Fur is one of nature’s wonders, in part allowing animals to survive comfortably in some very harsh environments. You'll be amazed by the thermoregulating abilities of reindeer fur, as well as the complexity of the layering of fur that makes up its coat.
Of course, humans have used this miracle to survive in the cold for thousands of years - just look at any Eskimo or Viking tribe. Today, fur is an important part of the fashion world, as animals such as wolverines, seals and even polar bears are prized for their cushioning qualities against the Arctic environment.
However, it is understandable that fur coats are expensive, as they are often expensive to purchase. That's why fur storage is big business, as it meets special maintenance requirements and keeps your fur accessories in tip-top shape for decades of wear.
Always store furs away from light
Furs do not do well when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. Of course, it's not the same as wearing it on a sunny winter day. Once the colder months are behind you, you shouldn't place your coat in front of anywhere you store clothing, as it will be exposed to constant light from the window or room. This has the potential to dry out the hair, shortening the life of the jacket.
If you choose a closet, make sure it is cold
This is very important, the difficulty of getting the necessary 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) is one of the main reasons fur owners choose professional storage. The fur should not get too hot and humid as this will adversely affect the air pockets between the guard hairs, which is why they have such excellent temperature regulating properties.
If you must keep your fur coat at home, make sure you put it in the back of your closet where it's cooler and there's enough room for the fabric to breathe without picking up the smell of other clothes.
Using a Broad Shoulder Hanger
Even a lighter fur coat, perhaps made of mink , is heavier than most clothing. If you use a narrow hanger, it will lose its shape and may even tear around the shoulders. Remember: Your fur coat will hang out for at least two seasons – plenty of time for it to bend out of shape.
Store your fur coat "naked"
This just means don't put it in a plastic bag. The fur needs air circulation for best results, so if you want to put it in a bag, make sure it's a cloth bag that allows plenty of air inside while keeping dust out. Most fur coats have a lot of leather on the inward-facing side, unless you have extra fur on the inside to keep out the cold. Without air flowing through and around it, leather will dry out.
Don't wear perfume around your fur
Fur is known for its ability to retain scent, so you really want to avoid using pesticides, mothballs, and cedarwood. If perfume and oil get inside the coat, it'll take a professional using her best equipment to try and remove the odor—and even that may not remove it completely. Ultimately, professional fur storage may be the best option unless you can do the above.