How to Clean a Genuine Leather Coat

Though genuine leather coats are a popular outwear option, they are often a garment that causes a great deal of confusion for their owner. Leather coats are functional, stylish, and always a classic choice, but they aren't the easiest item in your wardrobe to care for or clean. Can you use cleaners on real leather coats? Can you take a leather coat to your neighborhood drycleaner? Can stains on leather coats be removed? These questions often plague the leather coat owner who happens to wear their coat in bad weather, for many seasons, or to a party with a clumsy guest who spills red wine on your coat. There are ways to clean leather, but knowing a few basics about your leather coat helps make sure you don't do more harm than good when you try to clean a spot or stain on your coat. First, know that many stains on leather coats can be treated with simple soap and water. This works best if your coat is considered "finished" leather, which includes most leather coats sold by retail stores. To spot clean leather with soap and water, place a small amount of gentile, moisturizing soap such as Dove soap on a damp cloth and bring it to a light lather. Rub the damp cloth on the leather without putting too much water or pressure on your leather coat. Wipe away any lather with a fresh damp cloth, but don't rinse the leather in water. Next, polish the leather with a dry towel, and treat the newly clean leather with a leather coat conditioner after it has air dried completely. One tip to remember when cleaning your leather coat with this method is to always test the cleaning method on a small, hidden patch of leather before proceeding to the whole item, as leather cleaning can sometimes change the color or appearance of your coat. Caution in cleaning is always the key to keeping your leather coat in good condition! In addition, it is best to avoid products like mink oil, shoe polish, and waxes when cleaning leather coats, as they can leave both a residue on the coat and an odor that you will not be able to get rid of after you have used the product. For unfinished leather, saddle soap worked into the leather with a damp cloth or sponge works well to clean stains and spots. Wipe away any lather and allow the leather to air dry. Oil leather with a leather preservative after you have finished cleaning and the leather is completely dry. Some high end dry cleaners also offer custom leather cleaning. It is important to consult with your dry cleaner about what you expect from a leather cleaning, and whether or not the cleaner will guarantee his work. Because leather is often difficult to clean, many professioal cleaners will not guarantee that all spots or stains will be removed from your leather coat, so it is best to discuss expectations before you give your garment to a professional.

Choosing the Right Leather for Your Leather Coat

It is widely known that the highest quality or grade of leather available for use in constructing leather coats is full grain leather. Full grain leather is known for its uniform and beautiful appearance as well as its general durability. Full grain leather used in making leather coats can be altered depending on the tanning process used to finish the leather. Full grain leathers can be manufactured to look and perform differently, and in general there are four different types of full grain leathers, including belting leather, saddle-type leather, napa leather, and exotic skins. Belting leather gets its name from its original application, when belting leather was manufactured to drive pulley belts in early industrial plants. Special care in the tanning process makes belting leather one of the stiffest and strongest leathers. In its natural tan color, belting leather develops a patina over time that gives the piece a rich, handsome look. It is only used to construct the most heavy-duty of leather coats, not the more fashionable leather coats worn by most women. Saddle-type leather is used here to describe the group of full grain leathers that fall somewhere between the stiff belting leathers and the soft and supple Napa leathers. Different tanning plants produce leathers with a range of texture and feel, that are more common in general leather coat design. Saddle leather can provide motorcycle jackets, for example, with a more durable texture. Napa leather is a type of full grain leather that is soft and supple, and is the leather most people associate with leather coats. Typically dyed, napa leather offers a refined and sophisticated look. It is known as a more high end, designer style of leather, and is great for dress coats, as well as other garment pieces. Exotic skins are, generally speaking, any skin other than cowhide. There is a wide list from which to choose that are all made into leather coats. Some of the most popular types of exotic skins are alligator, ostrich, snake, and eel. Other types of skins you may see include lizard and shark. These skins are usually more expensive to process and turn into a leather coat, and are less available than traditional cow hide or even lambskin. Therefore, you will pay a premium for a leather coat made entirely of an exotic skin. To determine which type of leather will work best for your purposes, think about the function of the leather coat you are buying. Do you want to convey a particular look? If you want to be exotic and unusual, and maybe even a bit wild, choose a special exotic skin such as ostrich. If you want to look classic and sophisticated, napa leather is a great option for your leather coat, while belting leathers may be more durable and conservative. Though you may prefer a particular type of skin, finding and item with a design that best meets your needs may be more important than the look of the leather. In addition, it is important to compare prices for the types of leather you are considering, as the price points differ widely.

Buying an Italian Leather Coat

When searching for the perfect leather coat, it is a great idea to consider a coat from Italy. Italy is the home to fine leather products and cutting edge fashion, a wonderful combination for those seeking fine leather goods, and a leather coat they can wear proudly. In addition, buying a coat from Italy ensures that you won't have the same leather coat as all of your friends and colleagues. If you want a signature piece, a leather coat is a striking way to stand out, especially if it is of top quality and unlike what you can find in a typical department store. Italian leather has long been considered the highest quality and highest fashion you can buy, so your shopping dollars will be well spent and you can have a unique piece of fashion that stands the test of time. An ideal way to purchase a leather coat is to actually buy one while in Italy. You can feel and smell the leather, try on different styles, and pick the exact piece for you. But, most of us aren't jet setting to Italy just to stock out closet. If you aren't traveling to Italy any time soon, one great way to shop for Italian leather coats is on the internet. Many Italian fashion houses and longstanding leather makers have websites and are willing to ship their goods internationally. It is important if you are shopping online to observe common sense practices of security. Don't buy from a company that you can't independently research. Don't buy from a site that doesn't have security measures in place to keep your identity and credit card number safe. In addition, you may want to go to a local department store to try on different styles of coats to get a sense of what you want, before you go online. Then, you can find the style you like with a unique Italian twist when you make your online purchase. A good place to start your shopping is through any search engine, typing in keywords like "Italian leather," "Florence and leather goods," or "leather coats from Italy." Often you will find sites of stores in top locations like Florence or Milan. These Italian cities have long been known for their sophisticated, cutting edge designs and quality leatherwork. One option online for quality Italian leather coats is Forzieri.com, based in Florence, Italy, with leather coat varieties for any style and age. Forzieri offers leather coats that range from the latest trendy runway trends to classic truly timeless pieces. The website also offers a service that makes one of a kind handmade leather coats, made to the customer's specification. Being based in Florence, the heart of Italian fashion, Forzieri is able to constantly update their offerings based on the best the Italian market has to offer. This gives the consumer the chance to buy an Italian leather coat that will set them apart, a look that will not be owned by every girl on the block!

Buying a Designer Leather Coat

Does your wardrobe need a boost? If you are ready for a real splurge, try a high end leather coat that will provide your look with loads of style and spunk. Most high end designers offer leather coats in their collections, as leather is a timeless staple that is easy to update to the look of today. Top of the line leather coats can be expensive, but you will get your money's worth in the rich, luxurious look the leathers provide. There are several great leather coat styles to try on the market today. Know that when you go to shop for a leather coat, you will likely be splurging to get it, but nothing can replicate the look of real leather. Imitation materials are fun, but they won't give you the classy, high end look that actual leather will. Keep in mind that the more classic, high end, and contemporary your look, the more it requires real leather instead of an imitation or synthetic material. One option is to check out the pages of your favorite fashion magazine, always full of leather coats as the months grow colder. Another option is to check out the runways, which also feature updated takes on traditional leather coats. No season goes by without at least some leather showing up in fashion, and the current trends are no exception. For the best in leather coats, several designers have fresh takes. First, check out Michael Kors. Kors is known for his stylish, about town clothes. He has been a famed icon in the fashion industry for years, and has recently gained personal acclaim for his work as a judge on the popular Bravo TV series Project Runway. One thing Michael Kors always knows is how to dress a woman. His take on the leather coat is no exception, in sleek, smooth black styled in a bulk-free scuba silhouette that is sure to flatter almost any figure. Think Bond-girl vixen when you put on this form fitting leather coat and you're sure to stun. For a more classic look, a woman of means can splurge on a Cole Haan lambskin blazer, which comes in brown with raw edges and a distressed washed finish. The details make it hip, while the classic blazer cut makes it a lasting staple in the wardrobe and allows all age groups to wear this leather coat. Cole Haan's leather coat collection is available from Bloomingdales, and offers a sense of sophistication as well as playfulness. Next, consider an Andrew Marc leather coat in a mod double-breasted style. Mod lines make this coat feel both vintage and contemporary, while supple leather adds the look of high end sophistication. There are so many great choices in women's leather coats, there is no excuse to be missing this staple from your wardrobe. Leather coats add an instant look of richness, texture, refinery, and also fun. They can be dressed down or dressed up, making it the perfect winter staple. Leather coats also transition well between seasons, so you can get more wear out of the piece. It is definitely worth the money to have a fashion essential!

Benefits of a Patent Leather Coat

Patent leather, which is leather that has been given a high gloss, shiny finish, is becoming increasingly popular in fashion, and has now been used to make items such as leather coats. Patent leather used to be reserved for shoes and handbags, but the easy to clean version of leather has gained prominence this season. The original process to create patent leather was developed by Newark, New Jersey-based inventor Seth Boyden in 1818 with commercial manufacture beginning September 20, 1819. His process used a linseed oil-based lacquer coating. Modern patent leather usually has a plastic coating. It is the plastic coating that makes patent leather so easy to clean, and a great option for leather coats, including rain coats. Patent leather is sometimes confused with poromeric imitation leathers, such as DuPont's Corfam and Kuraray Co.'s Clarino which are manmade materials with a similar glossy appearance, but are not made of real animal hides. Patent leather and poromerics are cleaned in a similar way, which makes them ideal for leather coat construction. Dirt adhering to the coating can be removed with a damp cloth, using a mild soap if needed. This is ideal for a coat that can be worn with no fear of spills, weather issues, or other minor annoyances. Minor scratches and scuff marks in the coating itself can be removed using one of several special purpose patent leather and poromeric cleaners on the market. With wear and tear, patent leather will eventually lose its glossy finish, but will still be smoother than most other types of leather, looking almost rubbery. This consistent finish has made many seek out patent leather for leather coats, because they can be worn in the rain unlike traditional leather coats which don't respond well to water. Patent leather and poromerics are used in applications where an eye-catching glossy appearance is the main consideration. Examples include fashion items such as wallets and handbags, dance and uniform shoes, professional wrestling boots, and leather trench coats. As patent leather gains prominence in the fashion world, it will also likely be used in more and more leather coats, as a practical substitution for more traditional leather. In addition, patent leather coats are more fashion forward, younger, and hipper in styling. Runway shows are using patent leather as an accent to otherwise simple styles. Patent leather coats always get attention, and can be paired with simpler lines underneath. Patent leather is a great material for wear in the rain, but it also makes a great coat when one wants to stand out. Teenagers especially gravitate toward the glossy finish of patent leather coats, and the leather can also be dyed to a wide variety of colors. Patent leather can come in pink, for example, a hot color over the last few seasons for any woman or girl who wants to stand out in her leather coat. The durability of a patent leather coat also makes the material ideal for teen clothing lines, where durability is essential.

Nutria Fur Coats

Fur coats have long been a fashion statement and the demand for these products has increased throughout the years. Fur coats seemingly endless fashion, mode and character have made it one of the top picks in fashion runways and fashion trade fairs. The fur coat industry is one of the most exciting and challenging trade as well, bringing along with it controversies of animal rights activists as materials of some of the finest fur coats come from the rarest animals and are the most expensive ones. A lot of different materials for fur coats have come out from beaver fur coats, to mink fur coats, to coyote fur coats, to dog fur coats, to white seal fur coats, and many more. The possibilities for various fur materials are becoming more and more endless as manufacturers try to come up with new materials to meet today's high demands and taste for fur coats. Nutria fur coats made from the valued furbearer nutria animal is characterized by thick grayish underfur and long glossy guard hairs. Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodent, that is mainly found wild in Argentina and southern USA particularly Louisiana. The nutria is also farmed for its fur in the Czech Republic and Poland. Wild nutria differs in colors ranging from dark brown to yellowish brown. The Nutria is similar to the beaver and is often sheared for a more lightweight and sporty feel. Nutria fur coats have very soft and plush underfur and are also popular for trims and linings. It is often dyed in various colors to give that fashionable and elegant touch. In the past, nutria fur was only used for hatter's felt, but as the increasing demand for furs and the rise in prices of furs significantly change, nutria skins have been more carefully removed, improved dressing, unhairing, and silvering processes have been done to best provide a very efficient and suitable fur for nutria fur coats, capes, muffs, hats, stoles, and gloves while suing the lower quality nutrias as useful, inexpensive, light-weighted linings for men's or women's driving coats. Nutria fur coats popularity in the market are paving the way for more and more nutria fur farms to increase the supply and meet that demands of the growing nutria fur market. Fur coats will always be considered as a symbol of status and accomplishment in the society and will always be highly regarded. Whatever the reason for purchasing nutria fur coats, be it for luxury, fashion or investment, certain characteristics of this fur coat will always be there, and that is the warmth, practicality and style it can give its wearer. Fur coats will always be a part of fashion; they have been since, they are still now, and they will still be there tomorrow. If you're planning to get one, now may be the right time.

Women's Fur Coats

Fur coats have been in the fashion industry for ages. They have been a part of the elegant and elite women's life style and have had its share of conquering fashion runways. Even before it became a fashion statement in the glamorous world of today's vogue, women of the early 1900's have sought after them as a symbol of their high stature in society and show to the world they belonged to the 'higher' class. Although a lot of independent professional women nowadays can buy them at their own discretion, the glamour and symbolism of women's fur coats has moved along with it. Women's fur coats in today's world have come to a very high fashion spirit and no longer just worn for special occasions. They come in various styles, colors, and materials that can fit a casual or formal wear and still give that elegant warmth during the cold weather. In fact, women's fur coats have already been considered as a tri-season fashion that has made is popularity among women soar. Here are some quality find of women's fur coats: Two Tone Hooded Female Mink Fur Coat at Purple Shosana This stunning, brand new, two-tone women's fur coat features a unique styled two tone fur hood, two pockets, mink belt, large double sided fur hood, fold back cuffs, and furrier closure. Price: $5,400 Female Whisky Mink Fur Coat at Purple Shoshana This fur coat has a robe style golden whisky mink coat and is brand new. The fur coat features soft silky female mink, fold back cuffs, mink fur belt, notch collar, open side slits, furrier hooks for closure, and two side pockets. Price: $3,200 Luxurious Chinchilla Fur Coat at Purple Shoshana This head turner fur coat features carefully selected top grade chinchilla pelts. It has a wing collar that converts into a high collar, sleeves have double sided fur cuffs, satin lining, two side pockets, and furrier hooks for closure. This fur coat is definitely of fine quality and luxurious. Price: $6999 Gorgeous Swing Lynx Fur Coat at Purple Shoshana This fur coat features quality lynx and brand new. The coat features a carefully selected top grade perfectly matching pelts which is a very soft fur that shows lots of natural markings. It features a shawl collar, large sweep, two side pockets, furrier hooks for closure, and 100% silk satin lining. Price: $1,949 Gorgeous Tanuki Raccoon Fur Coat This new and super warm gorgeous tanuki raccoon coat features a fully let out pelts, huge plush wing collar, elastic sleeve cuffs, two side pockets, and furrier hooks for closure. This fur coat will make an elegant super warm winter coat. Price: $1,200 Whatever the style, material or purpose you want for your fur, get into that furry fashion and add that soft, plush fur coat into your wardrobe.