A furrier is a person who creates, repairs, and maintains fur garments. The term “furrier” is closely related to the term “clothier,” which refers to people who work with textiles to make garments. Furriers can be found in many major cities, particularly in northern areas, where the buying and selling of furs is a brisk business. Apprenticeships with experienced furriers or trade school training are both options for people interested in this profession.
Fur garments have been worn for a long time in human history. Because of their excellent insulating properties, furs are ideal for clothing in cold climates, and they continue to be prized for this reason. Fur is also considered a luxury material in many places, particularly when it comes to certain types of fur, such as ermine. Fur handling necessitates extra caution because it can be very fragile if not handled properly, and much of a furrier’s job entails caring for furs so that they can be enjoyed.
Furriers may work in the design field, creating fur garments, experimenting with new fur garment construction techniques, and working with individual customers to create custom commissions. Furriers can work in the trade and processing of raw furs, as well as the management of garment collections, which can range from museum furs to private collections. When garments aren’t made entirely of fur, such as when a designer wants to make a wool jacket with a fur collar, some work with other garment designers to provide high-quality furs for use in garment design.
Altering fur garments to fit new owners, as well as cleaning and repairing existing garments, are all part of a furrier’s job. Furriers also serve as consultants for customers seeking advice on proper fur storage and handling, as well as assistance in selecting furs of a particular style or quality. Because furs are so variable in quality, working with a furrier can help inexperienced customers avoid making poor decisions.
Furriers are facing new demands as concerns about the fur trade’s ethics grow. Some furriers have responded by changing their business practices, focusing on ethically and humanely acquired furs or focusing their efforts on finding alternative sources of fur that do not involve the trade of banned furs such as cat and dog fur or fur from endangered species. Some furriers have even aided government investigations aimed at identifying parts of endangered animals that are being illegally traded and sold, leveraging their knowledge of the fur industry to aid in the protection of endangered species.