicker and more compact. That is not to say that one sex provides higher quality fur than the other. The best way to ascertain the value of a mink coat is to take it to a professional appraiser who can evaluate the piece on its own merits. This is particularly important for insurance purpose, since fur values can vary according to the quality of the pelts used.
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Colors
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Mink coats may come in shades of deep to light brown or may come in a caramel color that features a slightly striped pattern in the fur. White minks are a soft cream color. Natural mink colors might also include a deep, almost black shade or a soft gray, depending on the breed of mink that was used. Some manufacturers might choose to bleach or dye the pelts which can weaken the pelt and damage the coat.
Identification
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With the emergence of faux fur, it can be difficult for some consumers to tell the difference between a real mink coat and a fake one. Labels can be an indicator of authenticity, but perhaps the best way to determine if the mink coat is genuine is to look under the lining at the backside of the assembled pelts. The underside of a mink pelt should have a suede-like feel and the pattern used to sew the pelts together should be obvious. A real mink coat will also have two linings, a satin lining and an inner wool or flannel lining that adds to the coat's warmth. Faux fur coats will usually only have one lining.
Prices
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While a genuine mink coat can sell for anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 or more, it is possible to purchase a mink coat for just a few thousand dollars. But even in the lower price ranges, purchasing a mink coat is still an expensive proposition. Vintage pieces can range widely in value. It is generally best to consult a professional furrier or to request that the seller supply a written appraisal from a professional furrier.
Controversy
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Once treasured as the ultimate luxury item, mink coats are not as coveted as were in decades past. Changing styles, along with the influence of activists who oppose the use of real animal fur, have caused the popularity of the mink coat to decrease somewhat in recent years. The fear of having a zealous animal rights activate ruin an expensive investment by tossing paint on the coat has dissuaded many fashionistas from taking the plunge into the world of real mink. Purchasing faux fur products is regarded as more politically correct. But in spite of these drawbacks, there are still many fans of genuine mink garments.
Care
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Mink coats have some specific storage requirements. They need proper air circulation and the correct amount of humidity. Storing mink coats in plastic bags is a bad idea, since the fur is not able to breath. The optimal temperature for fur coat storage is around 50 degrees with a 50 percent humidity level. Many owners of mink coats will have the coat stored with a professional furrier during the summer months, since air conditioning can tend to dry out the sensitive fur.
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