How to Care for a Fur Coat

A fine fur coat is not a seasonal purchase; it is an heirloom in the making. Cared for properly, real fur keeps its lustre and warmth for decades and can pass from one generation to the next. Neglected, the same coat can dry out, shed and stiffen beyond repair within a few winters. Learning how to care for a fur coat costs almost nothing and asks only that you understand what fur actually is. Drawing on more than forty years of hands-on craftsmanship, here is what genuinely matters.

Why fur needs special care

Real fur has two layers: the hair you see and the leather hide that holds it. The hide is the part that decides the coat's lifespan. It is a natural material kept supple by its own oils, and heat, dry air and direct sunlight slowly evaporate those oils. Once the hide dries, it cracks and the hairs loosen and fall. So the real secret of fur care is protecting the skin beneath the fur, not just the fur itself.

Hanging and everyday storage

Never hang a fur on a thin wire or plastic hanger. It distorts the shoulder line and presses permanent dents into the pelt over time. Use a broad, padded wooden hanger that supports the full width of the shoulders.

• Give the coat room to breathe in the wardrobe; crowded hangers crush the fur and flatten its volume.
• Never store fur in a plastic or vinyl bag. Plastic traps moisture and suffocates the hide, the single most common cause of mould and drying.
• If you cover it, use a breathable cotton garment bag that keeps dust off while letting air through.
• Keep the coat well away from radiators, fireplaces and sunny windows.

What to do if it gets wet

Fur handles rain and snow well; the damage comes from drying it the wrong way, not from the water itself. If it gets damp, shake it out gently without wringing or rubbing, then let it dry naturally on a broad hanger at room temperature.

• Never use a hairdryer, radiator or direct sun. Sudden heat shrinks and warps the hide.
• Once dry, run your hand or a soft, wide-toothed brush through it in the direction of the hair.
• For a thoroughly soaked coat, or one exposed to road salt, seek professional help rather than improvising.

Brushing and daily habits

Regular, gentle brushing keeps the fur glossy and stops dust settling into the base. Always work in the direction of the hair with a light touch. Apply perfume, hairspray and cosmetics before you put the coat on, never over it, as these chemicals cling to the hair and dull it. Avoid carrying a shoulder bag on the same spot daily; constant friction wears a bald patch into even the finest pelt.

Summer storage: the critical season

The real threat to fur is not winter but summer. Heat and humidity drive the oil out of the hide and invite moths. When you put the coat away at the end of the season:

• Air it out first and have it professionally cleaned if needed; sweat and invisible stains are exactly what attracts moths.
• Store it somewhere cool, dark and dry. The ideal is a stable, light-free space, not a warm cupboard.
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets rather than mothballs.
• For a high-value piece, consider professional cold storage, where temperature and humidity are held steady all summer.

When to seek professional cleaning

Fur should never be washed at home with water and detergent; that ruins the hide irreversibly. Once a year, ideally at season's end, have it cleaned and glazed by a furrier. Glazing softens the hair, restores shine and conditions the leather. If you notice a seam opening, the fur thinning, or the lining wearing, address it early; a small repair caught in time saves you from a major restoration later.

At LC Leather Club we have crafted fur in Istanbul since 1985, so we understand how a coat should be kept alive from the moment it is cut. A garment made to measure from the right pelt becomes, with proper care, an heirloom that holds its value for years. Whether you need advice on caring for your coat or a repair, we stand behind every piece we make and ship worldwide.