How to Alter a Fur Coat

That amazing fur in your wardrobe does not need to be hidden forever. You might think it’s bulky, heavy, or feel like it’s from the past century, but it still holds powerful appeal. And giving it a little update can restore its luxurious appeal to today’s trends. This is why knowing fur coat alteration is important, as it turns a once forgotten clothing piece into jaw-dropping even now.

But the real problem is whether you can alter your fur coat yourself without ruining it. “Yes, you absolutely can.” In fact, transforming a heavy, bulky wrap into sleek, everyday outerwear is simpler than it seems. With little creativity, right adjustments, and simple touches, you can take that vintage piece from wardrobe clutter to a runway-ready statement.

Here’s how:

The Step-by-Step Way to Resize a Fur Coat 

Put on your garment. If it’s boxy and giant, don’t worry because you can surely take your fur coat in without relying on a sewing machine. Besides, regular sewing machines can trap the hair and damage the backing. This is why you have to do this part completely by hand.

What You’ll Need:

Before proceeding, note that this is for both men's and women's fur coats.

Step 1: Open Up the Inside Lining

Turn the coat inside out. At the very bottom, where you see the lining is sewn to the fur, carefully undo the stitching (about 30cm) using a seam ripper. Now, once the inner fabric and fur are separated, you can see the suede-like material inside. From that opening, pull the coat through so the inner side is fully exposed.

Step 2: Mark Where to Cut

Put the coat on while it is turned inside out. Pinch the side seams till you have your desired size. Draw a mark using chalk where you want to size down. Just make sure you leave about a quarter of an inch of extra space next to your line so you have room to sew.

Step 3: Cut the Backing

Lay your coat down on the table with the hide side facing up. Get your razor blade and gently trace along your chalk mark. Do not apply too much pressure. Press down just hard enough to slice through the leather without cutting the fur underneath. Remove the excess strip of material carefully.

Step 4: Sew the New Seam

Before sewing, use your fingers to move the loose fur away from the cut edges so it doesn’t get caught in the seam. Then line up the two edges of the leather so they match. Use a glover’s needle with waxed thread to sew them together with small, tight stitches close together. 

Step 5: Final Part

Once you’re done, turn the coat back to the outside, gently brush the fur to rid it of any loose fur, and fix any hairs that got stuck in the stitching.

Shortening the Hem (Bottom Edge Only)

Long fur coats for men and women can become difficult to wear when the length does not suit your frame. To gain comfort and appeal, shortening the hem is essential. However, it’s also important that while altering a fur coat, the original structure should remain the same. 

• Before resizing, decide where you want the hemline to fall when you wear the coat. 
• Leave a section of material so you can easily fold it and create a clean finish. 
• Ensure you work from the inner side of the coat so the fur remains protected. 
• Open a small section of the seam to access the inner structure.
• Cut out the excess material that hangs below the desired size and avoid damaging the fur side.
• Fold the remaining material upward to stitch it for a clean and neat edge from the outside.

The process of fur coat hemming shortening can be applied to different types of fur garments, be it a real fur coat or a faux fur coat.

From Luxury Coat to a Stylish Vest

For those of you looking to restyle your vintage fur coat but don’t know what to do, a fur coat-to-vest conversion is a practical option. It creates a lighter version of the original garment while keeping its luxurious appearance, and that too, whenever you want. 

Now, here’s how you do it:

• Turn the coat inside out and open the lining around the armhole.
• Remove the sleeves carefully from the original seam where they’re attached to the coat body.
• When removing the sleeves, keep the main body of the coat untouched.
• Once the sleeve is removed, finish the exposed armhole edge properly to keep the coat’s shape and structure.
• Fold the raw edge inward and secure it to the inner support layer with strong stitching.
• Place the lining back over the finished edge and sew it neatly so the inside looks clean and feels comfortable.

Whether it’s a coat or a fur jacket for men or women, you can easily restyle it using the technique. 

Note: This process requires more expertise, so if you’re not sure, it’s best to take it to a furrier. 

FAQs

Can I use a standard home sewing machine instead of hand sewing for a fur coat alteration?

It’s best to use hands when altering the fur coat. Standard sewing machines can press down on the pelts, flatten the hair, and cause the feed dogs to damage the fragile leather hide. This is why it’s recommended that all home alterations be stitched carefully by hand.

How do I stop the fur from shedding when resizing the fur coat or jacket?

Avoid using scissors. Use a sharp razor when slicing the leather backing and pull the pieces apart gently. This keeps the hair intact and prevents a huge mess.

Is it possible to replace the lining of the fur coat if it's rotten or torn?

Absolutely! For a fur coat lining replacement alteration, rip out the old fabric, use it to pattern the replacement fabric (satin/silk), and hand-sew the new lining inside.