What should you look for in a mink garment that indicates quality? Pelt Characteristics   Female over male skins   Uniformity of length - both guard hairs and underfur   Short, dense guard hairs surrounded by dense, plush underfur   Light weight and supple feel   Rich looking overall color   Underfur should have a gray rather than a red or yellow tone   Should look and feel silky in texture   Should have an obvious sheen   Smaller skins Pelt processes   Natural rather than dyed or bleached   Sheared, plucked or natural Pelt Workmanship   Matching of skins for uniform size, color, fur density and hair length   Tight seams   Narrow leather strips between pelts   No jagged lines, seams, plugs, chatter or cuts (be sure to check under arms and collar)   Skins should be let-out all the way down to the hem line   Minimal taping (reinforcement to be used only in highly stressed areas.   The pelts should not be stretched tight, there should be some "give" when stretched horizontally Finishing   French bottom (not closed at hem-line)   Pronounced scalloping along hem-line due to slightly longer hair at center of pelt   Generous bend (fur turned inside the coat at edges) at hem-line, sleeve ends and front facing   Stitches should be hidden from view   No sagging in lining   Finishing should include the following     Pleating inside the neck     Hankie pocket inside lining     Loop & tie strap     Nice closure at neck (button, toggle, hook, etc.)     Personalized monogram     Identification tag Overall appearance and fit:   All pelts should be matched for uniform color and size   Garment should have a nice deep color   Shoulders must fit to present a well balanced and even falling garment   Garment should hang properly on wearer (from shoulders)   There should be no pulling or gathering across the back   Hem-line should be straight with back being ½ to 1" longer than front   Garment should be comfortable with a silk shirt or a wool suit and an average of about 4" overlap of front edges   Garment movement should flow when walking   Garment should be comfortable to wear   If there are buttons they should be of quality   Nice design and style   Designer?   Light weight   Should mold to wearers body shape over time Natural dressing of pelts will provide longer lasting beauty, softness and life for your fur.