Vintage Astraka coats and the appeal of faux fur

Some vintage coats make their impression through texture before you notice anything else. A plush collar, a generous silhouette or a contrasting lining can turn an otherwise simple outfit into something rather special.

The Astraka coat photographed for Pretty Vintage Boutique is a good example: taupe faux fur, a substantial collar and pink lining give it plenty of character without an elaborate pattern.

Astraka and imitation fur

A period advertisement preserved in a journal published through Cambridge University Press promotes an Astraka Wildlife Collection coat in simulated leopard. It is useful contemporary evidence of the brand marketing imitation fur, rather than a modern seller’s assumption based on appearance.

It does not mean that every garment carrying the name has the same material or construction. When buying a vintage coat, identify the individual fabric from its labels and physical characteristics, with specialist help if needed.

Astraka is a brand name; astrakhan is a term used for a type of fur or its imitation. Similar-looking words are not enough to establish a coat’s composition.

Look beyond the front photograph

The outside of a coat tells only part of its story. Open it and look at the lining, the inside seams and the points where the fastenings are attached. These areas can reveal wear that is easy to miss when the coat is closed.

For a pile fabric, examine the collar, cuffs, underarms and places where a bag might have rubbed against the surface. Ask about shedding, odour, stiffness and previous repairs. A close photograph in natural light is more informative than a heavily edited image.

Choosing the right fit

A coat needs space for the clothes you plan to wear beneath it. Compare the shoulder, bust and sleeve measurements with a coat you already find comfortable, rather than using your dress size as a direct substitute.

Think about the length as well. A shorter coat can balance a long skirt, while a longer coat changes the whole outline of an outfit.

Wearing vintage faux fur today

I would keep the rest of the outfit fairly simple and let the texture lead. Denim and boots make one combination; a plain evening dress makes another.

Care should follow the particular garment’s needs. Keep it away from direct heat and ask a cleaner experienced with vintage pile fabrics before attempting a treatment you cannot reverse.

Explore the vintage coat collection for individual descriptions and measurements.