With the onset of cold weather, women begin to think about how to choose a mink coat that meets all the necessary criteria. Natural fur items are expensive, so you need to approach your choice responsibly.
Dear women, today I will reveal all the secrets of choosing a mink coat! I’ll tell you what you need to pay attention to when purchasing, what is the service life of fur products, and when is the best time to make such a luxurious purchase.
The buyer should know how to check the quality of a mink coat when purchasing. In addition, you need to understand which fur is the best and what requirements apply to fur products. After studying the necessary information, you can safely go after your dream and purchase the best product.
Criteria for choosing a mink coat
The fur of this animal has been valued for hundreds of years. And this is not surprising:
- Mink is universal. It will decorate even a non-standard figure, looks great on a woman of any age, and is suitable for both going out and everyday life.
- This is warm fur. Let us remember that mink is a northern animal. Its fur retains heat very well. Fur coats made from this fur are incredibly popular in Siberia and the Urals (30-degree frosts often occur there), and this suggests that they really warm. But provided that the style and length are chosen correctly.
- It's comfortable in the mink. Products made from it are light and thin. Such a fur coat is not difficult to wear, its weight does not tire your shoulders.
- The fur looks luxurious. It emphasizes the nobility and sophistication of a woman, slims and hides figure flaws.
To choose the right fur coat, you need to take into account its weight, color, quality of the skins, fur, undercoat and seams . In addition, it is necessary to find out the gender of the animals, determine the appropriate style, size and length.
Fur coat weight
An interesting parameter, the importance of which only a few customers think about. However, it must be taken into account. If the product is heavy, your back quickly gets tired during fitting ; most likely, the quality of the leather leaves much to be desired.
A fur coat that is too light, which is practically not felt on the shoulders, and whose weight resembles a demi-season raincoat, is also not a very good sign . This happens if the skins are overstretched during the dressing process. The product will not keep you warm and will wear out quickly.
The best option is that the fur coat is not heavy, but its volume is felt. Don't forget that this is outerwear, so it should be pleasant to wear.
Fur shade
It is believed that the natural color for such a product is walnut. It is priced much cheaper than many fashionable shades (for example, black, blue, graphite are popular). However, the cost does not indicate the poor quality of such natural-colored pile. It's just less popular.
By the way! Unpainted and light-colored models need to be inspected especially carefully. If the animal was kept in a metal cage, then the fur could turn red or rusty (in some areas). It is impossible to eliminate this defect. In order to save money, some unscrupulous manufacturers use such “dirty” skins, trying to hide them in inconspicuous places on the fur coat.
Leather dressing
The mezdra is the wrong side of the tanned skin. It is an important indicator of product quality. The inside of the skin should be smooth, without creases or scratches . It is soft to the touch, there is no greasy sheen on it, and there is no squeaking noise when squeezed. Color is also important; good skin is light. If yellowness is noted, it means it is old. If the inside of a black skin is dark, it means that the dyeing of the fur was of poor quality or the product was stored incorrectly.
Important! If during fitting it is discovered that the lining is sewn to the skin, this is a bad sign. Serious manufacturers who have nothing to hide always leave free space between these two elements of a fur coat so that buyers can appreciate the high quality of the workmanship.
Does the fur shed
It is easy to check this fact. It is enough to run a white damp scarf over the fur and evaluate the result . If it has darkened, then the quality of coloring is low, the fur will shed. You won’t be able to wear such a fur coat for a long time: the color can fade in 2-3 seasons.
It is also important how many hairs are lost during wear. To check this, you can take the fur coat by the pile. If after such a procedure there are no more than 5-7 hairs left on the palm, the product is of high quality . A larger amount of lint is a serious reason to refuse to purchase this model.
Hard or soft
A good pile will be pleasant to the touch, and the hairs will be elastic . If the fur is itchy, perhaps unscrupulous sellers are trying to “slip” a marmot instead of a mink. If the fibers are too pliable, crumple in the palm of your hand, and the product seems too soft, there is a high probability that this is a painted rabbit.
Seams and fuzz on the skin
A mink coat is assembled like a construction set. It is sewn from a large number of skins. The connections must be perfect.
You should not make a purchase if the skins are glued together . Such a product will quickly lose its presentable appearance, and there is a great risk that something will break if the movement is unsuccessful.
Important! Experts note that the standard length of the skin in a quality product is at least 15 centimeters. If this figure is less, then you should refuse the purchase. The exception is elite Italian mink coats. They are made from half-plates, the shape of which is selected using a special program. But such models are considered more of a luxury item than everyday wear, and therefore are expensive.
Down, or undercoat, is an important component of any fur product. In a high-quality fur coat it is dense and thick . However, there are models in which there is practically no gun. This does not mean that the product is poorly sewn and does not last long. Most likely, so-called summer skins were used for it (the animal was actively molting at that time). The fur coat will simply not be warm enough. This fact should be especially taken into account if you have to wear it in severe frosts.
Boy or girl – which fur is better?
A fur coat made from the skins of females is more expensive . Many people mistakenly believe that the price in this case indicates higher quality. In reality this is not the case. Males are larger, therefore, less skins are required to sew one product. Females are small. To sew one product you need more of them. Hence the increase in the cost of the finished fur coat.
However, the quality of the fur still depends on the sex of the animal . In males it is tougher, warmer, and resistant to extreme weather conditions. Therefore, hats, short vests, and short fur coats are sewn from the skins of male animals. The fur of females is softer, more pliable and light. It is ideal for sewing stylish flared and long models.
Which color is better
The most practical fur products are dark shades . In the harsh realities of Russian cities, such models wear better. The fur doesn’t get dirty, and you don’t have to take your fur coat to the dry cleaner every season.
By the way! Black color in outerwear suits women with any skin and hair tone. If you want to dilute it, you can choose light or bright accessories. If you want to make the image strict, then the headdress and scarf should be dark.
The second most popular shade is brown . It is universal, suitable for any color type (but will play best on brown-haired women and those with light brown hair), and is appropriate in a variety of situations. Such fur will remain beautiful for a long time: it is not afraid of yellowness, it is non-staining and does not fade in the sun.
Today graphite shades . This color looks great on both a fair-haired beauty and a sultry brunette. If the coloring is of high quality, such a product will be used well: the pile will not fade or become faded over time.
Nude colors (cream, milky, peach and others) are suitable for owners of blond hair and blue eyes. However, with the right accessories, brunettes will also look luxurious.
A fur coat in a nude shade will last a long time if 2 nuances are observed:
- it is high quality painted;
- it is used correctly (for example, you should not wear such a fur coat in the rain or when you have to travel on public transport).
A white fur coat will not only quickly become dirty (especially if you wear it every day for 4-5 months), it may turn yellow . The fur, as they say, will “burn out.” Therefore, it is better to buy such a model for special occasions. Let's remember how luxurious such fur looks in combination with a wedding dress. For such purposes, the white model is ideal.
The future of the fur industry
Judging by the experience of Europe, in the coming years many countries will close their fur production. At the same time, the spread of coronavirus among animals can significantly accelerate this process - as in the Netherlands, where in six months infected minks were destroyed on ⅓ of all farms, and the closure of all production in the country was moved from January 2024 to March 2021.
The world's leading brands are no longer using natural fur, which also significantly reduces its popularity.
In recent years, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Versace, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Furla, Lacoste, H&M, Asos and Zara have abandoned the use of fur in their collections.
And of course, demand is also decreasing because more and more people are learning about how fur is produced and in what conditions animals are kept.
How not to make a mistake with the size?
- If the fur product is chosen correctly, it does not hinder movement. When you raise your arms up, no folds are formed, there is no feeling that there is any pinching or pulling . In the normal position of the arms, the sleeve should cover the wrist by 4-5 centimeters.
- You should pay attention to how the fur coat looks on the chest. should be no excess volume here (an allowance of no more than 6 cm is possible). It is worth paying attention to buttons or hooks. They should not be pulled tight when the fur coat is buttoned up - this is outerwear, so it should not be tight.
- Protruding pockets are not only unsightly. This fact indicates that this model is small and a larger size is required.
- The reason to try on another option is the waistline , which is not located where it should be. Perhaps the fur coat is short (if the waist goes under the chest) or, conversely, too long (when this line goes down to the hips).
Guest book:
Maria S. 09.09.2015 12:34
There’s nothing wrong with second-hand, in my opinion, the main thing here is how the fur coat was worn, otherwise it may be noticeably worn out, and then, of course, it won’t be very pleasant to wear. And if the condition is good, why not?
Yulia09.09.2015 13:04
There are many ways to buy a fur coat at a low price, however, in my opinion, the best option is to buy from a fashionista. Or if you have friends abroad, then ask them to buy and send it. So, I think it will be a little more expensive than the first option, but it will be new)
Methods for checking the quality of tailoring and fur
Specialists have their own express diagnostic methods that allow you to evaluate a product “without leaving the counter.” So, already in the store you can:
- Iron the fur coat against the lint. If the workmanship is of high quality, the hairs will quickly restore their original shape and will not break.
- Move the fibers in different directions and evaluate the undercoat. In a good model, it is thick, soft and not at all prickly.
- Smell the product. The smell of animals or chemicals used for dressing should not be felt. A slight aroma of the fur cleaner is allowed.
- Look at the skins, stretching them a little. The joints should not be noticeable from the front side. A high-quality model looks like one piece of fur.
Reasons for purchasing a used mink coat
Undoubtedly, before making a purchase of such an expensive product. Especially if it is used, it is first worth assessing all the factors that speak in favor of this acquisition. Below are the main advantages of buying a non-new mink coat:
- Affordable price. Often, sellers of these types of goods try to sell them as quickly as possible, but their quality is still high. Thus, an example of the sale of a mink coat may well be the fact that its current owner considered the model to be outdated, and she urgently needs to get rid of it and buy a new fur coat for this season. Obviously, the product is not worn out, but the price is quite affordable.
- The opportunity to update your wardrobe much more often. So, by regularly monitoring the secondary market for mink products, you may often find quite decent options that will suit you at a price, and you will be able to regularly update your wardrobe of mink products.
- Opportunity to purchase luxury branded items at reduced prices. A mink coat in itself is a dream, but a product from a famous brand is an unrealistic dream for many women. Which may well become a reality if the rich owner of such a product decides to refuse it.
- Time-tested quality. If a seller sells a product that has been used by him for several seasons, and he still claims to be able to find a buyer, this indicates the undoubted quality of the fur product.
What to pay close attention to. Advice from professionals
- What matters is what kind of mink the product is made from. For example, the fur of a North American animal is considered the most expensive and warmest. Second place deservedly belongs to the Scandinavian mink. The quality of the fur of Russian breeds is slightly inferior, but it is also famous for its ability to retain heat.
- Poor quality of pile in products from China . It does not warm well, sheds, and the undercoat is often “liquid” and not fluffy. Although a fur coat of this quality is low in cost, instead of the joy of the purchase it will bring disappointment even during the first walks in it.
- Experts do not recommend making such an important purchase on the market from dubious sellers who cannot guarantee the product and confirm its quality. It is better to go to a specialized store, where they will not only document the purchase, but will also be comfortable trying it on.
- It is recommended to pay attention to the lighting of the room in which the purchase takes place . If the sales floor is dark, it is difficult to see small defects. In this case, you need to carefully examine the fur coat at home again in daylight.
To make your purchase successful, you need to pay attention to all the points discussed above. Only compliance with each parameter indicates that the fur coat will be a truly profitable purchase.
History of appearance ^
Since ancient times, a mink coat has been considered a luxury item that only very rich people could afford.
The first wave of popularity of this item of clothing occurred in the thirties of the last century. Such things were especially popular among Hollywood celebrities.
The leading positions in mink breeding belong to the USA and Scandinavian countries. There is evidence that it was there that these animals were first raised.
The peak of popularity of this item of clothing occurred in the sixties of the last century. During that period, mink fur began to be used to make various vests, jackets, skirts and suits.
And in the eighties, designer Michael Kors literally transformed this material. He began to paint it, cut it, decorate it with decorative patterns and perforations.
To this day, such products do not lose their amazing popularity, annually replenishing the wardrobes of fashionistas all over the world.
If you haven’t yet decided which model you need, read about sable products, how much they cost, how to choose, what they go with, and where it’s best to buy a sable fur coat only in our magazine!
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Do you want to attract attention? Take a closer look at faux fur coats! They are inexpensive, unpretentious, and come in the brightest colors. Interesting? Then you are here, we recommend you study.
The most important thing: fitting
Without this ritual, there is no joy in acquiring a long-awaited item. No matter how beautiful the fur coat looks on the hanger, be sure to take the proper time to try it on. Ideally, walk around the salon in it for 5-7 minutes. At the slightest feeling of inconvenience, heaviness, or the desire to quickly throw it off our shoulders, we refuse this specimen without regret.
Raise your hands, lower them, try to sit down, bend over, move around. A narrow or short-length furrier's product looks cheap even in the photo, as they say, as if it came from someone else's shoulder. Do you remember how to distinguish a quality item from a fake? Don't you feel any discomfort? Have you chosen a good fur coat? Then we go to the cashier.
Wait for the purchase receipt and be sure to save the document. Trying it on in a store is one thing, but taking it to your home is another. Spin in front of your mirror, try on a fur coat with dresses and handbags. A fur product is not a down jacket, which has many combinations. By the way, about the topic of what to wear a down jacket with, you can read in detail in the article about what to wear them with. And remember that within 14 days you have the legal right to return the goods.
A little theory
Americans were the first to commercially breed mink. At world auctions, North American mink skins are distinguished by a thick, long undercoat, which makes them visually lush and velvety. The Americans soon surpassed the Scandinavians in the number of skins purchased in the 1950s. Their product had a thick undercoat, the length of which highlighted the guard hairs.
Now a high-quality fur coat is part of the basic women's wardrobe, more about which you can read in this article. Did you know that mink comes in about 350 shades? An inexperienced buyer in a store will have his eyes wide open! Let's briefly go through the main groups:
- from black gloss to chocolate brown matte finish. This includes brown, the most common and therefore cheapest;
- pastel shade options. Light brown, coffee with milk, beige, milk chocolate are an excellent choice, especially since each shade is decorated with long pile, which provides a noble shimmer;
- rare light brown mink with blue undercoat and blue silver of various saturations. The lightest in this group is “violet”;
- The shade “Aleutian steel” is distinguished by a rich gray undercoat with a tint of the same tone. "Lavender" - a beige undercoat with lilac pile - is extremely beautiful.
