America’s Oldest Furrier
Est. 1889

How to Determine the Size of a Fur Coat Before Selling

Determining the size of a fur coat can be surprisingly tricky—especially when it comes to vintage or inherited garments. Many coats no longer have size tags, and even when they do, the sizing may not match today’s standards. Yet this is one of the most common questions people struggle with before selling a fur coat: “How do I know what size this is?”

The good news is: you do not need the exact size to sell your fur coat.
A simple estimate—Small, Medium, Large, or Plus Size—is almost always enough for an accurate evaluation.

This guide explains why precise measurements aren’t necessary, how fur sizing differs from modern clothing, and how to quickly determine a general size so you can receive a same-day offer.

Why Fur Coat Sizing Is Different From Modern Clothing

Unlike today’s standardized sizing (like numeric dress sizes or S/M/L), fur coats were traditionally crafted in small batches or even custom-made. This means:

  • Two coats labeled “Medium” may fit very differently

  • A coat labeled “10” might fit like a modern 6, 8, or 12

  • Vintage sizing often runs smaller

  • Many European brands used different standards entirely

On top of that, furriers design garments differently than typical fashion manufacturers. A fur coat is built with:

  • Leather under-structure

  • Stitched panels

  • Hand-placed pelts

  • Down-filled or silk linings

  • Specialized shoulder work

  • Distinct sleeve shaping

These details affect fit more than the tag ever did.

Because of this, we rarely rely on the size tag alone—even when it exists.

How to Estimate the Size Quickly & Accurately

Here are the three methods that work best:

1. Try the Coat On (No Measuring Required)

The easiest way is simply:

  • Put the coat on

  • Close it (if possible)

  • Raise your arms comfortably

  • Check shoulder alignment

  • See how much room you have

Then assign one of these general sizes:

  • Small

  • Medium

  • Large

  • Plus Size

That’s truly all we need.

Even if it feels a little big or a little small, your estimate helps us frame expectations and compare the coat to similar pieces we’ve evaluated.

2. If You Don’t Want to Try It On:

You can still estimate by answering one question:

What size was the person who wore it?

For example:

  • “My mother was a size 6–8.” → Medium

  • “She was petite, 5’1” and small-boned.” → Small

  • “She was tall and broad-shouldered.” → Large or Plus Size

This is easier than measuring—and more accurate for furs.

3. Compare It to a Known Coat

Lay the fur coat next to another coat whose size you know.

If it’s roughly:

  • The same width → same size

  • Smaller → one size down

  • Larger → one size up

This method is quick and works well.

Why Exact Measurements Don’t Work for Furs

Unlike fabric garments, fur coats stretch, relax, and conform differently over time. Measuring tape can be misleading.

A 22-inch bust on a fur coat does not behave like a 22-inch bust on a dress.

Fur sizing depends more on:

  • Shoulder width

  • Sleeve shape

  • Panel construction

  • How the coat hangs

  • Movement of the pelts

Professional furriers (our team included) can evaluate the fit from photos alone.

A simple estimate is all we need to determine its resale category.

What Happens If the Coat Has No Size Tag?

This is extremely common.

Coats from the 1950s through the 1990s often have:

  • Missing tags

  • Removed tags

  • Faded tags

  • Altered linings that hide the tag

Do not worry.
Size tags rarely matter in fur resale.

Your photos tell us the real story—not the tag.

Will an Incorrect Size Estimate Affect the Offer?

No.

Your offer is based on:

  • Fur type

  • Condition

  • Craftsmanship

  • Brand

  • Color

  • Age

  • Market desirability

Size is a minor influence unless the coat is extremely small or extremely large.

A general range—Small, Medium, Large, Plus Size—is more than sufficient.

How We Determine Size From Your Photos

When you send your photos, we look at:

Shoulder shape

This is the biggest indicator.

How the fur falls

The drape reveals whether it’s tailored for a smaller or larger frame.

Lining construction

Tells the story of the garment’s original scaling.

Sleeve taper

Narrow sleeves = smaller size
Wider sleeves = larger size

Hem movement

Fuller hems typically indicate larger patterns.

Human scaling cues

Door width, hanger type, or nearby objects give us natural reference points.

We do this every day—and have done it for more than 135 years.

What Size Categories Are Used in Fur Resale?

Most buyers categorize furs into:

  • Small

  • Medium

  • Large

  • Extra Large / Plus Size

These general categories work perfectly for valuation and resale.

Once again—you do not need precise numbers.

Why General Size is Enough for a Same-Day Offer

When buying a fur coat, condition matters far more than specific measurements. A well-preserved mink coat in Medium is worth more than a dry, brittle coat in any size.

We combine:

  • The photos you send

  • Your estimated general size

  • Our experience with thousands of comparable garments

This gives you a same-day offer that is fair, accurate, and reflects today’s resale market.

Final Thoughts

Sizing shouldn’t be a barrier.
Whether the tag is missing, the coat looks unfamiliar, or you simply don’t want to model it, we can help.

An honest estimate of Small, Medium, Large, or Plus Size is all we need.
We’ll handle the rest.

Ready to find out what your coat is worth?

Send photos of the front, back, lining, and label.
You’ll receive a same-day offer.