A mink coat is an indicator of the wealth and respectability of its wearer. But it’s not just the desire to show off in front of others that guides ladies when buying such outerwear.
A natural mink coat is very warm, so taking into account the severe frosts that accompany winter almost every year, a mink coat can rightfully be considered a practical purchase.
How to choose a good mink coat so that it is of really high quality, does not lose its properties for a long time and pleases with its appearance? We advise you to listen to our recommendations, watch the thematic video and photos.
Where to buy a fur coat?
We hasten to assure you that if you want to save on buying a mink coat, you will only be able to save on quality. Therefore, if you are interested in a high-quality product, be prepared to pay a substantial amount for such a fur coat.
It is best to buy a fur coat in branded boutiques, or at least in large specialized stores, but in no case on the market. It is also better to avoid shopping centers; here the likelihood of stumbling upon a fake is much higher.
When choosing between a fur coat from a European manufacturer and a domestic product, give preference to an imported product. In Europe, quality standards and technology for the production of fur products are a level higher than in our country, but the price of imported fur coats will be higher.
The only way to save on buying a mink coat is to purchase it during the spring sale, although prices for such solid products remain high even in spring.
Secrets of the right purchase
To know how to choose a mink coat, you need not only to pay attention to a well-known brand, but also to really evaluate the quality of the fur, its thickness, and many other subtleties. In particular, it is also important to know how to identify mink from a cheap fake.
Secrets of choice:
- Natural fur of good quality, when moving against the growth of villi, will return to its original place in its original shape. Inexpensive, low-quality fur ends up with tangled fibers and needs to be straightened and combed again;
- the growth of the pile is the same on any side, in any place of sewing;
- no uneven hairs are visible at the seam, the fur is smooth and neat;
- inside, all the stitches are even, without protruding threads, irregularities or remnants of material;
- if the manufacturer offers untinted black mink, then the flesh will be a dark gray shade, but not a rich black, nature does not have that;
- very dense, coarse flesh indicates poor dressing of the skins, and, therefore, the quality of the fur coat is low.
Interesting fact! A conscientious manufacturer leaves the hem of a mink coat unattached. This is necessary to inspect the quality of fur when purchasing. Thus, you can view both the color of the flesh and its thickness.
How to choose a quality fur coat?
To check the quality of a fur product, the fur coat must be thoroughly examined.
The fur should be shiny and shimmer in the sun (or under a lamp) with sparkling reflections. If the fur coat looks dull, it means that the manufacturing technology and storage conditions of the product were far from ideal.
Spread the fur with your fingers and make sure there is a thick undercoat - it is this that is responsible for the thermal insulation characteristics of the fur coat. When trying it on, be prepared to feel the considerable weight of the product - a real mink will not be light.
Run your hand against the grain and observe the fur. Natural high-quality mink fur will immediately return to its original position and will not stand on end.
Try to lightly pinch the fur; if there is a piece of lint left in your hand, do not rush into the purchase; perhaps the animal was killed at the moment of molting. Such a fur coat is not of high quality and will soon lose its presentable appearance.
When going for a fur coat, grab a white handkerchief. Rub the fur coat with a crumpled scarf - even if it is a dyed mink, the scarf should remain snow-white.
It may seem strange, but many manufacturers sew mink coats without a lining or leave the edge of the lining unsewn, for example, the hem at the back.
This is done so that the buyer can evaluate the quality of the seams - they should be even and, of course, should not diverge. If the lining is tightly stitched, it means the manufacturer has something to hide.
The number of seams also matters - the fewer there are, the more durable the product will be. Don’t forget to inspect the back side of the skins, it should be soft, without visible damage, cracks, etc.
If the fur has faded or faded areas, it means the animal was old. Of course, the fur should be the same length on any part of the product.
You can often find rusty spots on a fur coat; they appear if the animal was kept in a metal cage. No dry cleaner can remove rust stains.
Kinds
Today, the types of mink used for sewing fur coats can be divided into several types: Russian, Canadian, Finnish, Scandinavian and North American. What is considered the best? Let's take a closer look at each of the presented types.
Russian
This variety of mink was obtained in Russia in 1928. Over the entire period of mink breeding, she has already been able to obtain some differences from other species. These include high guard villi and thick underfur. These points are very important for women living in the climatic conditions of our country. Due to these qualities, Russian mink fur is not susceptible to moisture, and it can be used for sewing very warm clothes, although they will be more shaggy.
The fur of this variety has a soft, shiny and silky surface. It is these qualities that allowed it to gain high popularity among manufacturers of fur products. Russian mink can be used for decoration and as accessories. Almost all Russian mink is brown. But its shades can be different: from dark brown to black.
A light brown Russian mink coat is in great demand. It is very similar to the color of American mink. Since dark-colored products are in great demand today, light brown is tinted. Thus, there is little difference between black and brown shades.
European
It has become widespread in Europe and southwest Siberia. The coat here is short, smooth and glossy. At its base there is a thick undercoat, on which there is a coarse awn. Natural color is dark brown. Outerwear can be sewn from this mink, using both winter and summer animal fur.
Scandinavian
Since the Scandinavian norm is considered the most popular all over the world, therefore, it is the best. Its share in the world market is 80%. The main feature of Scandinavian fur is medium-height hairs and a thick undercoat. Today you can buy high and low fur. It also has a very rare type of mink – polar. Its natural color is brown with a clearly defined ridge. In appearance the fur is very similar to sable.
American
This fur is characterized by low pile, which creates a velvet effect. Since the silkiness is fine, the awn is invisible under the dense, thick and tall underfur. On sale today you can see noises from very short piles. Then the guard hair is below the underfur, and the mink itself looks untidy, as if someone had plucked it.
Canadian
Canadian norm - what is it? This is high-quality fur, which is characterized by excellent dressing. This fur can be distinguished by its deep and bright black color with a slight brown tint. Experts call this color oil.
Considering the popular types of mink coats, you can distinguish Canadian mink by its short guard pile. Walking your hand across its surface creates the feeling as if there is velvet lying in front of you. In the sun it does not shine too much; on the contrary, it has a more matte surface.
Black Canadian mink is not distinguished by lush fur, since the guard pile is short. But at the same time, the fur is not smooth, because the down is elastic and dense. Due to these qualities, Canadian fur is beautiful and attractive, and also the most expensive.
Finnish
This norm is a variation of the Scandinavian one. It was bred in Northern Europe. The fur of Finnish animals has become in great demand all over the world. You can purchase it from Finnish fur in the following ways:
- Dark gray, dark brown and black – scanbrown.
- Light colors – skaglow.
- Sapphire is a gray-blue shade.
- Violet is a light shade of blue.
How to choose the color of a fur coat?
The color of a mink coat largely determines its cost. The cheapest fur coats will be natural brown shades, and the lighter, the cheaper.
Fur coats made from dyed mink - blue, red, beige gray - will cost a little more. The so-called tourmaline color, when the undercoat is beige and the outer fur is darker, will be even more expensive. As a result, the fur coat turns out smoky.
Undyed white mink is the next step on the price ladder, but the most expensive can be called a fur coat from North American mink - black with a blue or purple velvet tint.
What are the reviews for the mink coat?
Natural mink fur is a favorite material for the production and sewing of stylish fur products. Fashion designers use delicate and thin mink fur purchased from various auctions to create their collections.
The buyer can choose from a wide range of products, taking into account his individual needs. However, those who have already made such a new thing as a mink coat leave reviews about its unpretentiousness, incredible tenderness and gloss.
Which style do you prefer?
If you are buying a fur coat in order to feel comfortable in the cold, you need a long product with a hood or a voluminous collar, however, floor-length fur coats are not recommended for short women; it is better to choose a midi length.
To emphasize your waist, choose models with a belt; by the way, such a fur coat will be warmer than a loose-fitting fur coat.
If the main purpose of the purchase is to demonstrate your wealth and impress others with a luxurious look, you can choose a short fur coat.
Short fur coats with ¾ sleeves look impressive when paired with high gloves and stocking boots.
Don't worry that the fur coat you've chosen will go out of style next year. A mink coat is designed to last at least five seasons of wear, so fashion designers design them “with reserves.”
Fashionistas choose mink
Every fur store offers many options for fur coats. The choice of material is huge:
- arctic fox,
- Mouton,
- fox,
- rabbit.
Dyed mink
But a high-quality mink coat is beyond competition. She looks great in photos and on a mannequin, but in reality she is beyond praise. The main thing is to choose the right color, style and size. Watch the video for tips on choosing a good mink coat.
Beautiful mink coat
Fashionistas really like the soft and fluffy fur of this animal, so this coat is highly valued in all respects. The advantages of a high-quality mink coat are obvious:
How to choose a fur coat size?
Like any outerwear for the winter, it is better to buy a fur coat one size larger rather than smaller, so that you can wear a thick sweater underneath. But even on a thin blouse, the fur coat should fit correctly, and you should be comfortable in it.
When trying on a fur coat in a store, don’t be shy, walk around, move around. Try raising your arms up as if you were trying to reach an item from the top shelf in a supermarket, then bend down.
Look at your reflection in a large mirror; if horizontal folds are visible and the pockets are sticking out, then the fur coat is too small. A larger fur coat will form vertical folds.
The main indicator when choosing a size is height; most models are made for a height of about 170 cm. But you can also find mink coats designed for a height of 160 or 180 cm.
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.
What is a transverse mink coat?
In this product, the animal skins are arranged horizontally. In this case, the seams are not only noticeable, but also play a decorative role, creating a transverse pattern.
A transverse mink coat can be purchased for a lower price than a similar product with vertical seams, and the appearance of the transverse can be called quite original.
You can check the quality of a transverse fur coat in the same way as the quality of a classic mink product. Cross-cut fur coats are not recommended for ladies with curvy figures - the figure will appear even wider.
Be prepared for the fact that choosing and purchasing a mink coat will take more than a day or two.
When you have your eye on the right option, go home and return to the store the next day, having thought it through carefully.
If, when choosing outerwear for the winter, you decide to pay attention to a sheepskin coat, you will find the advice from our article “Buying a sheepskin coat - how to make the right choice” useful.
Take with you a person whose taste you trust - when choosing such an expensive item, objective advice will not hurt. Enjoy the shopping!
Determining the nature of mink skin
Today, mink products are microchipped. Chipping is a procedure by which it is possible to detect a fake. A barcode is applied to outerwear when not only the fur coat is made of fur, but also the lining. If there is only fur trim, then the application of the chip is abandoned.
Using the existing barcode you can find a mink coat. Each product also has a KiZ chip attached. It can be used to determine the country of manufacture. When the color of the chip is green, the fur coat was made in Russia, and a red chip indicates that the product was imported from European countries. The marking can be found on the seam of the fur coat or on the main label. When a store specializing in the sale of outerwear does not have labeled goods, then such negligence is fraught with penalties.
How to choose a quality fur coat, tips in the video:
Selecting a model
If a potential buyer has decided on fur and wants to purchase a mink coat, she needs to familiarize herself with the variety of models and styles. In the catalogs of salons and stores you can see many colorful photos, complemented by detailed descriptions. Depending on the lady’s build and her desires, the consultant will help you choose the model of the right size and color. A wide range will allow you to consider several options for a fur product and settle on the most suitable one.
How to choose a good mink coat according to your body shape? It's simple. Happy owners of thin waists can afford to buy any coat:
- long,
- a short,
- fitted,
- flared.
But ladies of heavy build are seriously thinking about the question of which mink coat to choose. Not all women can afford to wear a short or tight coat, so the range of recommended styles is significantly narrowed. The owner of curvaceous figures needs to choose the right size of mink coat, decide on the color and length. For ladies with such dimensions, it is advisable to opt for a long coat that expands from the waist or from the very top.
Women's fur coat
Like any other product, a stylish fur coat has a huge variety of models, styles and colors. White and blue options look brighter and more attractive, however, they are considered the most impractical. Black and brown models are best suited to complement elegant evening and business looks. If we are talking about everyday wear, the best choice would be a gray cross-cut mink coat, which goes well with other wardrobe items, including ordinary jeans.
Transformable fur coat
A special place among the entire range of such outerwear is occupied by a transformable cross-section mink coat. The length of this product can be changed with one movement of the hand, turning a long warm fur coat into a light and elegant sheepskin coat. Transverse technology allows you to make a transforming hem with incredible ease, so often in such models you can see not one, but two or even three possible levels.
A transverse fur coat can include several models at once, which may differ from each other not only in length, but also in style. So, for such products the sleeve length can change, the collar can be unfastened, and so on. In some cases, with a few simple steps, a long dokha can even turn into a cozy fur vest.
Cross fur coat with hood
A stylish fur coat with a hood eliminates the need for its owner to wear a hat. As a rule, in such models this part cannot be unfastened; it is an integral part of the product, which determines its appearance and a number of characteristics. However, a cross-sectional transformable fur coat is often supplemented with the ability to separate this part, and in this case it can be used only when necessary.
A cross-cut mink coat with a hood looks very interesting. It is suitable for both young girls who successfully combine it with tight jeans, skinny trousers and comfortable shoes like Ugg boots or stylish ankle boots with a textile top, and for elegant business women who combine them with formal pencil skirts, office dresses and high boots with heels or wedges.
Short fur coat
The choice of girls for whom freedom of movement is very important is often a short cross-cut mink coat that ends at least mid-thigh. It does not interfere at all when worn, so it is ideal for car enthusiasts who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. In addition, this thing is an excellent choice for young ladies who cannot spend too much money on a purchase, because it is not at all expensive, but looks incredibly stylish.
