A Sheep Fur Coat - Yay or Nay

Hi All

Would love all of your perspectives on this.
In 2015 when I moved here it was in the depths of Winter and a close friend of my MIL gave me a Vintage Sheep fur coat. I was grateful because I had no outerwear that was suitable for the snow that I arrived in. It was a bit snug on me and my MIL graciously moved the buttons for me so that it fit. It is very old, probably 60s or 70s, a traditional cream color with loops that close around the darker brown buttons, below the knee and with a hood. The coat is not in pristine condition it has a slight yellow-ish stain on the left breast side which is not that noticeable considering the colour of the coat but I can see it. Also there is hole where one of the buttons was that MIL moved. None of these flaws are noticeable unless very close-up. Now the thing is, firstly it is heavy, not like modern, lightweight warm coats. Also it is quite a traditional coat in this country, so not very trendy (not that important to me but also not dying to look like I just stepped out of the mountain village IFYKWIM). Also I am a vegetarian and although I do wear leather and suede this is very 'animal-ish', it smells strong. Beige is one of my worst colors too, makes me look sick. Yesterday I thrifted two new puffers, one short and one long. This sheep coat takes up the space that two or three puffers would take in the closet. Also it's weight boughs the rail in the closet. I have worn this coat maybe 5 times in 7 years. So what is holding me back from getting rid of it? It is a classic coat and definitely irreplaceable once it is gone. I see these coats for resale in the UK for around 800 pounds, obviously in better condition than mine. There isn't an option for me to sell it here. I gather the previous owner also did not have the heart to just let it go but it was hogging her closet. What would you do? Should I keep it or not? YAY = KEEP, NAY = LET GO. I am interested in your thoughts too if you have the time.

2 years ago

missvee

Veteran

Let it go. It doesn’t align with your values, it’s flawed, and not a current style. I wouldn’t worry AT ALL about what resale prices are elsewhere. As you say, that’s not an option for you.

Tanya

I used to have a very similar coat inherited from my Mom, and let it go for similar reasons to yours. I'd say donate to whatever charity might use it the best.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote pass it on too. I echo Tanya and Missvee.

Star, FWIW, you can donate coats like that to animal shelters in the US, to keep the animals warm. Maybe something similar in your neck of the woods if the idea appeals to you.

Joy

.I think you should let the coat go to someone who needs its warmth. It has served you well. Someone else can enjoy its warmth now.

slim cat

Let it go - the use was limited.

Dee

It’s a nay from me, for all the reasons you’ve expressed. It is hard to give up something that unique that was given and even altered for you, however, it just doesn’t work for your current lifestyle.

Irina

Nay for me, too. Like Angie’s idea to donate to an animal shelter or an animal hospital.

kkards

I would also let it go, but maybe ask around to people you know, or offer on Facebook marketplace if you’d feel better with it having a new life.

Suz

I like Angie's idea. It sounds as if the coat has had its day and could be used elsewhere.

unfrumped

You’ve made your own case for letting it go, but I understand fully why you struggle. Warm coat, “ vintage” item. can’t re- buy later, maybe even a few aspects that do appeal in some way. These are all feelings I have had at times when letting go, whether clothing or household items- yet for other items it’s no problem. So, let yourself acknowledge those feelings whilst still being able to see you really don’t need or want it anymore.

Sal

I think you can let it go too. I suspect there will be someone who would use it more.

I struggle too with kind gifts.

cat2

Donate

Jenni NZ

Goodness, everyone is saying donate! I think you might be a reluctant donator though, with something sentimental, like me?
The flaws would bother me, and might lean me towards donating, but otherwise in your situation I would keep the coat along with the puffers for one more winter to see if you ever want to wear the coat instead, and if you don’t, consider donating then.
You can always still donate later, but you can never get it back.

Sloper

I would say let it go, and that you have several options:
Sell and donate the money to an animal rights cause you support (or other cause).
Donate the coat to a shelter for under-served people - there are plenty of people who could put a warm coat to good use.
See if the coat can be cut down into pillows, a small rug, or a smaller coat (which costs money I know, but the resulting objects would be used as opposed to taking up space in a closet).

nemosmom

It sounds like the coat carries a lot of mental weight with it.

I certainly understand the desire to hang on to a one-of-a-kind piece. And, if you choose to do that, there are options to have it cleaned, and possibly repaired. And, you could always balance its style with pieces that lean more modern.

But, I wonder if you are simply over it now. Nothing wrong with that! You could thank it for providing you with warmth when you needed it. Then, find a good home for it. Shelters (for animal or people) are a great option.

Star

Thank you everyone! You are all so smart. The coat is in the donate bag.

Anonymous

Agreeing to let it go- but possibly a movie studio or theatre would be interested. And take a pic of it!

Janet

I’m late to this, but I agree with the other advice to let it go.

I hung onto a fur coat that belonged to my grandmother for far too long, out of a sense of obligation. It was too big for me, and I would never wear real fur anyway. As it sat in the storage chest for 14 years, it started to disintegrate at the seams. I decided to donate it to an animal rehabilitation facility a couple of states away — I packed it up and shipped it off and immediately felt better about it.

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