Whether your vintage fur coat was inherited or thrifted, it probably has a story behind it. These pieces carry history, craftsmanship, and often deep sentimental value.
But far is also one of the most delicate materials you can own. And unlike modern fabrics, there’s no room for guesswork.
Before you wear it, store it, or even try to clean it yourself, it’s important to understand what vintage fur needs and how to keep it from falling apart.
What Time and Climate do to Fur
Even when it’s not being worn, fur ages.
The leather hide underneath the fur slowly dries out over the years, especially in warmer climates like Louisiana. Then it becomes stiff and fragile, which eventually leads to shedding or even tearing.
Fur can also fade or yellow by being exposed to light and air. And if the coat has been stored in a warm closet or attic, the fur may look matted, flattened, or dull.
Humidity is another major factor – moisture trapped in the hide or fur can create musty odors or mildew, which weaken the coat even more.
These changes aren’t always immediately noticeable, but they get worse quickly once the coat is worn again after a long period of time. That’s why evaluation is the first and most important step when dealing with vintage fur!e structure includes glue, coatings, or sensitive embellishments.
The First Step with Vintage Fur
Before wearing your newest find, give it a visual inspection.
Look for dryness, cracking, stiffness, shedding, bald spots, or uneven color. These are often signs that the hide needs conditioning or that the coat may be too fragile for wear without professional help.
Avoid the urge to freshen it up yourself! Home cleaning products like heat, steam, and brushing can easily damage vintage pieces.
If the coat has any kind of musty smell (which is very common in inherited or estate sale pieces) don’t put it back in storage! These scents mean that mildew or moisture are inside the hide, and leaving it untreated can cause permanent damage.
Generally, the best first step is to bring the coat to an expert who can quickly evaluated. A professional can tell you the type of fur you have, how stable the hide is, and whether it needs cleaning and restoration or if you’re safe to wear it as-is!
How Professional Fur Cleaning and Restoration Works
Fur cannot be cleaned the way clothing is. It isn’t dry cleaned, and it never goes into a traditional machine. Professional fur cleaning is an entirely different process designed to protect both the fur fibers and the leather hide beneath.
A cleaner begins by removing dust, oils, and airborne particles that settle into the coat over time. This is done gently, in ways that lift debris without stressing the hide. If your inherited fur looks dull or matted, this step alone can restore a surprising amount of softness and shine.
Next, the hide may be conditioned to bring back some of its natural flexibility. Conditioning helps reduce the risk of cracking and slowing shedding, especially for older coats that haven’t been worn in years. If the coat has odors – whether from age, humidity, perfume, or improper storage – a professional deodorization treatment can neutralize them without masking the scent or harming the fur.
In many cases, minor repairs are possible, such as fixing loose seams, replacing linings, reinforcing weak spots, or improving areas where the fur has thinned. Restoration can significantly extend the life of a sentimental piece.
How to Store Your Vintage Fur after Cleaning
Now that your fur coat is good as new, how should you make sure it stays beautiful for years to come?
Fur belongs in a cool, dry, dark, climate-controlled environment. Never throw it in your attic, or in a closet that gets too warm/humid (which is a common problem in Louisiana!)
It should always be hung in wide, padded hangers to protect the shoulders, and never stored in plastic bags.
These small details will make a big difference in how long your vintage fur lasts!
What if Your Vintage Fur Coat is Too Damaged?
Every vintage fur coat has its own story and condition.
Some are strong enough to wear right away; others need cleaning and repair; a few are too fragile for regular use but perfect to preserve as an heirloom.
If your vintage piece is too far gone to restore as-is, our expert alterations team can help you figure out a way to repurpose it! Whether we shorten the length, turn it into a small accessory, trim, or a keepsake piece, there are lots of options that will allow you to still enjoy the garment in a new form.
Kean’s is Baton Rouge’s Vintage Fur Experts
Fur is an investment – emotionally and often financially. If you’ve found yourself the proud new owner of a vintage piece, bring it to Kean’s before wearing or storing it. Our team can evaluate the hide, check the condition, recommend the safest cleaning method, and help you protect it for years (or generations) to come.
Whether it needs a gentle refresh, deep cleaning, deodorizing, conditioning, repairs, or professional storage, Kean’s is here to preserve what matters most.
