Quality Fur Coat

How to Choose a Quality Fur Coat?
First, consider why you want a fur coat. Is it for fashion reasons, or do you want a high-quality fur coat? This reason alone can already give an idea of what you are looking for. Once you know why you want fur coat, you can figure out what type of fur would work best. Rabbit, fox, sable, and chinchilla are the furs typically used for fashion, while furs like wolf and coyote are more often used when a more durable fur is needed, like for hiking in cold climates. Mink tends to work well in either direction because it naturally has a nice striped pattern but at the same time is semi waterproof. Decide what style of coat is most practical. While a long, robe-like coat may work for formal occasions, it is not practical for purposes like mountain climbing, which may call for a tighter fitting jacket. Decide on your price range. Don't feel intimidated if that perfect coat costs too much; you may be able to find a suitable substitute. For example, if a mink is too expensive, a quality beaver may be the next best thing. If you get very lucky, you may find a fur coat at an antique store (or a similar store) at an extremely cheap price; stores have been known to have real fur coats for as low as $15! Despite what people (especially those against fur) may say, fur can be affordable!

Types of Fur

Weasel - Similar look to mink, with short guard hairs and semi-dense underfur.
Tanuki - Also called Japanese raccoon with very long guard hairs and a full texture. Colour is light amber brown with dark, distinctive markings.
Sable - Long, luxurious guard hairs with dense underfur, yet very lightweight. Russian sable: Brown with silver cast, it is the most expensive fur, especially when there is an abundance of silver hairs. Canadian golden sable: In amber tones, somewhat less expensive. Very durable.
Raccoon - Long grey/black guard hairs with silvery tips over a woolly, dense underfur. Very durable fur. Finn raccoon: Long, thick tan guard hairs with black tips and dense underfur.
Rabbit - Generally medium length guard hairs in a variety of colours. Often sheared or grooved. Not very durable, and may have a tendency to shed.
Opossum - American: Long, silvery black-tipped guard hairs with thick underfur. Australian: Short, dense, plush-like fur, with colour ranging from yellow-grey to natural brown.
Nutria Similar to beaver, it is often sheared for a sporty, more lightweight feel. Underfur is very soft and plush. A popular fur for linings and trims, it is frequently dyed in a variety of colours.
Lynx - Canadian Lynx: Displays creamy white tones with characteristic darker markings. Russian Lynx: The whitest and softest of this very long-haired fur with very subtle beige markings. the whiter the fur, the higher the value.
Fox -The widest range of natural colours of any fur except mink. Long, lustrous guard hairs with thick, soft underfur. Fox varieties include silver cross, crystal blue, red, grey and white. Can also be dyed in a wide variety of colours.
Chinchilla A short, dense soft fur with lustrous slate blue guard hairs and dark underfur.
Beaver- Sheared: Soft, velvety texture. Often dyed in new fashion colours. Natural: Long, lustrous guard hairs over thick underfur.
Lamb- Broadtail: A natural flat moire pattern. Natural colours include brown, black and grey. Often dyed in more exotic colours. Mongolian: Very long, wavy, silky guard hairs. Its natural colour is off-white, but often dyed. Mouton: Pelts are sheared closely for a soft, thick, flat fur. Persian Lamb: From karakul sheep raised in Central Asia of Southwest Africa, fur features flat silky curls. Natural colours are black, brown and grey. Shearling: Natural lamb pelts with the leather side sueded or leatherized and worn on the outside with the fur on the inside.
Ermine - Very silky white guard hairs and dense underfur.