About Buying Furs

Fur comes in a variety of lengths, colors and thickness.

Buying a fur item is a major investment of both time and money. The fur market can seem complex and overwhelming, so take time to select the most suitable fur possible. Different hairs are better for different temperatures and tasks. The most expensive fur isn't necessarily the best. To get a good value that will beautify your life for many years, use some tips that will clarify your fur shopping experience.

Function

One of the first steps in the fur-buying process is to determine the purpose of your fur coat. There are furs that are more suitable for warmth, while some are best for fashion wear. According to LaMont Jones of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Coyote is often the choice when more durable fur is needed, as in hiking (for insulation), while chinchilla is more fashion-oriented and mink can go either way." Rabbit, while affordable and attractive, is often not as warming as other furs, and is suited for decorative and trim use.

Price and Budget

Realize that a well-made or designer fur coat will cost a significant amount of money. A brand new jacket can cost several thousand dollars, while an upper-tier fur coat can ring up at more than $50,000. Fur Fashion UK says, "More affordable items will feature disproportionately less fur than pricier fur clothes with more raw materials."

If budget is a concern, try alternate outlets for your fur purchase. Stores like New York City's Ritz Thrift Shop sell gently-used furs at a steep discount, and local consignment shops might have some surprises at the right time. For a high-quality luxury item at a sensible price, gently-used is a good option.

Genuine vs. Faux Fur

Fur comes in a wide range of colors and quality levels, and some stores might try to sell an inferior or faux fur product for good money. A quality fur should be soft to the touch, lush and springy under the hand; the underlying skin should be supple and without cracks. A real fur fiber is also quite pointy, even sharp; a hair that is blunt or rounded might be fake.

If you doubt that the fur is a real fiber, ask for a few hairs and light them on fire with a match. Natural hair will smell like burning human hair, while faux fur fibers might melt or have a chemical odor.

Politics of Fur

In the past, there has been negative feedback about fur use in fashion, with leading environmental groups protesting fur wear. While wearing fur is a personal choice, there are ways to do it while staying conscious of animal welfare. "Some countries have regulations on how animals can be killed for their pelts; others don't," Jones says. Fur from the U.S. is regulated, with many states mandating clear labeling of fur use and origin inside the garment. Fur products from many European countries are also highly monitored. A quality fur has a better chance of being sourced humanely, but it will probably cost more than a cheaper, assembly-line garment.

Fur Maintenance

A fur should be stored in a dark, temperature-controlled environment to keep the pelt supple and in top form. Commonly, dry cleaners and fur salons sell fur storage and conditioning services for a nominal yearly fee. A breathable fabric garment bag is best for storage, although a cotton pillowcase also works for shorter jackets. It's also wise to keep furs away from other garments that could rub against the fibers, causing damage.

References

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper: "Tips for Buying and Caring For Fur;" LaMont Jones; November 2007
• Fur Fashion UK: "Real Fur Buying Guide"
• Tree Hugger: "How to Tell Real Fur From Faux Fur;" Kristin Underwood; August 2008
• Humane Society of the United States: "California Assembly Passes Fur Labeling Bill"