What's better, a fur coat or a sheepskin coat? - this is the question asked by women who have not yet decided to buy outerwear for the winter.
The weather in winter can be completely unpredictable. Some days are accompanied by bitter frosts and snowstorms, while on others it can easily fall with sleet at above-zero temperatures. Such weather diversity pushes many representatives of the fair half of humanity to buy universal outerwear that will warm you up in the winter cold, protect you from wind and precipitation, and be practical and easy to care for.
Perhaps many will say that the down jacket, which is becoming more and more popular every year, most of all falls under such requirements and they will be right. True, fur coats and sheepskin coats have a 100% trump card that is hard to beat - the status of the clothing, which is symbolized with a high position in society. In addition, each of these types of outerwear has a number of advantageous qualities that will make you think about a future purchase.
Let's figure out what is warmer and better, a fur coat or a sheepskin coat, and who should wear this or that clothing and under what circumstances.
How to make the right choice?
Shopping in search of a new thing can sometimes be very exhausting. Therefore, to make the choice easier, it is necessary to clearly define the main functions that winter clothing should perform. Before purchasing you need to consider:
- climatic conditions of your region;
- field of activity, your style;
- reliability and durability of the product;
- pricing policy;
- no allergies to animal hair or fluff.
The item should not only look decent and fit you well, but also be comfortable and practical.
Advantages of fur coats over sheepskin coats
- Beautiful appearance. When putting on a fur coat made of expensive natural fur, representatives of the fair half of humanity always look at their reflection in the mirror. This is because ladies once again want to make sure of the chic effect that this outerwear gives to their look.
- Rich finishing . Initially, fur coats were made from only one type of fur, and only in rare exceptions was a collar of another valuable breed added. Currently, designer imagination has become more diverse and provides fashionistas with combined fur coats made from different types of fur, which can be combined with inserts made of genuine leather and other materials. Openwork lace, which is also used as decoration, looks incredibly feminine and elegant.
- Kudos. A fur coat made of expensive natural fur emphasizes the high status of its owner. This is due to the pricing policy for products, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. A coat made of valuable fur, comparable in cost to a car, will become the best calling card even at the most luxurious event.
Weather
Depending on the region where you live, winters can be snowy, slushy or frosty. For warm winters with wet precipitation, it is more practical to purchase a down jacket. It can be with a water-repellent and windproof coating. The product is easy to clean and can be washed regularly at home (following the rules for washing a down jacket). A fur coat or sheepskin coat may not only lose its appearance, but will also require additional costs for dry cleaning. Depending on the filling, down jackets may be suitable for different temperature conditions. The higher the filling density, the warmer the jacket.
In severe frosts, a fur coat will perfectly cope with the warming function; in addition, dense fur will protect from the wind. These properties do not apply to faux fur; it is designed for milder weather conditions. The warmest fur coats are considered to be those made from beaver, raccoon, arctic fox, and muton. Sable, marten, chinchilla, and mink are slightly inferior in their ability to retain heat, but are also suitable for frosty weather.
When choosing a sheepskin coat, pay attention to the thickness of the fur; the thicker it is, the warmer the item will be. In windy weather, it will not be able to compete with a fur coat or even a down jacket, as it is easily blown out.
It is also necessary to take into account individual tolerance to the cold season. Typically, overweight people feel less cold than thin people.
Arctic test
What to hide, I would like to know how our wardrobe items will perform in extreme conditions, that is, at degrees akin to the Arctic.
Where can you find one in the middle zone? Shouldn’t we actually go to Yakutia? It turned out that you can go another way: check the thermal protection of outerwear in the Mogilev cryosauna of the FOK "ICE", where the minus reaches the mark of 160 degrees. Of course, in reality, cryoprocedures have other purposes - health and cosmetic. As a rule, cryosauna visitors undress during the session. On the contrary, we are insulating ourselves. And with the permission of the owner Olga Kholodkova, we begin our experiments. The research period is at a possible maximum of three minutes. But it’s not too cold either: almost minus 100! Irina, wearing a nutria fur coat, steps into the cabin. And on the way out she was amazed that she wasn’t frozen:
— The fur layer, apparently, was able to adapt to the extreme temperature!
Olga Kholodkova regulates the degree of Arctic cold.
Now the next step is the sheepskin coat. A colleague admits: this time she felt a chill run through her body. What if you really ended up beyond the Arctic Circle? Would you be sure that the clothes were chosen correctly? The answer hangs in the air, but you don’t have to wonder for long. A short break to restore body temperature balance - and Irina is back in the Arctic. In a down jacket. How does it feel?
- Generally, -
states that
it is normal.
At least there was no discomfort. Although, of course, it’s still more comfortable in a fur coat. ...At the end of cryoextreme, we enter in a synthetic jacket. The reaction was immediate: the subject gasped and hurried to leave the sauna. “The cold,” he does not hide, “is more than noticeable. It is possible that a person who dives into wormwood in winter feels something similar.”
The result of the second experiment: two pluses, one minus and the sheepskin coat is in question.
How to choose a product according to style?
If you have a respectable profession, you do not use public transport and prefer to look respectable, opt for a fur coat. The number of styles presented will allow you to choose a model to suit your taste and figure.
For a daily, practical, but at the same time feminine look, you should choose a sheepskin coat. You can feel comfortable in it in public transport and public places.
A down jacket will highlight a casual or sporty look. Its owner will feel free, comfortable and independent. Sports down jackets specially designed for skiing can also be worn every day. They are very light, warm, and the special fabric is protected from wind and rain.
Which sheepskin coats are warmer?
The warmth of a sheepskin coat is also determined by the density of the pile. It is an incorrect statement that the thickness of the product plays a role. By acting on this principle, you run the risk of purchasing something that is too heavy and will be uncomfortable to wear.
The thickest skins are those made from “Tuscan” sheepskin. They are rightfully considered the most heat-intensive and comfortable to wear.
Important! You should not share the misconception that not a single hair should fall out of a sheepskin coat during use, otherwise this is a sign of a low-quality item.
During production, some fur is shaved to form a more aesthetic seam, so the shaved hair can remain in the fur. It is completely impossible to get rid of it. In addition, hair curling can occur in any fur, and this is an absolutely normal process.
How long will outerwear last?
The durability of fur coats, sheepskin coats, down jackets, as well as any other product, depends on:
- its qualities;
- how often the owner wears it;
- caring for him.
Down jackets and sheepskin coats are usually preferred for daily wear. On average, such outerwear can last 2-3 years with everyday wear. Manufacturers extend the service life of sheepskin coats due to special impregnation, which has a water-repellent effect. A high-quality fur coat will last from 10 to 15 years. Short, cropped furs are more practical and wear-resistant than long ones.
In order for an item to last longer, when purchasing you need to pay attention to the materials used, the quality of the seams and fittings. An item from trusted manufacturers will last longer, look richer and more solid.
Who suits a sheepskin coat, and who suits a fur coat?
Sheepskin coats and fur coats are universal wardrobe items. One of the reasons for this is the durability of items when properly cared for. True, if many ladies dream of a fur coat, then a minority of the fair sex think about having a sheepskin coat. There is a completely logical explanation for this.
A fur coat made of expensive fur is like an expensive decoration that is worn only for significant events. Most girls and women cannot afford such a new thing for every event, so this thing is usually purchased several years in advance and taken out of the wardrobe only on a special occasion. There are, of course, more affordable furs or products made from artificial materials that imitate fur. These things can be worn every day.
Natural fur coats require travel only by private car or, as a last resort, by taxi. On a trolleybus or other form of public transport, a lady in a fur robe costing 10 thousand dollars or more will look awkward. And a natural fur coat won’t last long in the hustle and bustle.
Fur coats suit women of any age, height and color type. The only limitation may be the place where they are going to be dressed.
Sheepskin coat is a more democratic type of outerwear.
The traditional cut combines quite harmoniously with a sporty and classic style, which is why girls and women who lead an active lifestyle buy a sheepskin coat. Long, straight-cut floor-length styles are usually chosen by more mature ladies. New-fashioned models in bright colors under the belt or up to the knee are preferred by students and middle-aged women. [Total: 6 Average: 4/5]
What is more profitable to buy?
The most expensive purchase will be a fur coat. Its average cost can significantly exceed $1000. Considering that this is a purchase that will last for decades, the investment will be worth it. Even the highest quality sheepskin coat will cost less than a fur coat. The least expensive purchase would be a down jacket, although some models from well-known manufacturers may not be inferior in price to natural sheepskin coats.
What is warmer: a fur coat or a sheepskin coat?
The question is quite complex, since heat is influenced by many parameters, among which the length of the product, density and length of the pile are the most important. It also matters what type of fur the fur coat is made from. The warmest are reindeer or bear furs, but they are in little demand among ladies. Slightly less warm - arctic fox, sable, beaver, raccoon dog, marten. These furs slightly prevail over sheepskin coats in warming and retaining heat under the product. At the same time, sheepskin coats are not inferior to such valuable furs as mink, chinchilla or astrakhan fur.
Allergy to fur
If you are allergic to fur or down, you should not risk your health for the sake of a beautiful look. Today in stores you can find a large number of stylish coats or jackets with polyester fillings. They, of course, may not be as warm as a fur coat, but they are comfortable and safe.
When choosing winter clothes, consider what length you prefer. A long item warms better, but is not always convenient to use. For those who constantly drive, it is better to choose models that reach mid-thigh. The main thing is that outerwear is convenient, comfortable, warms and pleases its owner.
Disadvantages of fur clothing and sheepskin coats
Fur coats are quite impractical when it comes to wet snow and rain. The product may become deformed and lose its original color. In addition, long-term use of this outerwear leaves characteristic abrasions and creases on the bends, which reduce its presentable appearance.
The main disadvantage of fur coats is their attractiveness to moths. That is why the product must be constantly ventilated and surrounded by means of combating this pest.
