Fur Coats and Fashion: The Popularity of Fur Coats Now Versus 100 Years Ago

A hundred years ago, fur coats were an elegant and stylistic fashion choice that reflected the wealth produced during the Industrial Age. Fur coats remained popular even while the First World War was raging in Europe.

And, the same holds true today. Fur coats still represent luxury even a hundred years later. But while in the 1910’s only the wealthy could afford the luxurious coats and jackets, today more people are able to buy the same items for less. And, today’s coats are created with better quality fur and stitching.

Fur and Fashion Circa 100 Years Ago

Before World War I, during the years leading up to 1914, fashionable clothing was made to be ornate, as a way to show the opulence of the middle and upper classes. Women’s clothing shifted to look more like men’s in order to show the rise of women as members of society. Women’s coats retained the long sleeves and high collars of men’s garments. Meanwhile, skirts were floor length. Similarly, the design of fur coats shifted to meet this new look, and trimmings on clothes often included fur.

When World War I broke out in 1914, fashion lost out to necessity as the war claimed materials, goods and manpower away to the battlefield. Styles remained relatively the same, however, but with simpler looks. Furs were used less often, although they were never completely done away with.

Fur Coats After World War I

After the Great War ended in 1918, the popularity of fur rose again. In fact, fur was used to trim the edges of otherwise non-fur garments. The fashion of the late 1910’s changed to include innovative new hairstyles and hats for women as clothing began to shift to look like it would during the “roaring 20’s.” At the end of the 1910’s clothing had once again returned to the way it had looked at the beginning of the decade, though had taken on a new, more casual look. Fur coats and jackets were still popular and continued to represent the opulence and wealth of their wearers.

Fur Fashion Today

Today, these coats are still worn by fashionable individuals, especially during the colder months of the year. Furs are still used for the trimmings of coats and jackets made of synthesized materials, but true fur coats are still popular as the best way to keep warm while looking stylish. But, whereas a hundred years ago these coats were the exclusive domain of the middle and upper classes, today they are an affordable fashion option for almost everybody.

While these coats have changed in style over the years, their popularity has not waned. For example, over last decade, shearling coats, wool coats, and other types of fur still maintain steady sales and popularity. If you are interested in looking fashionable in a fur coat, be sure to start your search online so that you may find the style and look you believe will fit you the best.