How to Choose a Ladies Fur Coat: What to Evaluate

It’s been said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but fur isn’t far behind, and it’s just about impossible to outdo the class and distinction of a genuine ladies fur coat - or any other garment featuring real fur, for that matter.

Fur is timeless, elegant and unrivaled in class, to say the least. Real, genuine furs outfit the wearer with an unapproachable air of sophistication that cannot be duplicated, or even imitated, effectively.

With that in mind, shopping for a ladies fur coat is not like shopping for a t-shirt. It is an investment that you will have for life, and, with the proper care, may be able to hand down someday. Because of that, it’s worthwhile to shop carefully and diligently for a fur coat, whether it will be your first and only or is going to be a compliment to the other furs in your wardrobe.

When you’re in the market for a new one, here are some points to consider.

1. Not all furs are created equal

While genuine furs are some of the best insulators that money can buy, not all furs are created equal. Here at Maximilian, we provide a wide range of ladies fur coats and other fur garments and accessories in quite a range of furs, and we stand on good authority when we tell you that different furs don’t just look different - they wear and behave differently, as well.

Take mink fur, for example. It is a beautiful, classic fur with a sheen that will not fail to turn heads no matter where you go. It’s also unbelievably warm; no matter how the temperatures dip, it would be hard to get cold in a genuine mink fur coat.

However, some people consider mink to be heavy. If this is the case, allow us to suggest a sheared mink.

The point here is that each fur has its own set of advantages and disadvantages; be familiar with these before you buy, and if you have questions, we’re never more than a call away.

2. Learn more about how the fur coat has been constructed

The construction of the fur coat and the manner in which the fur has been treated or is arranged will impact the quality and performance of the coat in question. Improper handling and treatment of the pelt may result in a fur coat that drops hair and does not last well. Similarly, some coats are created with a patchwork of pelt pieces stitched together instead of with full pelts.

While there are some high-quality patchwork-pelt coats in the industry, the best general practice is to use a whole, intact portion of a pelt for the garment. It’s also important to be aware that the small size of some pelts prevents the construction of a full coat from one pelt - this is not the same as a patchwork of pelts in smaller, separated pieces that have been rejoined.

Additionally, the affordable nature and eye-catching designs of some patchwork coats have made them very popular. While most patchwork garments will not last a lifetime, they can be made into very high-quality coats that are still very warm and visually stunning.

3. Keep fashion in mind with function

In addition to weighing the nature of the fur in question along with the manner in which the coat has been constructed, you should also keep in mind the purposes of the coat you intend to buy. Is this your first coat, and one that will have to serve alongside a variety of different outfits, or is this an addition to your collection, that will only be used with a very select subset of your outfits?

Fur is fashion as well as function, and you should ascertain the form and fit of the coat before you commit to the purchase. You’ll have it for life; be happy with the purchase.

4. Buy from a trusted source

You’ll also want to do your research and shop with a trusted provider. You happen to be in one of the best places for that. Maximilian has been formed from the merger of Bloomingdale’s Maximilian and Macy’s The Fur Vault. We’ve been providing the highest quality furs to our customers for many years, and are now able to service you directly through our online store, Maximilian.com - which will soon encompass the operations of StevenCorn.com as well as FlemingtonFurs.com.

5. Learn on the experience of your provider

Finally, and possibly most importantly, you should feel comfortable leaning on the experience of your trusted furrier. Since the purchase of a fur coat is one that can justifiably be expected to be a purchase for life, you should have no qualms about the purchase.

Anytime you require any assistance whatsoever, feel free to reach out to us. We’re never more than a call away and can answer any questions you have about fur quality, origin, coat construction, care, or sizing. Contact us at 800-TLC-FURS or at Info@Maximilian.com and let us know how we can assist.