How to Care for and Store a Real Fur Coat

How to Care for and Store a Real Fur Coat

A real fur coat is made to be worn and enjoyed, but thoughtful care helps preserve its texture, shape, and natural character over time. The most important habits are simple: keep the fur away from unnecessary heat and moisture, give it room to breathe, use the right hanger, and arrange professional care when the garment needs more than light maintenance.

Let the fur dry naturally

If your coat is exposed to light rain or snow, shake off excess moisture gently and hang it in a cool, well-ventilated place. Allow it to dry naturally before placing it in a wardrobe or garment bag.

Do not use a radiator, hair dryer, heated drying cabinet, or direct high heat. Rapid heat can affect the leather side of the skins and may leave the fur surface dry, stiff, or uneven.

Use a broad, supportive hanger

A fur coat should hang on a broad padded or contoured hanger that supports the shoulders. Thin wire hangers can distort the shoulder line and create pressure points, especially on heavier long-haired coats.

Give the garment enough space so the fur is not crushed against other clothing. Maintaining the coat’s natural shape is easier when the sleeves, collar, and hem can hang freely.

Keep plastic away during storage

Real fur needs airflow. For seasonal storage, use a breathable garment cover rather than an airtight plastic bag. Plastic can trap humidity and restrict ventilation, while crowded storage can flatten the guard hairs and create unwanted pressure on the coat.

Choose a cool, dry, dark storage environment away from direct sunlight, strong fragrances, and household heat sources. Before long-term storage, make sure the coat is clean and fully dry.

Handle the fur gently

Light surface dust can often be released by gently shaking the coat outdoors or in a clean ventilated area. If brushing is appropriate for the specific fur, use a tool and technique recommended by a professional. Avoid aggressive brushing, backcombing, or pulling at tangled guard hairs.

Long-haired fox and raccoon fur may respond differently from dense short-haired mink. The direction, density, and length of the hair should guide the care method rather than a one-size-fits-all routine.

Protect the coat from everyday friction

Repeated rubbing from rough bags, sharp jewellery, car seat edges, or narrow shoulder straps can affect the fur over time. Pay attention to areas that receive regular contact, such as the cuffs, side seams, underarms, and shoulder line.

When carrying a handbag, choose a position that does not constantly compress the same section of the coat. Close hooks or buttons before storage so the front maintains its intended shape.

Know when to seek professional care

Spills, strong odours, deep dirt, flattened areas, lining damage, and changes to the leather side should be assessed by a professional familiar with real fur. Avoid applying household stain removers, oils, perfumes, or cleaning products directly to the fur.

Professional care is also useful before long-term seasonal storage. The correct process depends on the fur type, construction, lining, colour treatment, and condition of the garment.

Care for the lining and finishing details

The interior deserves attention too. Check the lining, pockets, closures, cuffs, and hem periodically for signs of wear. A well-maintained lining helps the coat move smoothly over clothing and reduces unnecessary strain on the skins.

Acrylic lining (default; custom lining available upon request). For a custom coat, lining material, pocket placement, closure, collar, and fur direction can be selected together to support the way the garment will be worn.

Fit and storage work together

A coat that is repeatedly pulled, overfilled with layers, or stored under pressure may lose its intended drape. We recommend choosing a size 4–8 cm larger than your actual chest measurement for a comfortable fit. We also offer larger sizes and fully custom sizing — contact us to place a custom order.

Explore our Fox Fur Collection and Mink Fur Collection for different fur textures and constructions. With consistent care and suitable storage, a well-made coat can remain a distinctive part of your wardrobe for many seasons.