Whether you choose to buy men’s fur coats online or go to a fur shop, it makes sense to go in prepared. There are a lot of factors that can determine the final price of a fine fur coat and if show up unaware you run the risk of getting duped. There is also an entire industry of ultra-realistic faux fur coats. There have been instances where customers paid the price of real fur coats for faux fur coats. Therefore, skepticism is a valuable trait when shopping for fur coats.
In this post, we share 6 buyer’s tips to help your buy a high-quality fur coat at the right price.
Understand What is a Realistic Budget
If the price sounds too good to be true, then there is a good chance it’s fake fur. Right from hiring a master furrier to work on delicate pelts to procuring exotic fur pelts from ethical sources, there is a lot that goes into making a genuine fur coat. This is why real fur coats are almost always expensive. Fur coats also have excellent resale value and a properly maintained second hand fur coat can fetch close to its original price. Long story short, if a retailer asks for a $500 for a mink coat, then you can be certain that it’s fake.
Learn How to Spot a Fake
While the difference between faux fur and genuine fur is slimming every passing year, you can still tell them apart. For starters, real fur coats have fibers with tapered tips. You can also burn a few fibers to spot a faux fur. Faux fur fibers are made from synthetic materials that usually melt when subjected to heat. Real fur would char and give out a burnt-hair smell.
Research Pelt Types and Qualities
As you would have guessed it already, price depends on the type of pelt used to craft the coat. Research individual pelt types and learn their qualities. For instance, mink is more durable than other pelts and they are lightweight and warm. Chinchilla, on the other hand, is softer and fluffier than mink. They are also more challenging to work with, thus justifying their higher price tags. Once you know what to expect, you become far more equipped to determine the price range of a particular fur coat on your own.
Take Your Local Weather into Consideration
It’s never a good idea to buy a fur coat that’s geared for the extreme cold if you live in an area that experiences mildly chilly winters. You should ideally match the pelt type to the degree of cold your area experiences during winters. If you live in an area where winters are harsh, you can buy a coyote or fox fur coat. Minks and rabbits are ideally suited for slightly warmer climates.
Make Sure You are Not Allergic
People often have animal allergies and it’s important to find out if you are allergic to the type of pelt your coat is made of. If you plan on buying a coat online, then head to a fur coat shop and check if you are allergic to the type of coat you are about to buy.
Consider Restoring a Vintage Fur Coat
Fur coat manufacturers often offer restoration services. This presents a rare opportunity to buy a genuine fur coat at an affordable price. You can buy a vintage coat that needs restoration at a discounted price and then get it restored professionally.
