Fur Coats: Luxurious Warmth For Winter

With winter approaching, it's time to start thinking about investing in a good fur coat to brave the cold. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for you? In this article, we will explore the different factors to consider when selecting a fur coat, from warmth and durability to appearance and cost. We will also discuss the ethical implications of real fur versus faux fur and provide some tips on care and maintenance to ensure your fur coat lasts for years to come. So whether you're looking for a chic statement piece or a cosy companion to get you through the chilly season, read on to find out how to choose the best fur coat for your needs.

Best faux fur coats

With many brands denouncing the use of real fur, it's time to invest in a synthetic alternative. Here is a list of the best faux fur coats to buy:

Under $200

• H&M has a bright red faux fur coat that will make "even the most basic outfits look spiffy and chic".
• BlankNYC Faux Fur Crop Jacket comes in unexpected colours like lavender and neon orange.
• Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Length Leopard Coat. Tyler McCall, editor-in-chief of Fashionista, says this coat garnered her the most compliments.
• Abercrombie & Fitch Faux Fur Cropped Coat is half the length and price of the above.
• Wild Fable Women’s Faux Fur Jacket is a shaggy-style coat available at Target for $40.
• UGG Mandy Faux Fur Hoodie. Asia Milia Ware, editorial assistant at Teen Vogue, says UGG's faux-fur jackets feel like "literal clouds".

Under $400

• Apparis Britney Coat in Juicy Pink. This eco-conscious brand is loved by experts for its soft texture and myriad of colours.
• Apparis Mona Coat in Ivory. This oversized robe-style coat will make any outfit chic and exciting.
• Apparis Daryna Coat in Camel. This faux shearling coat will keep you warm on cold days.
• Jakke Hedda Faux Fur Coat. This cow-print coat is extravagant and fun.

Splurge-worthy

• Apparis Siena Longline Faux-Fur Coat. This longline coat is perfect for those wanting to stay warm and cozy.
• Shrimps Heath Jacket. This British brand is known for its faux fur and the high quality of its coats.
• Maison Atia Genevieve Trench in Yellow. This trench coat is described as "a literal ray of sunshine".
• House of Fluff Vintage Mink Coat in Mahogany. This vintage-inspired coat looks realistic.
• Tibi Faux Fur Coat in Camel. This belted coat is both chic and practical.

Best fur coats for warmth

Fur coats have been used for warmth for millennia, and they continue to be one of the warmest types of coats available. While synthetic materials like polyester and nylon come a close second, they are still not as warm as animal fur. Fur is highly effective at providing warmth and moisture resistance, making it ideal for winter wear.

So, what are the best types of fur for coats?

Fox

Fox fur is warm, full-bodied, fluffy, and lightweight. It has lustrous soft guard hairs and a thick underfur, making it ideal for fashionable attire. It is also durable and stylish, and its versatility in terms of colour variations makes it a popular choice for a range of garments, including coats, jackets, vests, and strollers.

Sable

Sable fur is often black with a glossy sheen, turning brown or dark grey as it ages. It has a silky, dense texture, making it extremely luxurious and comfortable. It is also durable and has been a sought-after part of fashion for centuries. However, it is one of the most expensive types of animal fur.

Coyote

Coyote fur is dense, offering excellent insulation and warmth in cold temperatures. It is often used in the production of heavy outerwear due to its durability and warmth-retaining properties. While it may not be as soft or lustrous as some other furs, it is still a popular choice for coats and accessories, and its colour can be easily altered through dyeing.

Mink

Mink fur is luxurious, silky, and extremely soft. It has a great warmth-to-weight ratio, making it a popular choice for coats and jackets. It is also durable due to its dense undercoat and can withstand various weather conditions, from extreme cold to summer storms.

Lynx

Lynx fur is a good choice for cold weather due to its double coat. It consists of oily underfur covered by coarse guard hairs that provide warmth even when wet. Accessories made with lynx pelts are durable, falling between other furs such as mink and chinchilla in terms of weight. They have a pleasant feel and a soft texture, making them highly desirable.

Chinchilla

Chinchilla fur is thick, durable, and made of very fine hair, making it suitable for cold weather. It is lightweight, silky, and easy to dress, which is why it has been worn by women for centuries. While it is one of the most expensive furs, its popularity has increased in recent years.

Honourable Mentions

Other types of fur that are known for their warmth include beaver, muskox wool (qiviut), arctic fox, otter, and rabbit fur. Rabbit fur, in particular, is quite affordable compared to other types of fur coats due to its abundance and various production methods.

Best fur coats for durability

When it comes to durability, there are several types of fur that stand out. Here are some of the best fur coats in terms of durability:

Mink

Mink fur is one of the most luxurious and durable options available. With its dense undercoat, mink fur can withstand various weather conditions, from extreme cold to summer storms. It is also water-resistant and can resist heavy winds. American mink coats are considered the best in quality due to the higher rearing and breeding standards of minks in the region. Well-maintained mink fur coats can last up to 20 years.

Coyote

Coyote fur is known for its durability and warmth. It is often used in the production of heavy outerwear due to its heavy density, providing unparalleled insulation and warmth in cold temperatures. While it may not be as soft or lustrous as some other furs, it is still a popular choice for those seeking a durable fur coat.

Sable

Sable fur is one of the most exclusive and sought-after types of fur. It is known for its durability, softness, and luxurious feel. Sable fur has been a part of fashion for centuries and continues to be popular today. Russian Sable, in particular, is known for its top-notch quality, while Canadian Sable is a more affordable option.

Raccoon

Raccoon fur, especially from North American raccoons, is known for its longevity. With proper care, raccoon fur can last for a surprisingly long time. The Asian raccoon variety features longer guard hair tips that enhance its beauty and elegance. Raccoon fur is also thick, dense, and provides tremendous warmth.

Beaver

Beaver fur, specifically Canadian beaver fur, is known for its excellent durability and exceptional warmth. It has a lustrous sheen and can come in two designs: sheared or natural length. Natural beavers with longer hairs have a distinct sheen, soft and dense underfur, and wiry top hair.

When it comes to durability, these types of fur coats are considered to be among the best options available. Each type of fur has its unique characteristics, but all of them offer long-lasting quality and varying levels of warmth, making them excellent choices for those seeking durable fur coats.

Best fur coats for appearance

When it comes to the best fur coats for appearance, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the type of fur and its characteristics will play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of the coat. Secondly, the style and design of the coat, including its length and colour, will also impact its visual appeal. Here are some recommendations for the best fur coats in terms of appearance:

Chinchilla Fur Coats

Chinchilla fur is renowned for its exceptional softness, density, and silky texture. With up to 20,000 hairs per square centimetre, it is the densest fur, resulting in a luxuriously full and fluffy appearance. Its natural colours of brown and blonde, along with its mix of soft and coarse fur, give it a distinctive look. Chinchilla fur is also highly durable and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for coats, jackets, vests, and strollers.

Fox Fur Coats

Fox fur is characterised by its fluffiness, suppleness, and vibrant colours. The natural reddish-brown shade is a popular option, but black and silver coats with white or white-banded hair are also common. Fox fur is often used for trimming, such as on hoods or collars, but it can also be used for full coats. It provides a luxurious appearance without being as expensive as some other types of fur. However, fox fur does have a tendency to shed, so regular brushing is necessary to minimise this issue.

Sable Fur Coats

Sable fur is one of the most exclusive and sought-after types of fur. It is generally black with a glossy sheen, ageing to brown or dark grey over time. Sable has a silky, dense texture, giving it a luxurious and elegant appearance. Sable fur is typically used in high-end fashion for coats, hats, and stoles. Due to its limited availability, it commands a higher price tag and is often reserved for luxurious and fashionable attire.

Mink Fur Coats

Mink fur is one of the most luxurious and popular types of fur for coats and jackets. It is known for its soft, shiny, and dense underfur, which provides excellent warmth. Mink coats come in various shades, from light to dark, and can be worn in all types of weather conditions. They are also highly durable, ensuring they last for many years with proper care. American mink coats are considered the best in quality due to the superior rearing and breeding of minks in the wild regions of North America.

Coyote Fur Coats

Coyote fur is a dense and heavy fur, providing exceptional insulation and warmth in cold temperatures. The natural colour variations of coyote fur, ranging from brown, white, and black to reddish-yellow or pure grey, make it a versatile choice for dyeing. While coyote fur may not be as soft or lustrous as some other furs, it is still highly sought-after, particularly by men for their casual clothing.

Faux Fur Coats

For those who prefer the appearance of fur without using animal products, faux fur coats offer a wide range of styles and colours. From the Shrimps Zio faux-fur jacket to the Tory Burch faux-fur coat, there are many fashionable options that are also affordable and ethically conscious.

Best fur coats for different occasions

Fur has been a symbol of luxury, wealth, and fashion for millennia. Here are some of the best fur coats for different occasions:

Formal Events

Full-length fur coats are ideal for formal events that require a black-tie dress code. They can complement various outfits, such as skirts, and help you make a bold statement. If you want to stick to conventional colours, opt for grey, white, brown, or black. You can also accessorise your formal attire with fur wraps or stoles, adding a unique and graceful flair to your ensemble.

Weddings

For brides who want to feel special, unique, and alluring, a long white fur coat can elevate your wedding look while keeping you warm. As a wedding guest, consider a silver or light brown fur coat to stand out.

After-Hours or Late-Night Events

For a party, you want to strike a balance between casual and dressed up. A little black dress with a fur wrap or jacket will give you a sleek look while keeping you warm. For fancy evenings, a full-length fur coat is a perfect choice. If you're attending a dressier event, opt for fur wraps or vests. Experiment with colours like emerald greens, dark reds, and warm blues to add a touch of exuberance and contemporary style to your outfit.

Casual Brunch or Dinner

For a casual brunch or dinner, pair fur hats and vests with high boots for an effortlessly chic look. During family gatherings, you can wear a fur coat with a t-shirt and sneakers for a relaxed and comfortable feel.

When choosing a fur coat, you can select from various types of fur, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most widely used fur types:

Chinchilla

Chinchilla fur is dense, silky, and soft. It is highly sought-after due to its exquisite texture and is considered one of the most expensive types of fur coats.

Mink

Mink fur is traditionally associated with women's fashion, but men are also increasingly interested in mink coats. It is durable, can last for decades with proper care, and has excellent warmth retention.

Lynx

Lynx fur is available in two varieties: Russian Lynx, which offers premium quality, and American Lynx, which is more affordable. Quality Lynx fur is silky and soft and is often used in long fur coats.

Fox

Fox fur is warm, full-bodied, fluffy, and lightweight. It comes in various colours and shades, and its soft guard hairs and thick underfur make it an ideal choice for fashionable attire.

Sable

Sable fur is generally black with a glossy sheen, turning brown or dark grey as it ages. It is silky, dense, and luxurious. Sable fur is often used for coats, hats, and stoles and is one of the most expensive types of animal fur.

Coyote

Coyote fur is a durable and warm option for heavy outerwear. While it may not be as soft or lustrous as other furs, it is still popular due to its durability and warmth-retention properties.

Frequently asked questions