The best winter fur coat will be made from quality fur or faux fur in a style that fits your needs and at a price that is within your means. You can shop for a winter fur coat online, in stores, or through catalogs. Consignment and thrift stores may also have fur coats, typically at a significant discount from department stores. If money is no object, you may even chose to have a fur coat made for you.
A fur will probably be a significant purchase, so it is best to see it in person before buying. This will allow you to check its quality and to try it on to ensure a good fit. If you must purchase a fur through an online retailer, make sure that they have a generous return policy. You should also make sure that the company insures the shipping and tracks the delivery of each item.
Sometimes, judging the quality of a fur is as easy as touching it. Good fur is silky and smooth. The skin is supple, with no cracks. There is no matting or staining. Check the fur carefully to make sure it has an even thickness throughout. There should be no places where the fur is less dense than others.
A poorly made fur will have uneven coloring and thickness and may even shed as you brush your fingers over it. Be sure to check the seams and closures as well. Loose seams or puckering is a sign that the coat is poorly made. The lining of the coat should be sewn tightly and have no loose threads or rips.
Consider where you intend to wear the winter fur coat. If you will be using it as a wrap for formal engagements, a long coat with a portrait collar is a good choice. If you intend to wear the coat to a variety of events, a short jacket style may be best. A fur jacket can be dressed up or down as the situation dictates. There are dozens of styles, and the best way to find the one that's right for you is to go to a furrier and try them on.
If you have a very limited budget, you may find that a faux fur is a better choice for you. There are faux furs that mimic every type of animal pelt. In some cases, a faux fur can be a tenth of the price of a authentic fur. Many are just as silky, beautiful, and stylish as the real thing.
Fur coats can be dyed or left the natural color of the pelt. Rabbit and chinchilla come in a variety of colors and are often dyed, as they are less expensive. Mink, beaver, and feline furs are less likely to be dyed, since the pelt is very expensive and is itself naturally rich in color.
Different animals typically have specific pelt colors. Chinchilla is often a silvery gray. Mink is a dark rich brown or white. Fox and coyote may be red, and, of course, jaguar, cheetah, and tiger have unique prints.
Even if you are set on a certain color, it is important to look at a variety of pelts. Some furs are heavy, coarse, and dense, while others are more delicate. Be sure to find a winter fur coat in both the color and pelt that suits you best.
