Are you searching for a luxurious gift for yourself or a loved one?
Although real fur garments have fallen out of favor in recent years, many people still crave them. For some people, real fur is a symbol of wealth, luxury, and extravagance.
But how much does a mink coat cost?
Oh yes. Before you set your sights on purchasing this item, you need to make sure your budget will stretch to it. Several factors influence the price tag of this striking and deluxe garment.
So, let’s find out everything you need to know about the cost of a mink coat.
Contents
About Mink Coats
This is one of the most popular types of fur garments that are sold in the world. But, unusually, the majority of people who choose to buy one live in the United States. The coats are created from the hides of mink animals, which are a member of the weasel family.
The average length of the fur that is used to create the garment is between ¾ and 1 inch. This makes them very soft and warm while also being extremely durable. The natural colors include white, tawny brown, black, and mahogany.
Why do people love mink coats so much?
Well, the average mink coat is more durable than most other types of furs. In fact, with proper care and attention, your cat could last at least twenty years. And garments made from the hides of females are much lighter and softer than those that are made from males.
Ok, So Exactly How Much Does a Mink Coat Cost?
The Price Range
Buying a mink coat can be a real investment because the value can go up over time. But like many other high-price items, there are a few different price ranges. The exact value is determined by factors such as the country of origin, quality, and the leather content.
Approximate price ranges include:
- Commercial garments – $2,500 to $6,000
- Moderate designer garments – $6,000 to $10,000
- High-end designer garments – $10,000 to $50,000
While these prices are an estimate, some can sell for much more than this. For example, you could pay more than $400,000 for a large, all-belly black Russian mink coat. However, in terms of the average price, you can expect to pay between $8,000 and $30,000.
Exceptions?
Garments that are created by a leading designer also tend to have a higher price tag.
And if you are on a tight budget, you may find coats advertised for around $100. However, these are cheap imitations and do not actually feel like the real thing. They are usually created from cheap synthetic materials and can also be highly flammable.
Extra Costs
You need to treat a mink coat with care to keep it in top condition. They must be dry cleaned, which comes with an additional ongoing cost. Throwing them in the washing machine will ruin the texture and remove the glossy shine.
It is also important to make sure that you have the right storage conditions. The optimum temperature is 50⁰F, while the humidity level should be around 45%.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Fur
It is important to inspect the mink coat carefully before committing to buying it. Even if you choose a cheaper garment, you will probably pay at least $3,000.
Here are some ways to make sure you get the best quality mink coat possible for your budget.
Using the Touch Test
Take your time to run your fingers through the fur to feel the quality. High-quality garments should feel very soft with longer and silkier guard hairs on the top. The underfur should consist of a thicker lower layer that helps to trap the heat.
Check the Leather Content
Leather is often used for the lining to make the coat more rigid and durable. However, the more leather that has been used, the lower the value will be. So, it’s worth trying to find out how much leather has been used to create the garment.
Check the Country or Origin
When it comes to quality, the country of origin can make a big difference. The highest quality coats typically come from the United States and Denmark. While mink coats from China are typically cheaper, they are also much lower quality.
The Fur Color
Many people think of this fur as being white, although the American mink is actually dark brown. And the color of farm-bred animals can vary widely. So, while color largely comes down to preference, you should look for a uniform color with a high gloss.
Dyed Fur
Artificial dyes are sometimes used by companies in China to make the garment look more luxurious. However, the use of these dyes reduces the value considerably. So, when inspecting the coat, look carefully for signs of patchy and uneven dying.
The Value of Vintage Furs
Although the market for new fur coats has shrunk in recent years, there is still a high demand for vintage garments. So, if you are lucky enough to inherit one of these, you may be able to sell it for a small fortune. A large fur coat created by a leading designer could easily sell for $10,000.
Therefore, if you have a piece from a designer like Chanel, Versace, or Armani, it’s worth getting it appraised. The garment will be considered to be vintage if it was created in the 1980s or earlier. In this case, it’s worth selling through an auction house that deals with high-bidding buyers so you can get the highest price possible.
More on Fur & Fashion
There are a couple of other articles we think you may be interested in. Like, What Clothes Are Royals Buried In and Why Is Neatsfoot Oil Bad For Leather?
Does luxury inspire you?
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Finally, if all this makes you wish you could join the rich and famous, then don’t miss our comprehensive guides to Careers That Make You Rich, as well as these Jobs That Can Make You a Millionaire!
Ok, back to…
Final Thoughts
Generally, mink coats cost between $8,000 and $30,000 depending on the quality, although they do range from $2,500 for mass-produced commercial garments to over $400,000 for a custom designer coat.
While real mink fur can be very luxurious, the decision to wear it shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is an expensive garment that will set you back thousands of dollars. And while this can be an investment, you need to make sure that this is really what you want.
Finally, if you do decide to go for real fur, you need to be careful where you wear it. Certain people are very sensitive to the use of animal fur in the fashion industry. Fortunately, you can pay a fraction of the price for a fake fur mink coat that looks and feels very similar to the real thing.
Whatever you decide, enjoy your new coat!