Caring for fur and suede

A fur coat is not delicate. It survived winters in the wild before it ever met a tailor. But it does have opinions about how it is stored.

Never in plastic. Fur needs to breathe; a garment bag traps moisture and dries out the leather beneath the pelts. Use a cotton bag or nothing at all, on a broad wooden hanger that supports the shoulders.

In summer, cold storage. Most good furriers offer it for less than the cost of a dinner and it is the single best thing you can do for the coat. Heat and humidity are the enemy.

Suede wants a soft brush after every few wears and a proper protectant once a season. If it gets caught in the rain, let it dry slowly and naturally — never near a radiator — and brush it up once it is dry.

Every piece we sell comes with a care card written for that specific garment. Read it, then put it in the pocket. Your daughter will thank you.