Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Vintage Fur Coat Shopping Tips
Fashion
Adding a fur coat to your wardrobe may be something that you have been dreaming about your whole life, but if you are like most Americans the thought or possibility of purchasing a brand new fur may seem out of reach. Vintage fur can be a wonderful alternative that will give you plenty of purchasing power to get the perfect coat you have been eyeing. Because you are buying used, there are special considerations that you should remember, but if you take extra care you should be able to find high quality fur for a fraction of the cost.
Research Before You Buy
Set aside plenty of time while shopping so that you have ample opportunity to look at each piece in depth. You should look at the coloring of the fur, the feel, and even smell. Fur can oxidize over time, causing the coloring to look yellow. Avoid buying a coat when the fur has oxidized because it is not likely that the fur will last very much longer. Some furs are more delicate than others, like a chinchilla jacket, and can shed or break. Check to make sure that the fur you are inspecting doesn’t look like it is falling apart or has been infested with vermin or moths. Test each piece for dry rot. If the fur or leather lining of the coat feels brittle, then it probably has dry rot and will likely fall apart.
Remember You Can Repair
As you inspect the coats you want to purchase, don’t be discouraged if they all seem damaged. Sure, you don’t want to spend too much on a coat that is full of rips, but there are furriers that can repair most tears. Also, if you can’t seem to find a coat that fits you well, you can plan on fur alterations to ensure that your piece is flattering on you. You will end up spending a little bit more to have the fur tailored, but overall your cost will be less than if you had purchased a new coat.
More Options
One of the great benefits of buying vintage furs is the large selection of styles that are available. Cuts and trends from almost any decade are on hand so you can find a fun, unique piece that fits your personal style. If you prefer the classic look of a mink coat, you can focus your search for that particular piece. If modern styling is more your cup of tea there are coats from the 1980s and 1990s to be found. Different types of fur, from fox to rabbit, in as many different styles are all hidden gems waiting to be found at vintage shops everywhere.
Buying a fur coat doesn’t have to break the bank if you are willing to do a little extra work to find the best vintage pieces out there. Don’t be turned off by the process or by the low-quality pieces you may encounter. You may have to do a little bit more searching than you would if you buy brand new, but the money you will save will make all of your efforts worth your while.
Jen is a freelance blogger with a passion for fashion.
Remember You Can Repair
As you inspect the coats you want to purchase, don’t be discouraged if they all seem damaged. Sure, you don’t want to spend too much on a coat that is full of rips, but there are furriers that can repair most tears. Also, if you can’t seem to find a coat that fits you well, you can plan on fur alterations to ensure that your piece is flattering on you. You will end up spending a little bit more to have the fur tailored, but overall your cost will be less than if you had purchased a new coat.
More Options
One of the great benefits of buying vintage furs is the large selection of styles that are available. Cuts and trends from almost any decade are on hand so you can find a fun, unique piece that fits your personal style. If you prefer the classic look of a mink coat, you can focus your search for that particular piece. If modern styling is more your cup of tea there are coats from the 1980s and 1990s to be found. Different types of fur, from fox to rabbit, in as many different styles are all hidden gems waiting to be found at vintage shops everywhere.
Buying a fur coat doesn’t have to break the bank if you are willing to do a little extra work to find the best vintage pieces out there. Don’t be turned off by the process or by the low-quality pieces you may encounter. You may have to do a little bit more searching than you would if you buy brand new, but the money you will save will make all of your efforts worth your while.
Jen is a freelance blogger with a passion for fashion.
If the coat and its fur are in excellent shape but the once very light, maybe even white, mink coat is now a light beigy-yellow what do you suggest I do? Could I just pretend that this was its original color? I really like this coat, it has a beige lining of some slick and shiny material and keep it in my bedroom closet in a mesh bag with a zipper to keep critters out.
ReplyDelete