Fur is one the marvels of nature, and is, in part, what allows animals to exist comfortably in some very harsh environments. You would be amazed at the thermoregulation of which caribou fur is capable, and the complexity of the fur layering that comprises its outer skin.
Humans, of course, have taken advantage of this marvel to survive in the cold for thousands of years – just look at any eskimo or Viking tribe. Today, fur makes up a big part of the fashion world, as animals such as wolverines, seals, and even polar bears are prized for the quality of their buffer against arctic environments.
However, fur coats are understandably expensive, as they are often procured at great cost. This is why fur storage is big business, as it has the ability to meet the special requirements of maintenance, and can keep your fur accessories in top shape for decades of wear.
Always Store Fur Away From the Light
Fur doesn’t do well when it’s exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. This is different, of course, than wearing it out during a sunny winter day. Once the frigid months have passed for the year, you shouldn’t put your coat near the front of whatever storage place you have your clothes in, where it would be exposed to constant light from a window or the room. This has the potential to dry the hairs out, which will reduce the lifetime of the jacket.
If You Choose a Closet, Make Sure It’s Cold
This is quite important, and the difficulty in procuring the necessary 50 degree temperature (Fahrenheit) is one of the primary reasons that fur owners choose professional means of storage. Fur shouldn’t ever get too hot and humid, because this will adversely affect the air pockets in between the guard hairs, which is what gives them such great thermoregulation properties.
If you must keep your fur coat at home, make sure it’s in the back of your closet where it’s cooler, and where there’s plenty of room for the fabric to breath and not pick up odors from other clothing.
Use a Broad-Shouldered Hanger
Even a lighter fur coat, comprised perhaps of sable, is heavier than most clothes, If you use a narrow hanger, it will deform and maybe even tear around the shoulder region. Remember: your fur coat will be on the hook for at least two seasons – which is plenty of time for it to get bent out of shape.
Place Your Fur Coat in Storage “Naked”
This just means not to place it inside a plastic bag. Fur needs air circulation for best results, and if you want to place it inside a bag, make sure it’s a cloth bag that allows plenty of air inside while keeping out dust. Most fur coats have significant amounts of leather on the side that faces inward, unless you’ve got the extra buffer against the cold with fur on the inside. Leather dries out if there’s no air moving through and around it
Don’t Have Fragrances Around Your Fur
Fur is renowned for its ability to retain odor, so you really want to avoid insecticides, mothballs and cedar wood. If the perfumes and oils get inside the coat, it will take a professional using her best equipment to try and get rid of the smell – and even that may not quite do it completely. Ultimately, professional fur storage may be the best option unless you can manage the above.
