FAQ

How do you store fur coats at the end of winter?

Fur coats should be cleaned, aired out, and stored in a breathable garment bag in a cool, dark space. Avoid plastic covers, heat, and humidity to prevent matting, odor, and fiber damage during off-season storage.

What is the best way to store fur coats long term?

The best way to store fur coats long term is to clean them first, let them fully dry, hang them on wide padded hangers, and place them in a temperature-controlled, low-humidity area away from sunlight.

Should faux fur and real fur coats be stored differently?

Faux fur and real fur coats can be stored similarly, but both require breathable covers and cool conditions. Real fur benefits most from humidity control, while faux fur needs extra space to prevent flattening or creasing.

What should you avoid when storing fur coats?

Avoid plastic bags, vacuum sealing, heat sources, damp basements, and direct sunlight. These conditions can cause fur fibers to dry out, shed, discolor, or lose their shape.

How do you keep fur coats from getting damaged in storage?

To prevent damage, keep fur coats clean, loosely hung, and stored in breathable covers in a cool, dark space with steady airflow and minimal humidity.

Kopenhagen Fur Mink Fur Stand-Collar Coat

Storing fur coats properly at the end of winter is one of the most important steps in preserving their texture, shape, and lifespan. Whether you wear a statement faux fur piece or invest in real fur outerwear, seasonal storage mistakes can lead to matting, odor retention, fiber damage, and irreversible shedding. Fur is designed for cold, dry environments, which means warm weather storage requires extra care and planning. The following guide walks through what to do before storage, how to store fur coats correctly, and common mistakes to avoid so your outerwear looks beautiful when cold weather returns.

Why Proper Fur Coat Storage Matters

Fur, both natural and synthetic, reacts strongly to heat, humidity, pressure, and light. When stored improperly, coats can lose volume, develop unpleasant odors, or suffer from fiber breakdown. A short fur coat stored in a cramped closet may come out flattened, while a mink fur coat exposed to warmth can dry out and crack at the pelt level. Even modern faux styles like a fluffy jacket or synthetic fur jacket can shed or tangle if compressed or stored in plastic.

End-of-season storage is not simply about putting your coat away—it’s about maintaining its structure and insulating properties during months it won’t be worn.

What to Do Before Storing a Fur Coat

Before any fur garment goes into storage, preparation is essential. Skipping these steps often leads to damage that cannot be reversed.

1. Clean the Coat Thoroughly

Never store fur that has been worn throughout the winter without cleaning it first. Dirt, perfume, sweat, and environmental pollutants accumulate on collars, cuffs, and shoulders. Over time, these residues oxidize and weaken fibers.

• Faux fur pieces can usually be refreshed at home using spot cleaning and gentle brushing according to the care label.

• Real fur garments should always be professionally cleaned by a furrier before long-term storage.

This is especially important for high-contact styles like a fur hood jacket, a fitted cropped fur jacket, or a layered brown fur vest worn close to the body.

2. Air Out Before Storage

After cleaning, allow the coat to breathe. Hang it in a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated space for several hours. This step removes residual moisture and lingering odors that could otherwise be trapped during storage.

Avoid:

• Direct sunlight

• Heaters or radiators

• Hair dryers or heat sources

Heat exposure can dry out natural pelts and distort synthetic fibers.

3. Check for Repairs

Before storing, inspect seams, linings, closures, and hooks. Small issues worsen over time when left unattended. A loose lining in a brown fur coat or weakened closure on a fox fur jacket is easier to fix now than next winter.

How to Store Fur Coats Correctly

Use the Right Hanger

A wide, padded hanger is essential. Fur coats are heavy, and narrow hangers cause shoulder creasing and distortion. This applies to everything from a short fur coat to longer statement pieces.

Choose a Breathable Garment Cover

Fur must breathe. Never store fur in plastic garment bags, which trap moisture and accelerate deterioration.

Best options include:

• Cotton garment bags

• Canvas storage covers

• Acid-free fabric covers

This is especially important for faux styles like a faux fox fur jacket, which can trap humidity more easily than wool blends.

Store in a Cool, Dark Environment

Temperature and light control are key. Fur should be stored in a space that remains cool, dry, and dark throughout spring and summer.

Ideal storage conditions:

• Temperature below room level

• Low humidity

• No direct sunlight

Avoid attics, basements, and garages, as they fluctuate in temperature and humidity.

Chic Collarless Faux Fox Fur Jacket

Faux Fur vs Real Fur Storage Differences

While many principles overlap, faux fur and real fur require slightly different handling.

A real fur coat is more vulnerable to drying and cracking, while faux fur is more likely to mat or shed under pressure.

How to Prevent Matting and Flattening

Fur loses volume when compressed. To maintain loft and softness, ensure coats have space around them.

Tips:

• Never stack fur coats on top of each other

• Leave space between garments

• Avoid hanging heavy items over fur

This matters especially for plush styles like a fluffy coat or dense pile designs such as a brown fur jacket.

Long-Term Storage Options

For valuable natural fur garments, professional cold storage is often the safest choice. Furriers store coats in climate-controlled environments designed to mimic winter conditions.

Professional storage is ideal for:

• Vintage fur

• Heirloom pieces

• High-value coats worn infrequently

At-home storage can work well for faux fur and everyday styles if conditions are properly controlled.

Minimal Mink Fur Cropped Collarless Jacket

Common Fur Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Many fur coats are damaged due to well-intentioned but incorrect storage practices.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Storing fur in plastic

• Using mothballs or chemical repellents

• Compressing fur in vacuum bags

• Hanging fur in warm closets

• Leaving fur exposed to sunlight

Chemical repellents are especially harmful, as fur absorbs odors easily and releases them slowly.

How to Store Different Fur Coat Styles

Different silhouettes benefit from slightly adjusted storage approaches.

• A cropped fur jacket should be hung freely to prevent curling at the hem.

• A structured fox fur jacket needs extra shoulder support to preserve shape.

• A lightweight short fur coat should not be folded, even if compact.

• Layered pieces like a fur hood jacket should be checked to ensure the hood hangs naturally.

Off-Season Maintenance Checks

Even when stored correctly, it’s a good habit to check fur coats once or twice during the off-season.

What to check:

• Odors

• Moisture buildup

• Compression marks

• Lining condition

Briefly airing the coat in a cool room can help maintain freshness without disturbing storage conditions.

Snow Leopard Print Faux Fur Stand-Collar Coat

Preparing Fur for Next Winter

When cold weather returns, remove the coat from storage and allow it to acclimate gradually. Shake gently to restore volume and hang it in a breathable space for several hours before wearing. Avoid steaming or heat exposure unless recommended by a professional.

Proper storage ensures your fur coats—whether faux or real—remain soft, voluminous, and wearable season after season. With thoughtful preparation, breathable storage, and climate awareness, your winter outerwear investment stays protected long after the last cold day has passed.