After all this time of planning and saving, you’ve finally acquired your very first fur coat. Congratulations! We’re sure you’ll love (and love wearing) this new addition to your wardrobe for years to come. However, to truly ensure your coat lasts that long, you’ll have to learn all there is when it comes to how to take care of real fur. A well cared coat is a wearable coat, and a wearable coat makes for a happy owner!

At Morris Kaye, we have a motto: your fur coat is an investment. Therefore, we want to help you care for your investment as thoroughly as possible. Keep reading for a few handy beginner’s tips on how to help your fur apparel thrive.

Your Fur Isn’t for All Seasons!

In most cases, you can only really wear your fur towards the end of fall, all the way up to early spring. This means that for about half of the year, you’ll have to find suitable storage for your coat to keep it safe and ready to wear once the second half of the year rolls around.

Generally, you’ll have two options for storing your fur throughout the spring and summer: in your own home, or with an expert fur storage service. The latter is often your safest bet, but we understand that it doesn’t fit into everyone’s budget! For storing fur in the home, you’ll need to remember:

• Fur belongs in a dry, dim, cool environment. Certain woods (specifically cedar), as well as warm temperatures, do not mesh with a fur coat or jacket. By keeping your fur in these two aforementioned environments, you risk doing a lot of damage!

• It’s understandable to worry about insects turning your fur coat into a buffet. However, the key to controlling them is temperature – not mothballs, which can leave a terrible odor lingering in your fur. At a mere 45 degrees, you can keep your fur in the best possible condition and eliminate any insects looking for their next meal.

Keep Your Fur Clean

This is one element of how to take care of real fur that’s best left to a professional! This type of service should be performed annually. In between cleanings, however, there are a few things you can do to keep your fur in good condition:

• Self-styling is a no-no once your fur coat is on! If you feel the need to re-apply any cologne, hairspray or similar products, remove your coat first. These products can and will cling to your fur, causing it to smell and even ruining its texture, turning it brittle and hard. This is due to the oils and alcohol typically mixed into these products.

• Garment bags will choke your fur. Give it room to breathe when you hang it in your closet.

• No flimsy hangers! The ideal hanger for your fur coat will be thick and strong, with enough support for the shoulders so they don’t sag.

We hope this guide will help you as you navigate ownership of your very first piece of fur fashion. Should you need any more advice, you can always reach out to us at Morris Kaye Furs in San Antonio and Dallas! Contact us to learn more about our fur care services.