CARE OF FURS

Te Ao Hou, July 1958, Page 64

CARE OF FURS Moths, friction, heat, light and rain are a fur's worst enemies. When furs are worn infrequently in the season take them out of the closet every week, give them a good shaking or a gentle but thorough beating. In the off-season it will pay to put an expensive fur away in cold storage, if available. If your fur-piece gets wet do not under any circumstances dry it near a radiator. Heat dries out the leather and seriously shortens the life of the fur. Avoid repeated rubbing on any part of the garment such as may result from a habit of always carrying a handbag the same way. Rubbing produces static electricity, which makes fur brittle. An old notion that furs should be sunned periodically is quite unfounded. Strong light is destructive and causes even undyed furs to fade. Keep furs hung in the dark as much as possible. There is, unfortunately, not sufficient space to list even some of the better known furs, with details of their various properties and qualities. It should be realised, though, that high price is by no means always synonymous with high wearing quality. The high-priced ermine, and chinchilla, for example, rate poorly for durability against the cheaper Kolinsky or Grey Fox. Fur prices being so closely related to scarcity value, of course, this is understandable. Be extremely wary of “bargains.” These may be entirely legitimate and real at times when decided changes of style occur. At other times they may be only slow-selling lines that have been on hand for several years and have deteriorated in consequence. All bargain furs should be carefully examined inside and out. Watch the size. A fur should be loose-fitting, so that seams in both the lining and the pelts will not split. Also watch the sales slip to see that it really describes what you are supposed to be buying. It may be helpful in the case of later disappointment. Above all, buy from an established and reputable fur-house. Have no truck with back-door dealers. There is still quite a racket in furs.