Is this Nor-Easter Storm Fur Wearing Weather?

[minkme]

I am out West in San Francisco so I do not know much about snow storms or blizzards. I see in the Eastern United States and Canada, the weather gets stormy like what has happened last night and today. Getting lots of wet snow, blowing snow, etc. Would that be good fur wearing weather? Would the wet stuff get the furs damaged? Do you need to take pre-cautions after wearing a fur outside in this weather? How do you handle this type of weather?

[ReFur]

Good question.

 

Wet snow is not a friend to fur. Since wearing fur is a choice and not a requirement for me, I never wear fur outside of reversible ones in wet snow. When I had my Otter fur, I was a little less worried. The fur seemed to repeal it much easier than any other types. I would just shake it off and hang in the open, away from direct light and heat sources, until it dried.

 

The last part of your question: "How do you handle this kind of weather?" ...you don't!! You stay inside where it is warm and don't go out unless you absolutely have to.

 

Will be interesting to see how others respond.

 

Linda

[grouchomg]

Fur is wonderful to break the wind, but not healthy for furs when combined with snow. I have a "Goodwill" fur that I use for shovelling the deck and running the snow blower, but my good furs stay in the closet in such weather.

 

But the wind and snow have already broken here in North by East, and I plan to wear a good fur when I walk to the mailbox in the morning to get the paper. And to Congdon's for breakfast!

[AKcoyote]

To expand on Refur's answer -

What I hear from my friend who is a furrier is that wet weather is not a problem so long as the fur does not get soaked. If the water reaches the leather under the hair, then you have a problem. Otherwise, just shake off the excess snow/moisture when you go inside and let the fur naturally air dry AWAY from ANY heat source.

 

As Refur indicated, some types of fur shed moisture much better than others.

[ReFur]

Thanks, AK.

 

A perfect example of everyday damage from water getting to the hide is the hemline of a full length fur. They often will be damaged from having the edge drag on steps, getting in-and-out of a car, or hanging on a wet car floor. The hides split and look horrible. Plus the linings usually are silk and now show water marks.

 

Linda

[trebor]

Hello All,

 

My Arctic Wolf fur seems to handle wet snow pretty well. My wife's Coyote/Shadow Fox F/L coat is what she uses too when the wet snow hits like it has today.

 

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but my furs are so delightful!! So it doesn't matter where I want to go. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!!

 

Bob

[FrBrGr]

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but my furs are so delightful!! So it doesn't matter where I want to go. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!!

 

I love it - !! Better than the original! " title="Applause" /> " title="Applause" /> " title="Applause" />

[minkme]

The worst it gets here in San Francisco would be rain on fur. I have seen a number of ladys dressed in their finest with mink coats at the ballet opening walking in the rain. I am sure the fur gets wet but that is the worst weather around here.

 

I have seen some pictures of people in New York City in mink coats when the snow started falling earlier this week. Not srue if that was a wise thing to do or maybe it was just cold when they headed out and they just got caught in the snow. Sounds like the right type of fur that repels water will still work in wet snow?

[foxkid]

Pelts like otter are very good, because wetland animals like otter, seal, beaver have tougher pelts with thicker leather. (This also helps them become more tolerant towards sheding). Otter also has the advantage that it has very dense but fine underfur (like chinchilla, except chinchilla will get runined if it gets the slightest bit wet, even on the fur).

 

I wouldn't wear anything like lynx or chinchilla unless you know you can avoid them getting wet. Most other furs are fine if the leather doesn't get wet. Things like beaver, otter, nutria and seal probably can tolerate a bit of dampness getting to the leather (though don't recommend it). I'd probably avoid getting a sheard beaver or otter weat though.