Stereotypes that Chinese-made products are “consumer goods” are a thing of the past. Today, clothes from China are in no way inferior to European ones, either in quality or in appearance. Moreover, many famous brands have factories in Asian countries. This is due to taxation and cheap labor. All clothing undergoes thorough testing and quality control.
In general, production affects not only household and electronic appliances, mass-produced goods and toys, but also the fur industry. Chinese-made fur coats are sold not only in China itself and in the CIS countries. Fur clothing originally from China arrives on the shelves of European and American stores. For this reason, a tourist who goes on a fur coat tour to, say, Greece is not immune from buying a fur coat made in China.
If famous world brands that value their reputation trust a Chinese manufacturer, this indicates that the product from the Middle Kingdom meets accepted quality standards.
Chinese fur coats: pros and cons
The advantages of Chinese-made fur coats include their relatively low cost. This puts some buyers off. However, you should not be distrustful of the Chinese manufacturer, because more than 50% of European fur clothing brands trust it.
Let's see how the production process works in Chinese fur factories. All products have appropriate quality certificates. To sew fur coats, we use high quality fur purchased at fur auctions. Modern technologies are used in production.
Fur factories in China
As mentioned above, furs for sewing clothes are bought at fur auctions. Since the Chinese do not breed fur-bearing animals in their country, they mainly purchase raw materials from Russia and Canada.
It is precisely because fur is purchased at world auctions that the buyer does not have to worry about its quality. The Chinese use high-quality fur purchased from other countries as material for further production. Fur coats sewn in their factories are in no way inferior to Russian, Greek, Italian or Turkish, because the technology is practically the same.
Features of the country of origin
Mink coats, depending on the country of origin, can vary significantly in both appearance and price. The most expensive are Canadian and Scandinavian mink. They are distinguished by very strong fluff, as well as thick pile. In terms of their characteristics, the Ukrainian mink is slightly inferior to them. Its underfur is considered not so thick, and its awn is longer. Greek fur coats are more popular. There is also an opinion that in Greece the cost of a fur coat is much less. Some go on special trips to buy fur products.
But on the territory of any country you can find manufacturers of both high-quality production and not very high-quality ones. A good and real fur product will definitely not cost too much. That is why you should not take risks by making expensive purchases in a recreation area.
Fur coats from Russian and Chinese manufacturers are much cheaper. Now some Chinese manufacturers have also learned to create fur products from high-quality fur. But you can also find a large number of fakes among such fur coats. It is for this reason that it will be very disappointing to buy a Chinese fur coat at the price of a Canadian or Greek one.
Signs of difference between Chinese and European fur coats
When choosing, always pay attention to:
- Ost . Pronounced and very high. In appearance it seems prickly. It fits well under the pillow. In some cases, the spine does not differ in height. In this case, the skin can be passed off as Scandinavian.
- Shine . Chinese skins do not have a smooth sheen; they can shine, but only in some areas. They can be easily recognized by their special glassy sheen. If you compare Chinese and Scandinavian fur coats, even a layman can notice the difference. Scandinavian furs are distinguished from others by their special diamond shine, which seems to shimmer under the rays of the sun.
- Undercoat . It depends directly on the length of the spine itself, as well as the long black down, which is passed off as a black mink. But natural black mink has a light-colored interior, and only after dyeing can it acquire a dark or gray color.
Knowing these indicators, you can easily understand where the animal was raised. The place where the fur coat was made will be determined by the features and quality of the seams. In most cases, Italian and Greek fur coats are made using skins from Finnish and Scandinavian manufacturers. Russian mink may differ from Chinese mink in its thick and long pile. In the Scandinavian mink it is thick, but at the same time very short.
In some cases, the Chinese use Greek furs for tailoring. In this case, the quality will also be determined by the technology of applying the seam.
Price
Transformable mink coat.
Discounted price: RUB 21,808.15. free delivery So, how much does a Chinese fur coat cost? Pricing includes methods of delivery of a Chinese-made product to the buyer. Thus, a Chinese-made fur coat purchased from their online store can be relatively cheap. It is very profitable to buy a fur product during the sales season and during current promotions. The difference in comparison with a European fur coat can reach 90%.
For comparison: in Greece, a medium-length mink coat costs about 2,400 euros. In a Chinese online store you will pay only 700, maximum 1000 dollars for it. And this is without discounts! There are fur coats that cost even less. These are rabbit, raccoon, fox and some other types of fur. Well, if you buy a fur product at a discount during sales, you can save up to 80% of the original cost.
Why are mink coats from Hong Kong in demand?
Tourists from different countries are happy to “warm up” for winter in local stores because:
- The quality of tailoring of mink products fully complies with European standards.
- You can buy a fur product much cheaper than a similar one in Russia.
- Numerous photos from catalogs indicate the variety of models and sizes of fur coats offered.
Criterias of choice
There are four different ways to buy a fur coat. Which one will be more convenient for you is up to you to decide.
1. Buying a fur coat in a Chinese online store
2. Trip to China
3. Purchase through Russian dealers
4. Purchase through intermediaries.
Purchasing from an online store can be called the most risky, since the photo of the product and its description do not always correspond to reality.
To protect yourself from counterfeiting, adhere to the following rules:
- If you order a fur coat on the website of an online store, carefully study the information about what material the fur coat is made of.
- Don't ignore reviews, especially negative ones.
- Please note the seller's rating, if provided.
- Don't buy a fur coat from an online store you've never heard of.
- Make a purchase only on a time-tested and popular platform.
- To avoid buying a “pig in a poke,” clothes need to be carefully inspected and tried on.
If buying a fur coat in a Chinese online store does not suit you, there is a second way. And he is more reliable. For a Chinese fur coat, you can go to a fur salon that works with different brands. By comparing prices, you will understand which fur coats were brought from China and which from other countries.
By buying a fur coat in such a store, you can save , but a little less than if you bought the product through an online store. The advantage of buying a fur coat from a multi-brand fur store is that you can evaluate the quality of the fur coat and try it on yourself.
When buying a fur coat through an intermediary, you will save less than in an online store, but more than in a fur salon. Intermediaries deal with the delivery of fur coats from China. It is better to buy a Chinese fur coat through an intermediary on the recommendation of someone from your circle.
The best way to save on buying a fur coat is an independent trip to the Celestial Empire . Of course, if we take into account transportation costs, food and stay in this country, then it is advisable to buy not one, but two or more fur coats at once. Before your trip, you can invite your friends to cooperate. This way you will cover part of your expenses.
Fur market in China
If you decide to go on a fur coat tour to China on your own, the following recommendations will help you:
- If after trying on a fur coat you decide to buy it, then ask the seller to pack it. At the same time, do not let the fur coat out of your sight for a second. Chinese sellers may give you the wrong product that you chose and paid for. They can easily pack you a low-quality fur coat, sewn in some underground workshop, or a fur coat that costs much less than the one you paid for.
- Do not trust the words of the seller and the labels on the fur coat. There are cases where rabbit fur has been passed off as Rex or mink. So be careful. If you decide to buy, for example, a sable fur coat, learn to distinguish this fur from all the others.
- Always bargain and do not agree to buy a product at the price offered to you . You can and should bargain in Chinese markets. You can safely ask for a discount of 30-40% from the stated price. In some cases, you can bargain for 50%.
Basic rules for purchasing high quality fur products
When planning to purchase a fur coat made of natural fur, you should go to a store that has proven itself well and provides the appropriate certificates and guarantees. In pursuit of savings, you should not look for options in the market. You can find fakes there most often, but then it will be difficult to find the ends.
Now we’ll tell you how to distinguish a high-quality mink coat.
- Mink fur is elastic. Run your hand along the pile in the opposite direction. It should return to its original position. Despite its elasticity and rigidity, the fur does not prick.
- Smooth undercoat, awns of the same length. To disguise a fake, sellers often cut the guard hair so that the length is the same. But in this case, the fur will prick.
- There should be no hair left on the hand when pinched.
- Mink skin has a shine. Single white hairs are sometimes visible on undyed pile.
- Run a white cloth over the fur. There should be no traces of paint left on it.
- The height of the pile on the entire product should be the same. There should be no bald spots, bald spots, or bumps.
- Good manufacturers do not hem the lining, giving the opportunity to inspect the quality of the flesh. It should be light or creamy, elastic.
- When shaking, the fur coat should not rattle.
- Check for stamps on each skin. She confirms that this is mink and indicates the size of the piece (at least 15*15 cm).
- Look carefully at the seams. They should be thin, rolled out and even. Skin is sometimes sewn between fragments of skins. The fewer such areas, the more expensive the product. If you notice the glue, it is better to refuse the purchase. The technology in which the skins are glued together rather than stitched will not allow the product to last for a long time.
Faux fur products
Chinese faux fur coats deserve a separate discussion. They have many advantages over fur coats made from natural fur:
- Their cost is significantly lower than that of fur coats made from natural material.
- Synthetic material does not require special storage conditions.
- The operating period is higher.
- The weight of a fur coat made from faux fur is less than that of a fur coat made from natural fur.
Fur coat from Greece for 40 thousand
Before placing an order, I studied in detail all the photographs, the description in the post, and then decided to call the seller. They answered all my questions quickly and confidently, and explained the simple terms of purchase. I said that I wanted to order a product from them - they helped me choose the size.
In general, I was satisfied with the service and, having transferred the money using the details sent to me, began to wait for delivery. The only drawback for me was that the product could not be tried on immediately, and delivery promised to be long - about four weeks.
Reviews
On the Internet you can find many positive and negative reviews about fur coats made in China . Basically, people complain that Chinese fur coats are impractical. After wearing for a short time, fur loses its shine and attractiveness.
Positive reviews about the purchase are left by those buyers who approached the choice more responsibly, and did not buy into the cheapness.
Using the experience of others, we can conclude that you need to be careful when buying a fur coat. Therefore, if you want to buy a high-quality fur coat from China, we recommend using our tips.
Those who have traveled to China to buy a fur coat are advised to use the services of an escort who speaks Chinese, knows the market and is well versed in furs.
[Total: 12 Average: 3.5/5]
After 3 weeks the parcel arrived
Three weeks from the moment of ordering, the long-awaited parcel with a fur coat was in my hands. I was happy that I could finally throw this lavender miracle on my shoulders, and I also thanked fate for the successful coincidence of circumstances, as a result of which my order arrived a week earlier than promised.
However, upon opening the parcel, I examined my “luxurious” purchase and began to cry quietly.
Fake rabbit, beaver and marmot
These are the most common options. A real mink coat differs from a fake rabbit coat in the structure and quality of the fur. In a rabbit, it is very soft and has an uneven color. When subjected to mechanical stress, it does not level on its own. And if you pinch the pile, hairs will remain in your hand. The undercoat is uneven, so it can be specially trimmed. In this case, it will tingle your hand. In the photo you can clearly see the differences.
A fur coat made from beaver pelts is heavier. Their flesh is thicker and their size is larger. Fur can be immediately distinguished by touch - it is tougher. Marmot fur is also characterized by increased rigidity. The fur is quite elastic, but when ruffled, it does not return to its original state. The pile is of different lengths, which is why it is cut and it starts to chip. Under the sun's rays, the marmot's skin takes on a characteristic dark blue hue.
Quality tailoring and official guarantees
You can distinguish a mink coat from a fake by the way it is made. In the original, all the seams are smooth and thin, no protruding threads are visible. If the product is made of skins glued together, it is of poor quality and will last no more than 3-4 seasons. The mezdra must be done very well. When squeezed, it does not make creaking or rustling sounds. Each skin must be stamped with a seal confirming its quality. The fur coat does not have an unpleasant odor.
An important difference between a truly good thing is a very high price. Therefore, it is not affordable for everyone. There must be a company tag, a certificate, as well as instructions for storage and care.
The name of the fur is indicated on the tag: “mink”, “vison” (foreign languages). The information on the certificate must match the information on the tag. The seller from whom you purchase a mink item must be competent and competently answer all questions.
To be guaranteed to buy the real thing, you should contact specialized salons. High-quality natural products are also sold in stores belonging to fur sewing companies. Also, the advice of a person who is not interested in your money and understands natural furs will be of great help when purchasing.
The article will be useful to all those who would like to receive practical advice on choosing fur in general and on choosing mink fur in particular.
How to distinguish stretched mink skins from whole ones?
Almost all mink skins stretch.
If the skin is too stretched, the hair follicles can be easily felt on the inside of the skin. Focus on tactile sensations: due to the hair follicles, the stretched flesh becomes rough and grater-like. At the same time, the adhesion of the bulb and the inner layer is significantly reduced, which leads to an increase in the fluidity of the hairs.
In addition, the weight of the product is reduced while all other characteristics are equal.
The guard hairs and downs of a skin that is too stretched lose their thickness. When stroking the fur against the growth line of the guard hairs, the undergrowth is visible.
How to distinguish old mink fur from new one?
- Start your inspection with the flesh. The color of old leather fabric is yellow.
- In addition, smell the hide: old leather fabric will have a specific rancid odor, reminiscent of rancid fat.
- Sometimes a sign of old fur can be the parchment of the inner layer (it no longer “holds” the seams).
- It may also have greasy areas.
- Fur, especially white and blue/gray tones, develop a yellow tint. As a rule, to change the color of fur, 1 year is enough (with improper care) and from 3 to 5 years (with proper care and initially good quality).
Chinese mink: how to distinguish it from another type of mink?
Chinese mink enters Russian markets in the form of finished products, and not raw materials or semi-finished products. The cost of finished fur products from the Middle Kingdom is relatively low. This is where the advantages, perhaps, end.
Please note: low-quality fur ends up on the Russian market, since China has a huge domestic market. All high quality fur remains within the country.
Chinese fur farms are actively working to improve the situation by carrying out selective work, improving the food supply, etc. However, the quality of mink fur directly depends on the climate in which the animal lives and on the specialists who breed it. At this stage of development, the Chinese are still only learning from their mistakes.
As a result, Russian boutiques and markets are overflowing with fur products:
- from southern Chinese mink with a rough lying spine and weak down,
- from the fur of cull animals from good herds (such fur is often passed off as Blackglama fur);
- made from low quality dyed fur.
From all of the above, the only correct conclusion follows: buy mink products either directly on the Chinese domestic market, carefully feeling all the seams, pulling the hairs, checking and smelling the flesh. Or don't buy it at all.
Counterfeits from China
In the literal sense of the word, Chinese fur coats cannot be called fake - they are made from mink fur, although not of such high quality. But they go on sale at a price that is several times higher. Buyers are told that this is the fur of Scandinavian or Canadian animals.
You can distinguish a Chinese mink coat by:
- shine;
- awn;
- undercoat.
If you look at such a skin, you can see that it has a specific shine, reminiscent of the shimmer of glass. In addition, the shine is uneven - unlike the skins of European fur-bearing predators. In the latter case, the fur has a diamond tint.
Chinese fur-bearing animals have 2 types of fur. The first is characterized by a long spine and sparse, short down. The hair seems to lie on it and looks prickly. The second option is that the spine is short and the underarm is long. Fur coats made from such low-quality fur are sold under the guise of black mink. A fake can be distinguished by the flesh - it should be light. After staining, the flesh darkens.
Important! Chinese fur is often dyed using a special technology - then the inner core remains light.
