Pre-Owned Fur that Doesn’t Go out of Style

Technology seems to be moving at a much different pace than fashion – your iPhone 5 will be outdated once a newer model comes along, perhaps this year or the next. However, in the world of clothing and style, people are opting more and more for vintage and classic looks. The trusty fur coat for one, never seems to go out of style.

The Benefits of Used Fur Coats

There are some things in life you should never buy used, like mattresses, laptops and shoes. For a vast majority of things though, buying used is both a cheaper and smarter option. If you’ve always wanted to own a fur coat, there are now many stores that sell used ones for considerably cheaper prices. Before you scoff at this idea, consider first the benefits that preowned coats offer:

An Affordable Luxury

Few pieces add elegance and drama to a woman’s attire like a fur coat does, yet owning one means paying a small fortune. If you want to look like a million dollars without actually spending it, consider buying used furs instead. Often, these coats were worn only a few times so they’re practically new, and some have never been worn at all.

A Greener Option

Each time you buy a used coat, you’ll actually be helping the environment. Second-hand clothing also doesn’t require the energy consumption or cause the pollution that producing new clothes does.

One of a Kind

Going to a dinner party only to find another guest wearing the same coat? You’ll never have to worry about this scenario if you buy used fur coats. This is especially true with vintage pieces that were either tailor-made or produced only in very small batches.

Classic Bikers' Fashion: The Leather Jacket

John Travolta and Olivia Newton John schooled us all on how to make leather jackets look cool in Grease. The fascination for this apparel, however, can not exclusively be attributed to the T-Birds. Bikers, in particular, have consistently been stereotyped as jacket-leather donning folks, paired up with a pair of mean cowboy boots and bandanas. It's not the most comfortable piece, though, so it does beg a lot of curiosity why a lot of people still prefer to wear this.

Some veteran riders say that leather jackets are highly versatile pieces of outer apparel. They state that leather’s thick composition allows the rider to withstand various environmental conditions out on the road. For instance, the material protects the riders’ skin from being singed by UV radiation during daylight and to prevent soaking the upper body from water during downpours.

The leather jacket may serve as an effective armor as well from small, flying debris that the bike rider is usually exposed to on the road. Most importantly, in the unfortunate event that they skid off the road, a biker wearing leather jacket can minimize scratches and bruises, thanks to the material absorbing the friction.

For these reasons alone, it should now be settled why leather jackets are actually an integral part in the bikers' wardrobe, not only because it fits the stereotype, but because they really do need an apparel like it. 

“Skin Care”: Tips for Cleaning Shearling Jackets

Shearling jackets may be stylish and durable, but they’re not completely impervious to dirt, grime, moisture, and the like. Unlike ordinary clothes, these jackets require special treatment for cleaning and maintenance since they’re made from sheepskin. Liquid stains, for instance, tend to stick to the fabric and so must be removed slowly with a small damp cloth. Harder stains require the application of a corn starch mixture to dissolve them.

If the jacket gets drenched, excess water must first be shaken off before being hungit out to dry. Rubbing a wet shearling jacket is strongly discouraged, because this will force the water to seep deeper into the skin. Dry-cleaning may also be a bad idea because the treatment can remove the natural oils of the garment which give its distinctive texture and scent. Hand or machine-washing should only be considered if the jacket’s label says it’s safe to do so.

As for storage, shearling jackets are best kept in room temperature so that the integrity of their garments are preserved. If possible, they should be kept away from direct sources of heat such as heaters, blow-dryers, and even some kinds of lamps. For traveling purposes, shearling jackets shouldn’t be stored in plastic or vinyl bags because these materials don’t allow the garment to breathe.

In The Wild: Determining Types of Fur at a Glance

Fur doesn’t refer to a single type of textile; instead, it’s a catch-all term used to describe numerous pelts. Those new to the world of fur will find it useful to know exactly the differences between each type, especially among furs that look oddly the same at first glance. Additionally, the ability to appraise and correctly identify fur can help buyers make smarter purchases.

If the fur’s color is between gray or slate blue, the garment is likely made from chinchilla. Otherwise, if the fur is dense and tan in color, it might be coyote fur. Should the fur appear white with black tips, it’s undoubtedly made from ermine, one of the most iconic furs there is. There are many other fur types possible, and owners can tell them apart simply by looking carefully at the fabric used. Simply put, the appearance of a fur can be a dead giveaway to its origins, and most furs are used without dye, making identification easier.

Some owners can be confused in determining the type of fur used in their garments. There are furs, after all, that look exactly the same yet are made from different pelts, such as mink and fox. Those itching to properly identify their fur clothes might want to take them to a professional fur dealer who can properly evaluate the textile.