How to choose a mink coat? Advice from professionals

For many women, a mink coat is an exclusive combination of beauty, warmth, status and fashion. In some ways this opinion is true, in others it is wrong, but this is not what is important: only a real mink coat can guarantee the joy of purchase and use. However, counterfeits and low-quality products are increasingly found on the market and in stores, forcing ladies to study the issue, how to choose a mink coat right at the commodity level.

Types of mink fur

The homeland of mink is North America. The valuable animal is raised in America, Russia, and China. Mink is also bred in many European countries.

Before choosing a good mink product, you need to decide what types of valuable animals there are. The following types of minks are distinguished:

North American . These animals are raised in North America. The fur is particularly velvety and dense. Black mink, Blackglama, is highly prized and is often found at auctions.
Russian . It was brought from North American countries at the beginning of the 20th century. The animal adapted to the local climate, its fur became fluffier and warmer, and its pile lengthened significantly.
Scandinavian . North American mink, which was introduced to northern European countries. This type of mink has a large number of shades. The skins of this animal are very popular, but are inferior in quality to mink, which is bred in North America.

In China, mink of all types is bred. However, the production technology is poorly established. This makes you doubt the quality of the fur.

Types of minks

Before making an expensive purchase, you need to understand all the features of the product.
Mink comes in Russian, Scandinavian and North American types; you can also find products made from wild and Chinese mink. Each type has its own properties and characteristics. Russian mink is very warm, and its price is lower than other species. The fur has elongated hair (hair). Thanks to this, the products shine and repel dirt. But this type is not suitable for a car lady, since the high fur will break off, get stuck in the seat upholstery, and the fur coat will soon lose its presentable appearance. Russian mink has fur that is predominantly brown in color with varying shades.

The Scandinavian type of mink is the most common in the world, although it is highly expensive. There is a Danish and Finnish variety. The latter has a longer awn, but the underfur is sparse. The Finnish selection is suitable for mild climates, and the Danish type will warm you in severe frosts. Geneticists have bred a large number of mink furs of different shades, but the most popular color is shiny black. Scandinavian mink coats are designed for frequent wear.

The North American mink has short fur, the underfur is thick and lush. Therefore, the coating resembles velvet. Products made from North American mink are of high quality and look elegant. The price of such a product is not small.

Wild mink is inexpensive, soft, and retains heat well. The predominant colors are brown with a silver tint. To make such a fur coat you need a lot of raw materials, because they usually have a lot of damage due to life in the wild.

Recently, mink fur coats of Chinese origin have begun to appear on the market. They please with affordable prices, but the quality is low. The material has sparse fur and a weak underfur. To give a respectable appearance, mink skins are dyed, plucked, and sheared. They are rarely used in their natural form.

North American mink is in first place in terms of quality, followed by Scandinavian and Russian mink, and Chinese and wild mink in last place.

How to choose quality fur?

The quality of a fur product is determined by the following criteria:

The animal's fur should be colored evenly. There should be no scuffs or faded spots on it. Such shortcomings indicate that the fur coat was made from low quality fur.
The presence of red spots on the fur coat is the result of keeping the animal in iron cages. It is impossible to remove such shortcomings.
On high-quality fur, the fibers do not stick together and have a characteristic shine and gloss.
The pile should have a uniform, smooth surface.
Poor quality fur may feel like parchment paper to the touch. This product should be discarded. The fur is too dry, and the product will quickly become unsightly.

If you have at least one of the above flaws, you should refrain from purchasing a mink coat.

Assessing the naturalness of mink fur

Mink fur is often imitated. Honest sellers immediately warn about this and offer cute “a la mink” products at attractive budget prices. Others often try to sell surrogate products at the cost of real fur.

But only completely inexperienced buyers are deceived, because it is quite simple to distinguish a mink from a rabbit or a marmot - the fur of which is most often passed off as a noble fur-bearing animal.

Let's look at the pile, or rather at it:

Length. A mink's hairs are always the same height, while a marmot's hairs are different.
Rigidity. Mink has a hard pile - not prickly, like that of a marmot, and not soft, like that of a rabbit.
Shine. Real mink has a fairly intense shine to its fur.
Smoothness. Mink fur is smooth, it does not stick together or stick together - it has a uniform friability and always has an excellent appearance.
Elasticity. Mink hairs, which quickly restore their shape, have long been a kind of verification test. If you run your hand against the fur or squeeze the fur part of a mink product, the genuine mink will return to its original appearance in seconds.

If the quality of the fur during external inspection is assessed as suitable and of high quality, you can proceed to the next stage - analysis of the fur.

Methods for checking a fur coat for quality

It is not difficult to recognize a quality product. To do this, you can use the following recommendations:

Run your hand against the growth of the villi. High-quality fur will return to its original position without bending or creasing the pile.
The color of the flesh in good fur coats is always a light shade. The brown color of the skin indicates that the mink pile has been dyed. Darkened flesh indicates improper storage of the product.
The joints of the skins of a quality fur coat should be invisible. This is checked by stretching the skins in different directions. The seams in a good product are made from durable high quality threads.
The undercoat of high quality products is soft and thick. When you run your palm over the fur, it creates a feeling of softness, but not prickly.
Good fur coats do not smell like animals or chemicals. Perhaps a slight amber from the cleanser.
There should be no traces of paint left on a damp cloth passed over the fur. Sometimes manufacturers tint products. However, this coating is always very durable and does not leave any marks.

Definition of quality

Before you go to the store to buy a mink coat, you need to learn how to choose mink fur. The fact is that store consultants will not always advise sellers on quality products, because their main task is to sell the product.

Don’t be upset, because all you need to do is use the following tips to ensure you buy a quality fur coat:

Run your hand along the fur against its growth. If all the fibers return to their previous position, this indicates the authenticity of the fur. At the same time, make sure that the hairs do not bristle on different sides.
Carefully examining the pile, make sure that there is fluff under the outer pile. The hairs there are not as long as the main ones. It is due to them that it will retain its attractive appearance even in severe frosts.
Shake the product well. If after this manipulation the hairs begin to fall out, then you should not buy such a fur coat. Then it will change all the time and within a couple of years it will lose its attractiveness.
You can also involve your sense of smell in your work. Just smell the product. If you smell any foreign chemical aromas, it is a fake. There should be no odors coming from natural fur.
Examine the inside of the fur coat, namely the lining, the quality of tailoring, the size and neatness of the seams. These factors play an important role in the durability of the socks.
When purchasing painted mink, you need to check the quality of the painting. This is done using light-colored material. Walk it through the pile. If after this there are marks on it, then the painting is of poor quality.
Inspect the fur for traces of rust and faded areas of the pile.
Checking the product for weight. Take her at arm's length. If you see real fur, but it is suspiciously light, then it is a fake. Some manufacturers stretch the skins for their own benefit. As a result, the thickness of the skin decreases and the distance between the hairs decreases. It won't take long to freeze in such a fur coat in winter.

When choosing a mink coat based on quality, you need to understand that there may be a glued product on sale. The point is that glue is used instead of seams when sewing clothes. It is not recommended to buy such a product. To avoid such problems, you need to look inside. The seller is obliged to tear off the lining a little so that you can convince what is inside the fur coat.

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If the product is of high quality, then the area of the skin will be 15x15 cm. If these values are smaller, then the cost should be lower. This is due to the fact that such products will lose their appearance and fall apart into pieces.

Also, when choosing it, you should be careful about the size and model. Since a fur coat is intended for winter wear, you need to choose a size that will allow you to wear it over warm clothes.

How to choose a fur coat by size?

A properly selected fur coat will not hinder your movements. When you raise your hands up, the product will not be subject to deformation: pressing, pulling or falling off. With the arms down, the length of the sleeve covers the wrist 5 cm below. A fur coat of a suitable size does not have various types of folds and creases.

Excess free volume in the chest area indicates an incorrect size selection. The allowable allowance for the semicircle of the chest is 6 cm. Protruding pockets also show that the fur coat is not the right size for the owner.

Differences between coats made from mink, mouton, arctic fox and other furs

Mink products are very beautiful, elegant, and modern.
These animals are short-haired; coats made from their fur do not add any additional volume or extra pounds. Medium-pile mouton or astrakhan fur coats look more voluminous than mink, but with the right choice of style they will adorn their owner for many years. A completely different matter is the fur of a muton, an arctic fox, or a fox. Products made from them are long-pile, adding kilograms and volume and taking away several centimeters of growth. You should choose short, non-bulky styles, perhaps made from the sheared fur of these animals.

The sizes for any fur coat are standard, unless deviations from the norm are discussed separately in each specific company.

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What color of fur coat should I choose?

Manufacturers offer mink coats in various shades. The most common and popular products are black and brown. These fur coats are very practical for everyday wear. Light-colored items get dirty easily and may turn yellow over time.

Black fur coats are suitable for both brunettes and those with blond hair. Premium Blackglama fur is highly valued all over the world. In such products, the skins are selected as accurately as possible by shade. Black fur coats do not turn yellow and retain their beautiful appearance for a long time.

An equally common color for fur products is brown. This shade is suitable for brown-haired women or girls with golden brown hair. Buying a brown mink coat is also a very practical decision. Such products are non-staining and resistant to yellowing.

In recent years, fur coats in graphite shades have been rapidly gaining popularity. In a deep dark gray fur coat, a girl will always look stylish and luxurious. Graphite favorably emphasizes the appearance of both blondes and girls with dark hair.

Powder-colored fur items can be combined with almost all wardrobe items. Blondes or fair-haired girls will look especially impressive in a mink coat of this shade. Powder coats do not turn yellow or fade over time. With proper use and careful care, the product can last a very long time.

Note! White or light-colored mink coats are not suitable for everyday wear, as they quickly get dirty and turn yellow. This outfit would be appropriate for special occasions: holidays, business meetings, social events.

Fur coat in your closet

It has long been the custom that a fur coat in the wardrobe is a symbol of prosperity in the house. Not a sheepskin coat, not a short down jacket or a puffy jacket, but a luxurious heavy fur coat. It never goes out of fashion, and if you don’t spare money on quality, you can be sure that the product will not be afraid of rain. And, of course, a fur coat obliges you to look the part.

Here you can’t get away with a tracksuit from the market, and winter sneakers with such a thing look ridiculous. With the right approach to shaping your wardrobe, a fur coat will become a unique touch to the overall style, that same notorious diamond cut that creates a mood and makes an impression.

Animal rights activists have been vocal against the fur coat industry, and it's worth noting that their words affect many of us. But does the industry suffer from this? Let's remember the famous model Naomi Campbell, who joined PETA and posed nude for their advertising, but a few months later she could not deny herself the pleasure of trying on chinchilla fur at the Fendi show. Of course, the scandal hit the reputation of the top model, but the fact remains that women love fur, and there is no lady in the world who would refuse such a gift. Moreover, buying one fur coat does not quell the desire to buy another one. Among the abundance of furs, the mink confidently holds the place of leader.

Popular styles of mink coats

The fur market offers a wide range of fur coat styles. Every fashionista can choose a suitable option that will favorably emphasize all the advantages and skillfully hide all the shortcomings.

Classic

Classic style fur coats are suitable for women of any age and social status. The length of the product is often up to mid-calf, however, there are shorter models. Medium width welt pockets. Sometimes classic fur coats are made with patch pockets. The most popular collar variations are stand-up and shawl. There are also models without a collar. The hood may be voluminous or completely absent.

During manufacturing, the direction of the pile is taken into account - it should be from top to bottom. This allows you to achieve the visual effect of a solid canvas. The advantage of the classic cut of a fur coat is that it is relevant from year to year.

Autolady

This style is great for women driving. Typically the length of such a product reaches mid-thigh. With a longer cut, the mink coat will get dirty, and if the seat is heated, it will dry out and deteriorate. Bulky models will restrict movement and create discomfort when driving.

Sometimes fur coat models for car ladies are complemented with a hood and collar. The sleeves of the products are often three-quarter length.

Trapezoid

The trapezoidal cut of the fur coat is a product that sits neatly on the shoulders with a slight narrowing at the waist and a flared bottom. Such models, like classic ones, are always in fashion. The big advantage of the trapezoid cut is the huge selection of models. They can be complemented by a wide collar, a voluminous hood, a stylish stand, and vary in length and degree of flaring of the lower part of the fur coat. The disadvantages of this type of mink coat include impracticality to wear, since in frosty weather the wind can blow and such a product will not be warm.

Bat

Fur coats of this style are suitable for women with any figure. The wide sleeves of the model allow you to hide silhouette flaws and excess weight. The products are often complemented by a beautiful, voluminous hood that protects the head from bad weather conditions.

Fur coat robe

A robe-style fur product perfectly complements both everyday and festive outfits. A fur coat of this cut is always complemented by a belt, which effectively emphasizes a woman’s waist. Often such models are made with a large hood.

What measurements should you take of yourself?

The label of any women's item contains three numbers: they indicate height, hip and chest circumference. To understand what criteria your physique meets, you need to know these indicators. We measure height:

We take off our shoes and stand near the wall;
straighten your back, raise your chin until a right angle is formed with your neck;
mark the highest point of the head position;
We move away from the wall, using a centimeter or ruler to determine the length of the body.

To measure your height at home, it is best to use the help of another person . If this is not possible, then you need to take into account an error of 1–2 cm in the direction of increase or decrease. Be sure to take measurements of your hips and chest.

How to choose a fur coat according to your body type?

Apple figure. For women with a “circle” body type, fur products with a belt are suitable. Fur coats with a small but contrasting collar are perfect. The ideal option for women with such a figure would be fur coats that slightly cover their knees.
Pear figure. For those with a triangle-shaped figure, mink coats with a voluminous hood and a high collar are suitable. Models with a wraparound and wide lapels will look good. For women with this silhouette, fitted long pieces are ideal. Medium-length mink coats should be avoided.
Hourglass figure. For women with hourglass figures, mink coats of any cut will suit them. If you are short, you should not buy long fur coats that cover the knee, as well as floor-length styles.
An inverted triangle figure. For a masculine body type (wide shoulders and very narrow hips), it is better to choose fur coats with tapered or straight sleeves. The best option would be a classic straight model of a fur product.
Rectangle figure. Fashionistas with a rectangular silhouette should choose fitted and elongated models. A mink coat with a belt will highlight your waist.

Size tables

Indispensable assistants in the selection of fur coats are size tables. They are created specifically for the convenience of consumers, so working with them is quite simple. The table below shows not only the body parameters corresponding to the sizes, but the ratio of the size grids of different countries. Lengths are measured in centimeters.

Criteria	Size/length	Size/length
Standard in Russia	40 — 42	44 — 46
International standard	2XS - XS	S-M
Standard in Europe	34 — 36	38 — 40
Bust Length	80 — 84	88 — 92
Waist Length	64 — 68	72 — 76
Hip length	88 — 92	96 — 100

This mesh is suitable for women with small clothing sizes. Curvier ladies should focus on the following data:

Criteria	Size/length	Size/length
Standard in Russia	48 — 50	52 — 54
International standard	L - XL	2XL - 3XL
Standard in Europe	42 — 44	46 — 48
Bust Length	96 — 100	104 — 110
Waist Length	80 — 84	88 — 94
Hip length	104 — 108	112 — 117

You can determine the size of a fur coat for the Russian standard in the following way: divide the chest circumference by two. For example, your chest circumference is 96 centimeters, respectively, your half circumference is 48 centimeters. This means that Russian size 48 should suit you.

Fact! This method is questionable for those with very curvy hips.

It is usually easier to navigate by international markings - that’s why they are international.

“X” - extra, that is, “very”.
“S” - small, which means “small”;
“M” - medium, means “average”;
“L” - large, translated as “big”.

Accordingly, the combination “XS” means “very small”, and “XL” means “very large”, respectively. This information will help reduce the time spent wandering among rows of hangers in the store and will facilitate the process of ordering from the Internet.

Where is the best place to buy a mink coat?

You should make a purchase in trusted places that offer customers natural, high-quality products. The advantages of purchasing a fur coat from a network of fur salons are the quality of the models, frequent sales, and seasonal discounts. It is also possible to return your purchase to the store.

You can also buy mink coats in trusted online stores. Online shopping sites often feature products from several manufacturers in different price categories.

Some women prefer to go shopping for fur coats. The most visited country is Greece. Here you can buy a mink coat at the factory at the manufacturer's price. Throughout the tour, visits to a large number of exhibitions and auctions are offered, where you can compare the quality of the product and its price.

What to look for when purchasing?

To choose a mink coat without stumbling upon a fake, listen to the following tips:

Make sure the fur is dense and thick.
Pay attention to the seams. If there are many of them, then outerwear was sewn from many pieces. There is a possibility that the product will fall apart after just two months of wear.
The villi should not vary in size. If their length is different, then perhaps it is not the fur of a mink, but of another animal.
Pinch lightly, remember the coating: high-quality fur will not fray or wrinkle.
Spread the fur, if there is white skin underneath, it means that the product has not been dyed and the color of the fur is natural.
If you are going to buy a dyed fur coat, then run a damp cloth over it. Bad paint on a napkin will leave marks.
Shake the product. Branded fur coats are silent and do not shed wool.
An item with fur pieces glued together will not last long. Materials must be stitched.
Inspect the item carefully. Responsible manufacturers make clothes from solid plates, the length of which is 15 cm. It is better not to purchase products made from pieces.
The low price should alert you. A good mink coat will not be cheap.

Use our advice, then you will not regret your purchase. Choose your fur coat responsibly. It is unwise to go to the market for a good product; they may sell you a fake that will not last even two seasons. Buy clothes from trusted places, study reviews and the store’s reputation.

We have a certificate for all products, which guarantees the quality of the goods. You can also read customer reviews. You can contact us and find out all the details by phone.

What are the consequences of making the wrong choice?

Are you still intimidated by the large size of mink coats? Please note that an incorrectly selected item not only fits poorly, but also wears out quickly. If your mink coat is too tight, you will freeze in cold weather. Contact with the lining will cause your body to sweat, and wet clothing will easily freeze. Large coats retain heat better.

Sweat is also dangerous because the wet skin of the skin, when dried, hardens and can tear due to insufficient elasticity.

Being under constant tension, the fur wears out quickly. Large mink coats are more durable than small ones.

Be sure to pay attention to what height the coat is designed for. Even if the item fits perfectly with your body type and bust and hip volume, if it is too long, large folds will form at the waist.

fur coat size table

What to do if the fur coat doesn't fit?

Sometimes people, when purchasing large or small coats that do not fit, worry that they have wasted their money. Their fears are unjustified. Firstly, the item can be legally replaced within two weeks. It is necessary to fill out an application and provide it to the seller along with the sales receipt. If you bought a product in an online store, contact the manager to find out how you can return it. You can send a parcel with documents without doing this, but then there is a risk that the return process will take longer than you would like.

When buying outerwear, especially fur items, keep in mind that you will wear them not only over thin evening dresses, but also over bulky items. When in doubt between two coats, choose the one that is less fitted. Please note that you may get better.

Always try on an item before buying, compare different models. Pay attention to the recommendations of consultants: from the outside it is easier to see whether a mink coat looks good.

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Choice of style and size

Remember the style and the correct size. When choosing a style, take into account your height, figure features and do not forget about your own taste preferences.

Think about whether it’s worth choosing trendy models if you won’t be able to buy yourself a new fur coat next season. It might be better to stick with the classic model. Such styles are best suited for business status ladies. And girls and young women who prefer a free style of clothing can afford to follow fashion trends.

If you are not tall, you should not choose toe-length fur coat models. Such products are more suitable for tall women - they will look luxurious on them.

Ladies with curvy figures are well suited for flared styles - they will help disguise excess volume.

Choosing the right size is a question that causes bewilderment and confusion for many. In this matter, it is best to listen to your inner feelings. Put on a fur coat and walk around in it, raise your hands, feel it for yourself. If you feel obvious discomfort, this size and style is unlikely to be for you.

How to measure your parameters

To understand how to determine the size of a fur coat for a woman, you must first take your own measurements correctly. You need to base your choice of sizes on the data obtained.

The first thing you need to know is height. In many size charts, including the Russian one, this parameter is indicated first. A slight fluctuation of 1-3 centimeters is acceptable, but the more accurately you know this parameter, the better.
Next comes the girth of the chest and hips. In the size charts they are indicated after growth in this sequence. When measuring your volumes, discard unnecessary modesty; it is important to know the actual sizes, otherwise you will not be able to choose the right outerwear. You need to measure along the most protruding parts of the silhouette.
It is also advisable to know the sleeve length. Measurements of this parameter are taken from the shoulder to the middle of the hand. It is best if you ask another person to help you take measurements, then the readings will be more accurate.

What standards are there?

The sizes of mink coats in Russian stores, as a rule, are indicated in accordance with two standards - domestic and Western. It is important to understand which meaning corresponds to which. So:

XS - 40: suitable for women with chest volume 60-65, hips - 84-90 centimeters;
size 42 - XS: 66-69 and 92-95;
S - 44: 86-89 and 96-98;
46 - M: chest -90-93, hips - 99-101;

48 -M: 94-97 and 102-104;

Often there are labels focused on three parameters - a person’s height, chest and hip circumference. According to the first indicator, a deviation of +/- 3 centimeters is permissible, for the other two - no more than 2.