Q: I have an older fur that is out of style. What can I do to restyle it?
A: First, if a garment is healthy enough we can recommend restyling. We won’t let a customer put good money after bad. A healthy garment (soft and supple leather) can be restyled any number of times and if we can’t guarantee a client twelve to fifteen years of trouble-free wear from a restyled garment, we won’t let you put any money into it.

Q: My fur is too tight on me now. It’s been ten years since I bought it. What can I do?
A: We can release the garment in the body, sleeves or shoulder areas. With age the human body compacts upon the spine and the shoulder blades and hips get broader, even though you may still weigh the same. We can let out 2 inches across the back, 2 inches across the bust, drop the armholes down an inch or more so that the garment will accommodate your body, bulkier clothes or make it easier to drive a car without any confinement.

Q: I have a long coat but I want to change it into something shorter, can that be done?
A: Yes, we can shorten the length and restyle the body to a shape more becoming like a jacket or stroller. We can also alter the collar or sleeve in a simple manner so that it brings the garment into a more contemporary style.

Making immediate repairs to your garment can save you costly expenses in the future. Inspect your fur from time to time – check the seams, particularly at the shoulder, front, closure and pockets; check the lining at the neck and sleeve and the entire back area where the coat receives the most wear when sitting. Never neglect a small rip or tear at a seam, buttonhole or edge of your fur.

Q: Can Bond Furs perform more than just simple repairs such as a rip in a seam or tear in a buttonhole?
A: Yes we can perform any type of repair provided the fur is in good shape. We won’t let you spend good money on a repair that won’t last. Rips and tears are the most common repairs that require our furriers to open the lining of the garment and reinforce the form area and sew it back up. The repair won’t be visible from the outside of the garment. In extreme cases where a spot has been rubbed bare or hair has been torn from the leather, we can patch in a matching piece of fur that is very hard for the eye to detect.

Cleaning before storage is a must to keep furs fresh and supple for the next season. Glazing will restore the life, luster and beauty of your garment.

Fur cleaning is performed by hand using a fine powder which consists of a mixture of ground walnut shells and corn cobs. This powder has a very mild cleaning agent added to it and is delicately rubbed into the fur. The powder removes dirt and excess oil from the coat. This 200-year-old process is the safest and most efficient way of cleaning your garment.

Glazing is a process of bringing out the natural luster and sheen of fur after it has been cleaned. The process involves a technical form of steaming and ironing that will vary with each type of fur.

Q: What is fur glazing?
A: Glazing is the secondary process in cleaning a fur garment that puts an oil back into the hair follicles of the fur. It’s what gives the garment a healthy sheen. The oil protects the hair follicles and keeps them soft and supple and assists with repelling moisture. Without the oil provided with the glazing process, hair follicles can crack and split resulting in the loss of the hair. The cost to clean and glaze a fur is based upon the type of garment and can usually be quoted over the phone.

Heat is a fur’s worst enemy (it dries and cracks the pelts). It is vital to give furs a “summer vacation” by putting them in a cold storage vault. At the same time bring in your fur hat and accessories.

Our state-of-the-art fur vaults are designed to provide maximum protection and preservation of precious furs. Our vaults are humidity controlled at a temperature of 35 degrees to protect the garments. Every safety precaution is taken against loss by theft, fire and fur destroying insects.

Q: Why is it advisable to keep my fur garment in cold storage during the summer months?
A: The leather or hide of a fur is the most perishable part of the garment. Exposure to heat and humidity will quickly oxidize the oil that is in the leather and diminish its pliability. Fur bearing leather is different from conventional leather and cannot be reconditioned. Once it begins to lose the natural oils through oxidation, the cellular structure collapses and the leather turns into a paper-like material. Once the process begins, there’s no way to reverse it. By having your garment cleaned and glazed at the end of the season and using cold storage until you are ready to wear it again, you will protect and prolong the life of your fur for the rest of its natural life. Cold storage fees for most garments is $40 per year except for coats which are $50 per year.

If at any time you are concerned about the quality or value of your fur garments, Bond Furs will be happy to give you an authoritative appraisal.

Q: Does Bond Furs give appraisals on fur garments?
A: Yes, we give free verbal appraisals any day, we just ask that the customer call a day in advance to schedule an appointment. For written appraisals to be used for insurance or legal matters, we charge $45 per garment.

Q: What is the difference in price between a ready-made fur garment and one that you might custom design for me?
A: There is really no difference in price if you buy something off the rack or we custom make it for you. The price is based on the number of fur pelts used and the amount of labor involved. If you cannot find a garment that meets your tastes on our racks a custom designed garment would cost the same. A garment made by Bond Furs is designed to last a lifetime.

Always use broad-shouldered or padded hangers when hanging furs. Allow space to prevent the fur from being crushed.

Never store your fur in a plastic bag where air cannot circulate; it causes the leather to dry out. Loosely cover your fur with a cotton bag or sheet. (Use materials that breathe).

Unbutton your coat when sitting. Avoid strain across the back of your garment. This prevents tears and undue wear. In case of a tear, have repairs made immediately.

Never leave a fur (wet or dry) near heat because it causes both fur and leather to become brittle.

Hang wet furs to dry in a cool place with circulating air – not in a closet. A little rain or snow won’t injure furs. However, if a fur is soaked through, it requires prompt treatment by a reliable furrier.

Never moth-proof your garment or use insecticides or sprays on the fur.

Do not use dry cleaning fluids on furs. Have them professionally cleaned regularly by a fur specialist. This prolongs the life of the fur.

Avoid combing or brushing furs. Occasionally shake your fur coat gently to keep it clean and to restore its natural shape and fullness.

Do not carry heavy packages or handbags where they will rub against the fur and cause wear spots. Don’t pin flowers or jewelry onto your garment. Avoid putting perfume on the fur (alcohol dries leather and stiffens fur).

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