How to Buy a Fur Coat: Complete First-Time Guide

Furs are a symbol of magnificence. They have the charm, the luxury, and a timeless elegance. If you don’t own one, you must have noticed how appealing it looks on the wearer. And if you’re on a journey to shop for one but are unsure how to buy a fur coat, it could be stressful and confusing. Especially since you'll find countless options available.

But what is the need to learn to shop for fur? Well, the reason being fur is a wardrobe staple. Plus, it's durable and an investment piece that will keep you warm for years. Even decades. 

Real fur coats and jackets are sourced from different species like mink, fox, sable, rabbit, chinchilla, and many more, so to speak. Another option is man-made, which is the faux version. Real and faux fur coats are made differently, have unique qualities, but they can look very similar. Which, again, can leave you confused. 

Let’s go further and look at the key points you must consider when buying a fur garment, along with the difference between real and faux fur, and how you can identify them.

Ready…Set…Go!

1. Quality Matters!

You read it right. Quality is one of the most important aspects when you're hunting for a nice and warm garment. Since all furs are made differently, some may only look good, while others will actually last longer. 

Here are the signs of a high-quality fur coat: 

• They're super soft and smooth to touch
• You'll notice exceptional glossy sheen and dense guard and underfur (if any)
• The hair will be uniform with no shedding, tears, or bald spots 
• When you run your finger in it, you'll feel the silky texture, the hair will lift easily, and come back to its position easily

2. What You Want Matters Too!

Now, let’s talk about your style. What happens mostly is people forget about their own fashion sense and go on to look at what others are wearing or what's trending. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you know what you want. So, what should you look for when buying for the first time? Here's what:

• A fur jacket for men and women should sit on your shoulders naturally (same rule for the coat)
• The sleeves must fall on your wrist
• Chest and waist must be snug but not too tight. It should be roomy enough for underlayers.
• It must complement your personal style, frame, and the occasion you're buying for
• Long fur coats are great for high-end events, whereas the shorter versions are ideal for a casual or everyday look

3. Then Comes the Color

It might be surprising, but after quality and your style, color plays an important role. Long gone are the times when you could only opt for the classic black, brown, and grey. Now you have quite a lot of options. 

What's most interesting is not only women's fur coats, but also men’s fur coats now come in countless shades. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what suits you and the occasion.

• Go for the color that balances your skin tone and hair color
• Consider your existing wardrobe
• If you want modern, street-style, choose funky shades like pink, yellow, red
• Neutral colors like black, white, gray, beige, and brown are for a more elegant and sophisticated energy

The best fur coat brands, like Real Fur Store (RFS), offer furs with various shades so you can choose what most pleases you.

4. Next up, The Type

At first, all furs may look and feel the same. But once you're more experienced in buying fur, you'll realize how different yet charming they are in their own way.

Mink Fur 

• Are soft and shiny and feel like velvet.
• They’re flat, short-haired, and have a soft underfur

Fox Fur

• Long and plush, fox fur is super fluffy
• For those looking for a bold, dramatic vibe, this is the one

Rabbit Fur

• Exceptionally lightweight, soft, and silky, rabbit fur is quite durable
• They are less durable than other fur types, but with proper care, they can last for almost a decade

Chinchilla Fur

• Chinchilla fur is one of the most discussed fur types of all time for its soft texture
• They're known for their dense furs (approx 80 hairs/follicle) that make them stand out from other furs

Sable Fur

• Soft, smooth, and high sheen, sable fur is one of the rarest ones available
• They are quite expensive and are often associated with luxurious and lavish settings

5. The Price Factor

Although they may look similar, furs vary in price. Real fur is an investment item and is usually more expensive than faux fur. However, other factors include:

• Fur coats and jackets are made with various pelts, not just one
• The labor, expertise, and hard work put into creating a masterpiece
• It will be stitched perfectly everywhere - inside and out 
• Premium and luxurious furs like sable cost more than the soft and silky rabbit fur
• For coats that are not mass-produced, each piece is made with dedication, love, and care so that it encompasses durability, prestige, and practicality.

Buying a Fur Coat Under $1000: What to Expect

Yes, you read that right. Real fur from family-run furriers can be much more affordable than faux fur from globally known brands, just like RFS. So if you’re looking for men’s or women’s fur jackets or coats under $1000, choose a rabbit fur coat for a real experience. Or faux fur for a mix of chic and affordability.

Real Fur and Faux Fur Difference

When learning how to buy a fur coat, it's important to know what separates genuine fur from fake fur. Here’s what to look for when buying a fur coat:

For Online Shoppers

• Read the description of the fur garment. If it mentions real, natural, or genuine fur, they are sourced from animals
• If it says synthetic, vegan, fake, polyester, or any chemical and plasticky term, they're faux fur
• Real fur is usually expensive, but if the price is very low, that feels too good to be true, chances are, it's low-quality fur or a fake version.
• Ask the seller further questions. If they sell real fur, they should be able to answer your questions clearly.

Shopping Physically

• Part the fur to see the base. If it's leather or skin-like, it's real fur. But if you see fabric backing, it's faux fur
• The hair on the real fur will be pointy on the top, while the polyester edition will be cut bluntly
• Try the pin test. If it goes in directly without force, it's fake fur. Real fur will resist the pin.
• Another test you can do is to light it. If it smells weird, it's fake fur because real fur smells like burnt hair (Avoid burn tests, especially when shopping in-store)
• Hair on the real fur is uneven, whereas the vegan fur will be consistent
• High-quality fur will have neat and clean stitching

Side By Side Comparison

Below are some quick points you must consider so you don’t feel like a novice buyer.

FAQs

What should I look for when buying a fur coat?

A fur coat is worth the investment, so look for how well it's crafted so you'll know it will last for years. Check for the strong seams and sturdy stitching, and buy from a reputable brand.

How do you size a fur coat?

• Use a measuring tape and follow these steps:
• From the fullest part of your chest, from under the armpits
• Now check your waistline and hips
• For shoulders, measure from the extreme side of your shoulder to the other side 
• Then measure from the centre of your shoulders (back of the neck) all the way down to your wrist

Can a fur coat handle moisture?

While it's advisable to keep furs away from rain and water, some types can handle light moisture better than others. Beaver fur, Raccoon fur, and mink fur are the best examples. However, when you're done wearing it, shake it off to remove the moisture and air it out to bring the fluff back.