What to check before buying a used mink coat
The leather matters more than the fur.A mink coat is sewn from many small pelts, and the skin side is what ages. Supple leather means the coat was stored well. Dry, stiff or papery leather tears at the seams and can't be brought back. Ask the seller how the coat drapes and whether it has any tears or open seams.
Look closely at the wear points. Cuffs, collar, front edges and the spot where a handbag strap sits wear first. In the photos, look for flattened or broken guard hairs and patches that have lost their shine.
Measure, don't trust the size tag.Older coats were cut smaller than today's sizing, and the label may be decades old. Compare the seller's shoulder, chest, sleeve and length measurements with a coat that fits you well.
Read the label. A furrier or designer label tells you who made the coat, and some labels speak to pelt quality: Blackglama, for example, is a label for top-grade black mink. Ask for a clear photo of it.
Ask how it was stored. Mink kept cool, dark and with room to breathe lasts for decades. Mink kept in a hot closet, a damp basement or a plastic garment bag dries out or picks up odors.