How to properly store fur
Fur garment owners know well — to make clothing last a long time, it’s not enough to simply choose a high-quality item.
Even the most elite, well-tailored, and perfectly selected pieces can lose their striking appearance after just one season.
The fact is, any fur clothing requires careful and gentle handling. To make fur care easier, let’s look at the main rules for storing fur garments.
General recommendations for storing fur clothing
Your purchase will last you for several seasons if you follow expert advice:
- Natural fur retains its aesthetic and practical qualities only in cold conditions. Therefore, choose cool places for storage to help preserve the material in its original condition. The optimal temperature for storing fur clothing is between +5 and -20℃. Fur garments do not tolerate high temperatures well — heat makes the fur dull, brittle, and prone to shedding. At the same time, the leather base deforms — a sign that the item will soon need to be replaced.
- Store fur clothing loosely. It should never be squeezed between other garments. To maintain its shape, allow enough space for ventilation. If the fur fibers are not crushed, the garment will last longer without losing its beauty. Additionally, you can protect it from moths and environmental damage by choosing a properly sized garment bag that loosely covers the coat, jacket, or shearling.
- The best place for storing natural fur is a spacious wooden wardrobe. Choose a sturdy wooden hanger with broad shoulders, which won’t bend like plastic ones. Cedar or juniper hangers are ideal companions for fur. The wardrobe should be placed away from sunlight and radiators.
- Never store fur clothing in direct sunlight. Sun exposure makes the fur more fragile and causes discoloration — light fur will yellow, while dark fur will become dull and less vibrant.
- Air out fur garments periodically. Do this on cloudy, cool, and slightly humid days when the temperature is no higher than 4℃. Under these conditions, the leather base absorbs moisture and regains its elasticity. Airing the fur helps extend its lifespan.
- Before storing fur garments, inspect them carefully. If you find stains, have them professionally cleaned. Never store clothing with stains — over time, they become harder to remove, and the item may be permanently damaged.
- Store fur only after it has been aired and dried. It’s best not to hang it outside but to place it on a hanger in a well-ventilated room.
If you give your fur garments proper attention and follow these care tips, they will delight you with their beauty for many seasons.