If your dream has come true, and you go to a fur store for a long-awaited mink coat, then be prepared that the seller may ask you: “Do you want the fur coat loose or in plates?” In order not to get confused in all the variety of modern fur technologies and to adequately answer this question, you need to know certain methods of sewing fur coats, their pros and cons, which will help in choosing a high-quality fur product.
Reviews about mink coats on sale are mixed, and a good half of them are simply myths. Some girls express complete delight in their fur purchase, while others curse the day they bought an expensive item, so it still doesn’t hurt to look into this issue yourself.
Mink coat
We live in a country where winter usually lasts longer than it is allotted according to the calendar, and is sometimes very frosty and harsh. Wearing outerwear made of natural animal fur, which protects against cold and frost, has come to us from time immemorial. Such products always cost a lot of money; the presence of a fur coat spoke of the status of the owner and his love of luxury. In the 20th century, this item of clothing was an attribute of wealthy people and the height of dreams of the middle class. And at the end of the 20th, a mink coat became very popular and desirable, the price of which had no limit and could sometimes reach the cost of an apartment.
For many decades now, mink fur coats have continued to be a favorite among other furs and products made from them. Now, thanks to the growing prosperity of the population and the satisfaction of demand for mink products by specialized fur farms and factories, owners of branded mink coats are very often found on the streets. There are so many styles and models that not only women of “status” age, but also young girls can choose the right product. Mink is one of the warmest (after mouton and raccoon) and wearable furs; it is comfortable and cozy, and even forty-degree frosts will not be terrible. You don’t have to worry that such fur will ever go out of fashion; a mink coat is a recognized classic of beautiful outerwear.
How fur coats are made
You dream so much about fur coats. It’s very difficult for me to raise this topic, but I have to do it. Since the mass information will never tell about this! The fur industry freely gets involved in all types of advertising and glamorous girls are happy to show off in luxurious furs. But few people know how these furs were obtained!
Fur farms generate their income through low costs. The desire to spend less even affects the methods of killing animals: they use extremely cruel methods of killing, the purpose of which is not to damage the skin, regardless of the torment this means for the animals - they are killed by electric shock, drowned, poisoned or gassed.
A significant proportion of fur products sold both in consumer markets and in luxury fashion houses are made in China, including from cat and dog fur skinned from animals alive. More than two million cats and dogs are killed for their fur every year in Asian countries. Russia and the USA are the main consumers of this product.
Chinese fur farms are a real hell for animals. There, foxes, minks, and raccoons live in cramped cages, where instead of a floor there is a metal mesh and it cuts their paws. The air they breathe is poisoned by the fumes of their waste that collect under their cells. At the end of this hell, animals will die a painful death. Hundreds of thousands of animals die on Chinese fur farms every year. Before removing the skin, the animal is only slightly stunned, then its paws are cut off and the skin begins to be removed, when even when the animal is conscious and feels everything, it cries and screams in pain and after that, skinned, it suffers for another 5-10 minutes and only then does his suffering end and he dies.
Foxes are prepared for killing by passing an electric current through the anus. They are pulled out of the cage using an iron loop. At this time, another person pulls from behind, holding the fox by the tail, which in itself is very painful and makes the fox growl and bite. Killers take advantage of this reaction and insert a metal rod into the animal's mouth. Next, an electric wire is placed into the fox's anus. Next, an electric current is passed through the fox's body until it dies. Fur farms prefer this method because it makes the fur fluffier and more attractive.
Each year, approximately 4,000,000 baby Karakul lambs are killed within 1-2 days of their birth in order to produce fur coats and other clothing. The reason Karakul babies are killed so soon after they are born is because the tight little curls of their fur begin to unwind three days after birth. According to our information, these lambs are killed by cutting their throats while they are fully conscious.
A mink given to a woman is very expensive. It costs thousands of rubles, it costs thousands of screams, it costs tons of suffering and despair, kilometers of skins gutted by human hands. If every woman, throwing on her fur coat, heard the cry of suffering and pain of an animal gnawing off its paw clamped in the vice of a trap, if she felt the crunch of the joints of a caught animal, which is being finished off by a hunter, saw how a picture of the life of the creatures that remained unfolded before her disabled after their captivity. Perhaps there would be no need to write this appeal:
Let the cold of indifference stop freezing your heart!
Technology dissolution
As you know, mink is a very small fur-bearing animal. After dressing, its skins also come in different sizes. This complicates the process of cutting a fur product, because often when doing it according to patterns, literally a few centimeters of skin may be missing. So that the original size of the workpiece does not limit the style of the fur product conceived by the designer, the technology of sewing skins in full or partial unraveling was invented.
When using sewing fur fabric for unraveling, the master first cuts the mink skins in a special way (most often diagonally) into strips ranging from 0.4 centimeters to 3-6 (sometimes up to 10) centimeters wide. The cut fur strips are joined vertically with a special seam, and the strips are slightly stretched to the desired length during stitching. The result is a beautiful, uniform fabric on the outside, and on the inside, neat seams should resemble a herringbone pattern. The sewn fur fabric will retain its area, but will become narrower and a little longer. In no case should seams be visible on the front side of the product, and the color scheme requires uniformity.
With this technology, skins with minor defects can be used; existing defects will simply be cut out and removed from the base. The skin of the skin can be cut completely (unraveling) or partially (under-rafting), without reaching the edges. By undercutting they can basically form the required proportions for cutting the product. The technology of sewing fur fabric into unraveling is a rather labor-intensive, time-consuming, and complex process. Most often found among manufacturers of Chinese or Greek mink coats.
Mink coat in dissolution. What is this?
When sewing many styles of mink coats, unraveling technology is simply necessary. This method expands the design possibilities of modeling, especially in such models of loose mink coats as the trapezoid, where the expansion begins immediately after the shoulder area. After all, if you sew from straight sheets of skins, you can only get straight styles of products. Unfortunately, the rule applies here: the fewer seams, the simpler the fur coat looks.
In a high-quality mink coat when unraveling, the outer seams are invisible, the fabric is monolithic and light, as if flowing. Many fashion houses have noticed specifically about the loose mink coat that this is a product that best emphasizes the figure and hides its flaws. Such clothes fit very beautifully due to the many diagonally sewn stripes. Often, when describing loose mink coats, they say that they are elegant, flowy, and give a slim look. This fur coat will suit many girls.
But complex technology also implies a higher price for a mink coat when dismantled. When carrying out such manipulations in a high-quality manner, which are performed manually by a craftsman, parts of the leather are superimposed on each other during the stitching process, which leads to greater consumption of skins and, accordingly, an increase in the cost of the finished product. But if the manufacturer tried to save money, and the strips were only joined and sewn cut to cut, then such a fur coat will not retain heat and will not last long. The surest sign of poor-quality butt seams is a very light mink coat. The threads can also be seen from the front side, deep in the fur.
Difficult choice
In some reviews, loose mink coats are often compared to products made from solid plates. This is another technology for cutting skins. The authors of these numerous reviews criticize dismantled mink coats and, on the contrary, consider them the best. And some are very lucky with a product made from solid plates. So who should you trust? Which is better: a loose mink coat or a whole one?
When using the technology of sewing outerwear in solid plates, longitudinal solid skins are chosen. Most often these are the backs of animals, without legs, tails and other parts. The size of the blanks can be 10*50 cm for female minks and 14*70 cm for males. The cut plates are not subjected to further processing and are sewn into one large piece of fabric. The finished base looks monolithic and homogeneous, and there are not many seams on the inside. But the seams at the joints are almost always visible. The essence of the technology is not very complicated and requires less time and labor.
Let's say in advance that the authors of reviews of loose mink coats who prefer them will be right, as well as the authors who choose a mink coat made from solid plates. If the product is made conscientiously and with high quality, then it does not matter what technology was used in sewing. In addition to the use of different methods for processing skins, the main difference between clothes made from solid plates and mink coats made from loose pieces is the different design and style. If the dissolving technology provides ample opportunities for modeling, the possibility of cutting loose mink coats, then a mink coat made from solid plates often has a straight silhouette. The choice depends on individual preferences and is always yours.
Stylish looks
With the help of a natural fur coat you can create a very fashionable look.
A fur coat made of patches with black leather trousers and wedge ankle boots is an option for every day; a bright shawl and hat will complement the look.
A mink coat and a bright downy scarf will add a retro style to your fashionable look.
A straight model with a hood is combined with a cropped knitted dress and knee-high boots. A flared fur coat with a hood and boots with flat soles look beautiful.
A classic-length lynx fur coat with an insert on the astrakhan belt and flared sleeves with a short, narrow, black skirt will create a luxurious, fashionable look.
Mink coat in dissolution. Advantages and disadvantages
Any technology has pros and cons, often directly dependent on the quality and skill of the manufacturer.
When reviewing loose fur coats, of course, the positive aspects include the elegance and beauty of the cut, and the ability to produce flowing, loose styles using this technology. Also pleasing is the even color scheme without sharp transitions and the complete absence of visible seams.
Of course, a lot depends on the quality of the purchased mink coat. If the technology was not violated and the skins were subjected to moderate stretching when sewing, then the mink coat will be quite durable and wearable for more than one season. If the parts are stretched to the limit, a product made of such material will be fragile and may even burst. The same can be said about joints. It would be correct to sew the fur strips together as if they were overlapping, with a slight overlap on each other. At the same time, the consumption of precious skins increases. Trying to save money, the manufacturer can sew the strips together end to end, which will negatively affect the quality of the fur product and its wearability. On the front side of such a fur coat, the boundaries of the seams may become visible over time.
The disadvantages of a mink coat in dissolution include the presence of a large number of seams, but it all depends on their quality. The rise in price of the finished product due to complex technology that requires a lot of time and effort is also considered one of the disadvantages of a mink coat in dismantling. Another minor drawback is the small probability of altering the mink coat into dissolution. It is almost impossible to redraw or repair it. You can only shorten the sleeves or overall length if desired. Few people will undertake a complete recut of such a fur coat due to the use of the same technology with numerous seams, due to which many needle holes are formed in the skin. However, for the most part, the styles of these fur coats are universal and beautiful, and rarely does anyone think about altering a mink coat that has been sewn loose.
What is necessary to obtain high-quality fur?
The production of animal skins for the clothing industry is a complex, labor-intensive process that requires considerable investment. The bulk of fur raw materials are obtained from fur farms around the world. A small percentage comes from commercial hunting.
To obtain fur, fur farmers provide:
Special regime of detention;
Diet;
Proper care;
Veterinary support.
In addition, the quality is affected by compliance with the seasonality of obtaining skins, as well as dressing and processing technology.
Obtaining high-quality furs is a business, the success of which depends on thoughtful management, special knowledge, equipment, and financing, which affects the cost of an irreplaceable element of the winter wardrobe.
2017-08-01
The technology is quite simple at first glance, but requires a special approach, knowledge, compliance with standards and certain technologies.
Mink fur has remained one of the most desirable and in demand for many decades. This is dictated by its appearance - the fluffy animal has beautiful, not very long, even fur, which looks very impressive. Plus, its warmth and good consumer qualities.
Myths about fur coats in dissolution
Perhaps, just about such an item as a fur coat, you can hear an incredible number of different rumors, speculations and myths.
The first and main myth is related to the quality and wearability of mink coats when dissolved. You should not question the products described in this material based on these parameters. They are made only from high-quality skins that have undergone thorough testing, just like whole plate skins. The main difference and characteristic of loose mink coats from clothing made from solid plates is the use of different technologies required for sewing a certain style.
Myth number two says that mink coats can be sewn from scraps, leftovers or other illiquid material. This is fundamentally wrong. As mentioned above, high-quality material is selected for dismantling for mink coats. This myth may be based on the bitter experience of those who purchased a cheap product from a dubious manufacturer.
Myth number three – computer assembly of skins for sewing a mink coat for unraveling. Proponents of this assumption argue that the selection of parts based on color and quality is performed by a computer. To debunk this myth, you need to know that this process can actually be carried out by a smart machine in large factories, where the number of skins is in the hundreds of thousands. But this selection will be quite rough, since one color has a lot of shades, so the mechanized method is not used for sewing a specific fur coat. In small factories, computers that perform this operation do not exist at all. Therefore, it would be wrong to assume that your fur coat was arranged using an automatic method. The skins for each mink coat are hand-selected by a craftsman; this product is unique in its kind.
Stylist tips
Stylists recommend taking into account the purpose of the clothing when choosing. For every day or going out. The fur coat must correspond to the parameters of the figure. Tight-fitting styles are not for plus size women. Petite girls should not settle for a long, flared model.
With a full bust and wide hips, a shortened version in the shape of a trapezoid is recommended. For tall and thin ladies, sable, arctic fox, and transverse mink are suitable.
The black color of the product suits overweight women; light shades are recommended for slim women. With the color type “autumn” and “spring” you can use warm tones, for “winter” and “summer” - cold tones.
It is better to wear a hat with the same fur as a fur coat. Scarves, scarves, and shawls have become popular.
How to choose a mink coat for dissolution
Of course, when choosing such an expensive item as a mink coat, you need to pay attention to many factors. It is easy for an ignorant person to fall for unscrupulous sellers who want to sell stale goods that have not lasted even a couple of seasons. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to approach the choice of mink coats for dissolution with all responsibility.
First, ask for the appropriate certificate, which by law must accompany each fur item. Also, chipping of fur products has recently been introduced; without this radio marking you can neither trade them nor purchase them.
A mink coat when dissolved should not be completely weightless. A garment that is too light may indicate the presence of poor-quality butt seams. Another reason for the lightness is that the skins are too tight, which leads to the fragility of the product.
When choosing a mink coat for release, be sure to look under its lining. In modern wardrobe items, the lining is often sewn with a zipper or a special gap is left that does not hide the inside. Here you can clearly see the quality of the diagonal seams. By the way, the lining itself should be made of high-quality material with several branded labels and a tag with information on how to care for this fur product.
It is necessary to check the quality of the fur fibers of the fur coat. To do this, just run your palm over the pile several times. There should be no broken hairs, the pile should return to its original position, be elastic and elastic. You can even tug it in several places - it should stay in place. If a mink coat is dyed, then by running a damp cloth over the pile of such a coat, you can understand (by the presence of traces left on it) whether the paint was of high quality.
Sewing fur coats from Russian mink fur
The most popular skins for making fur coats are female Russian mink. They are softer and lighter. This material is not subjected to additional processing, therefore it retains its water-repellent characteristics. A fur coat made from Russian mink fur will be worn for at least 20 years .
Note: The only thing that can quickly render it unusable is prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
How are the products from this animal combined?
Fashion trends suggest the use of Russian mink both in natural color and after dyeing. The product can combine skins of different shades. This material can be combined with similar sable furs and furs with a pile of a different length:
- arctic fox;
- fox;
- trot.
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Operation and care
Any item reflects the care given to its owner during use. The service life of a mink coat during dissolution will be extended, and its appearance will be preserved if it is treated with care and properly cared for.
If your mink coat has been exposed to precipitation during dissolution, it is best not to try to save it with a hair dryer or other devices, but to let it dry quietly in a cool, dry room. Never straighten dried fur with a comb; shaking the product several times will be enough.
Try not to carry bags or backpacks over your shoulder. Fur creases may form in this area over time (even with high-quality fur coats).
To store mink coats for dismantling during the warm season, some cities have special refrigerated storage facilities where you can return the item for a subscription fee. If such a service does not exist in your city, then for storage it is best to place the fur coat in a breathable dark-colored case and put it in the darkest and coolest place in the apartment. Sprinkling with mothballs or anti-mole preparation is not recommended. Place this medication in your pockets, wrapping it in gauze.
While the winter season has not yet arrived, but the weather is cloudy and humid, it would be a good idea to hang your fur coat on the balcony so that the skin and fur are saturated with moisture and are more elastic.
A mink coat should not be dry-cleaned, but if this is necessary, dry cleaning should be very delicate.
Styles and models
As mentioned above, sewing a loose mink coat is intended mainly for loose, flared models of any length. Thanks to this technology, your figure in such a wardrobe item will become visually slimmer; the effect of diagonal stripes will work here. It makes sense for those who have small figure flaws to take a closer look at such a fur coat—a loose mink coat will hide them to their advantage.
Much depends on the color of the fur product. The most common is light brown. Light-colored mink looks very elegant, but may turn yellow over time. The natural black color of a fur coat is quite rare; manufacturers may resort to dyeing such products. Here you need to be more careful, it’s worth checking the quality of workmanship if you still decide to take dyed black mink. But the modern fur industry offers other colors of fur coats to suit every taste.
Very loved by girls who drive cars, short models of loose mink coats. They are called “autoladies”. The length often slightly hides the line of the hips; in such a fur coat it is really comfortable to sit behind the wheel. The style can be trapezoidal or the so-called flyaway.
Choose the length of the fur coat according to your budget and preferences. Mink models just below the knee are very popular. This is a classic length that will definitely make you feel warm and cozy. Floor-length fur coats are usually preferred by ladies of respectable age and status.
The “godet” style is fitted with a flared hem. Usually such fur coats come with a leather belt. This model will look very feminine and will highlight your waist.
The sleeves of all these styles of fur coats can be of different lengths, straight or flared, as well as collars - turn-down and stand-up, trimmed with sable and arctic fox, etc.
Features and Benefits
Fur products are still attractive and in demand. They are suitable for young and older women. The items are practical, durable to wear, and last a long time.
The advantages of natural fur are obvious:
- Warms in the most severe frosts.
- Lets air through and allows the body to breathe.
- Protects from wind and moisture.
- The service life is much longer than artificial ones.
- The products are distinguished by their beauty, different types of finishes, and colors.
- Models - fitted, with or without a belt, long, short, some exclusive.
The presence of an expensive item determines a person’s status and material wealth.
Summarizing
The loose mink coat is made from durable, high-quality mink skins. The product is no worse in quality, and is superior in cost to fur models made from solid plates. In addition, it is not inferior to them in wearability.
Remember that cheap cheese is only in a mousetrap. This saying fully reflects the situation on the fur market. A high-quality mink coat is an expensive purchase. If you want a thing to delight you with its warmth and beauty for many seasons, you will have to shell out a tidy sum. You can only buy counterfeit goods cheaply, which will bring neither joy nor warmth to its owner.
If you plan to wear a mink coat for more than one or two seasons, then take a closer look at the classic models that will not go out of fashion for a long time.
Rely on your taste and reflection in the mirror, and not on the words of the seller, do not hesitate to examine the quality of the fur from all sides. Also consider your budget when purchasing. It wouldn’t hurt to go to several fur boutiques and try on at least 5-6 fur coats to find the one.
