What do I need to know about a fur coat

[DisneyScraps]

I got a mink coat for Christmas.....I deal with a high end consignment store and resell last years clothes, I am a bit of a clothes horse. It saves me money. /anyway she stocks furs and I fell in love with one, I happened to mention it in passing to my DBF and he went in and bought it for me. I was SHOCKED!

Problem is after this holiday season I am broke and I need to know how to care for it. I know that I can bring it to the fur place in the big city but I know that would be as expensive as possible so anyone know the insides and out of how to care for one? Can a regular dry cleaner handle it?

I want to have it monogrammed, should that be at the fur place or can a regular place do it?

I know it's a high end item but I want to know the right cheapest way to care for it.

Many Thanks!

Lisa

 

[Cindy B]

I'm not saying this in jest, but please keep clear of any activist group or areas like that in the city. (they can and will ruin your coat)

You have no local fur stores.. ie Diane Furs, or Zimmer Furs (chains). I work near a Diane Furs and thier billboard says cleaning and/or storage. I would assume they do monogramming.

 

[sookie]

yes be careful. and don't wear it pretty much anywhere in big cities where places like PETA are active....

 

[shortbun]

My mother had three furs and kept them zipped in bags and hung with lots of space. I don't know about the monogramming.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My first thought also was watch out for red paint.

I'm not a fan of fur, but my mom is and I'm a bit concerned that she will become a target. The coat will be ruined.

As far as care, someone had told me something about rabbit fur a few weeks ago and how to keep it clean (please don't ask why I was told about rabbit fur. ) In any case, she said it was very easy to keep clean, rabbit fur is especially non-absorbent.

Anyway--as for your mink, look into mink care. Try googling around.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not a regular dry cleaner, but Google or Bing for furriers and your zip code. There may be places closer than you think, not requiring to go into the city. I mean, I live in a small city ("the city" to us means Boston, about fifteen miles away) and I drive by two fur places every day on the main road here.

Treating it with the care and respect you apparently will , you should only need it cleaned once a year when you have it stored in the spring. Naturally, if something spills on it, blot quickly and carefully; if it does stain, do see a dry cleaner if you end up not finding a convenient fur care place. Anyway, because it's winter there are no signs out right now about fur cleaning/storage specials, but I think it runs in the visinity of $80-$100. Yes, I know you don't have money right now but you wouldn't be storing it for a few months anyway.

 

[pklein09]

Find a furrier in your area. You should keep it in cold storage for the summer. The heat dries out the pelts. When you find a furrier you like, ask them about conditioning. I think it moisturizes the fur and pelt while in storage. My mink is quite warm, and I wear it a lot, not just for fancy occassions. I will not wear it in rain or snow or when the roads are slushy. I don't want my coat dirty. Be careful about "pulling" the coat, i.e. when you wear something bulky underneath and the coat feels tight. This could pull the pelts apart and need repair. My kids decided to put their hands in my sleeves from the cuff and pulled the sewing. I needed to have it repaired that year, as well as small holes that had developed where the pockets came together. It wasn't expensive compared to the price of the coat, but it was over $100 for those repairs.

You will need to have it monogrammed so you know your coat. I was in a coat room and there were 3 other coats like mine. You may also want to have the hooks adjusted to your body so the coat fits better. Again, see a furrier for this.

As for the PETA people, I have never had an issue, but I don't live in a large city. When I wear the coat, I get many compliments. I also get little girls wanting to "pet" the coat, and I let them.

Congratulations and enjoy your coat!

 

[vicki_c]

My mom used to take her mink to the furrier in the summer and they stored it for her. As for monogramming - do you mean in the lining? Hers had that but it was done when she purchased it - it was all throughout the entire lining if I recall, like a pattern.

I used to crack up watching my mom pump her own gas in her fur - but she loves it and says it's super warm!

 

[Gigi22]

OP, you do need to find a reputable furrier to clean, store and insure your coat. A furrier will also be able to embroider your initials (or your name) on the coat lining. Also, depending on the style of your coat, you may want to have a short tie attached to the lining at about knee level to keep the coat closed when you are walking.

In addition, since your fur was purchased from a third party, a furrier should be able to advise you what repairs are needed, if any. Furriers will also deliver and pick up stored fur coats at the start and end of season.

Several years ago a friend who worked in a museum told me that museum staff used to gently brush cornmeal through stored fur costumes to clean them. I have never tried this myself.

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

I've never had a fur coat either, but remember my mom owning one when I was very young. All of these folks from PETA etc, have the idea that it is wrong to kill the animals, etc. I get that. They are entitled to their opinion. What I don't get is why they think they are justified to throw paint on someone else's coat and ruin it! Makes no sense to me!

 

[maddiesmom0116]

I've never had a fur coat either, but remember my mom owning one when I was very young. All of these folks from PETA etc, have the idea that it is wrong to kill the animals, etc. I get that. They are entitled to their opinion. What I don't get is why they think they are justified to throw paint on someone else's coat and ruin it! Makes no sense to me!

My mom has several fur coats, a mink and a silver fox, I have a cashmere coat w/ real mink trim. I have never had an issue in mine, but many people wear fake fur now, so I think my trim does not get acknowledged as real, but my mom will not wear either of her furs out anymore because she saw someone get red paint tossed on them once going to the theatre. No one has the right to ruin someone elses property, no matter what your beliefs are. That does not fall under the freedom of speech or expression under our governing law. That activity is what gives PETA a bad rep. even though most members do not do anything like that.

 

[Acklander]

I've never had a fur coat either, but remember my mom owning one when I was very young. All of these folks from PETA etc, have the idea that it is wrong to kill the animals, etc. I get that. They are entitled to their opinion. What I don't get is why they think they are justified to throw paint on someone else's coat and ruin it! Makes no sense to me!

Because PETA members are extremists. Personally, when it comes to animals for fashion I'm pro-choice (I choose not to wear fur/leather, but don't care if others choose to) however, there are some causes that I'm very passionate about so I can understand others passion, even if I'm not feeling it for that particular cause.

 

[Karlzmom]

I wonder if the PETA nuts realize that they open up a whole new market for furriers? I mean, if you love fur coats, what are you going to do when yours is destroyed? GO BUY A NEW ONE!

OP- You are a very lucky lady! Someday, I hope to return to a part of the country where it would be practical to have a fur. Classic, elegant and ecofriendly [biodegradable without chemicals needed in the making] all in one!

 

[mdsoccermom]

I own 2 furs - a short fox coat and a full length mink. Both were my mother's. Anyway, I wear them all the time when it's freezing out as they are exceptionally warm. Never have I received trouble from people. If someone has a problem with it, fine. I'm sure I'd have a problem with some parts of their lifestyle as well. Just keep your thoughts to yourself.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

I own 2 furs - a short fox coat and a full length mink. Both were my mother's. Anyway, I wear them all the time when it's freezing out as they are exceptionally warm. Never have I received trouble from people. If someone has a problem with it, fine. I'm sure I'd have a problem with some parts of their lifestyle as well. Just keep your thoughts to yourself.

Totally agree. My mom has a beautiful mink coat that is engraved on the inside. She doesn't wear it often anymore but there would be hell to pay if some nutcase with extremist beliefs decided to throw something at her!

 

[henri + katie's mum]

I have been a vegetarian for 2/3s of my life. That being noted, I would never destroy someone else's property. That is callous, inconsiderate, violent and irresponsible.

That's my comment on the subject.

 

[Ember]

Congrats on your coat! My grandmother had a mink coat and she would take it in the early spring to be cleaned, conditioned, and stored. Then she would pick it up in the late-ish fall. She wore it all the time, with no issues. (This would be over 20 years ago, though.)

OP, wear your beautiful coat with pride! (And post some pics, I'd love to see it!)

 

[Aryn]

My mom has a mink coat, that I just love! It is super warm and I have no idea where it is now?
I would like to inherit it, I think she has had it since the 60s, it was a gift from her grandmother.

I would wear it, I don't really worry about someone ruining it, I live in North Georgia, where everyone is too busy hunting to worry about me

Enjoy your coat!

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Without starting a debate the difference is that cows, chickens, ect. were put here to feed us and provide nourishment. However, I don't think little bunny rabbits were meant to be killed and have there fur stripped from them.

Don't mean to start a debate either, but Italians are big rabbit eaters.

I don't remember my grandmother saving any of the pelts for clothing though.

 

[Handbag Lady]

OP, I am jealous of your new coat. I just wish it was cold enough here to get one.



Do you have a picture of it?