Cold Fur Storage in Los Angeles: Why It Matters for Longevity

Cold Fur Storage in Los Angeles: Why It Matters for Longevity

The Secret to Fur Longevity

If you’ve invested in a fur coat, you’ve invested in more than a garment — you’ve invested in a piece of luxury fashion that can last generations. But here’s the truth: the life of your fur is determined less by how often you wear it, and more by how well you store it.

In Los Angeles, this issue becomes even more critical. While the city is known for sunshine and mild winters, the same climate that makes LA appealing can wreak havoc on fur coats. High temperatures, low humidity, and improper storage practices can shorten a fur’s life dramatically.

That’s where cold storage comes in. Cold storage is not just a luxury service — it’s the single most important step in keeping a fur coat supple, glossy, and wearable for decades. In this guide, we’ll explain why cold storage is essential in Los Angeles, how it works, and how Edwards-Lowell helps protect your investment.

Why Los Angeles Climate Damages Fur

Owning fur in Los Angeles comes with unique risks. Unlike cold-weather cities, where furs are worn regularly in the winter, LA owners often only bring out their coats for galas, premieres, or travel. The rest of the year, coats sit in storage — and that’s where the trouble begins.

Heat

Summer temperatures in LA can easily reach 90–100°F. Indoors, heat seeps into closets, drying out the leather base of fur. Once the pelt dries and cracks, the coat can’t be fully repaired.

Low Humidity

Fur requires balanced moisture to maintain softness. Los Angeles’s dry climate pulls oils and hydration from the pelt, making fur brittle.

Sunlight

Even indirect sunlight fades fur color and weakens fibers. A coat left in a sunny closet corner may be permanently damaged within a few years.

Insects

Moths and carpet beetles thrive in warm, dark closets. They feed on natural fibers and can cause bald patches that are costly to restore.

In short, the LA climate is one of the worst environments for long-term fur storage.

What Cold Fur Storage Really Is

Cold storage is a specialized method of preserving fur garments in controlled environments that replicate natural conditions. Unlike regular closets, cold storage facilities are designed exclusively for delicate furs.

Key features include:

• Temperature Control: Kept at 34–45°F, slowing the natural aging process.
  
  
• Humidity Regulation: Maintained at 45–55%, preventing both drying and mildew.
  
  
• Darkness: Protects fur from fading and fiber breakdown.
  
  
• Security: Vaults are sealed, secure, and pest-free.
  
  
• Proper Hanging: Wide hangers support garments without distorting shape.
  
  

This environment ensures that a fur coat remains supple, shiny, and odor-free year after year.

Benefits of Cold Storage for Fur Owners

1. Extends the Life of Your Coat

Without cold storage, even a well-made fur may last only a decade or two. With it, furs often remain wearable for 30+ years.

2. Preserves Natural Oils

The oils within the pelt are what keep fur soft. Cold storage slows evaporation, maintaining that silky texture.

3. Protects from Odors

Los Angeles homes are full of scents — food, perfumes, smoke, and cleaning products. Cold storage prevents these from being absorbed into your fur.

4. Prevents Pests

Unlike closets, cold storage vaults are sealed and monitored for insects, keeping your coat safe from moth damage.

5. Maintains Shape and Structure

Wide hangers and climate control prevent stretching, shoulder sagging, and tearing at seams.

6. Provides Peace of Mind

Perhaps most importantly, cold storage gives you confidence that your luxury garment is safe year-round.

Why Cold Storage Matters in Los Angeles Specifically

Some fur owners wonder: if Los Angeles doesn’t have freezing winters, why is cold storage still necessary? The answer lies in the city’s heat and dryness.

• In colder regions, the natural climate mimics storage conditions during winter.
  
  
• In Los Angeles, fur spends more time stored than worn, making proper preservation crucial.
  
  
• Events, galas, and travel often require coats to be ready at a moment’s notice — only cold storage ensures they’re fresh and flawless when needed.
  
  

The Edwards-Lowell Approach to Cold Storage

At Edwards-Lowell, we’ve been caring for furs in Los Angeles for decades. Our cold storage services go far beyond simply hanging your coat in a cool room.

Step 1: Inspection

Every coat is carefully examined for wear, insect damage, and structural issues before storage.

Step 2: Cleaning (Optional but Recommended)

We often recommend Professional Fur Cleaning before storage. This removes dirt, oils, and odors that could set into the pelt.

Step 3: Cataloging

Garments are tagged and entered into our system to ensure safe tracking.

Step 4: Climate-Controlled Vaulting

Your fur is hung properly on wide-shouldered hangers and placed in our secure, temperature- and humidity-regulated vaults.

Step 5: Retrieval on Demand

When you need your coat again — whether for a trip, an event, or the winter season — it’s returned in pristine condition.

This level of service makes Edwards-Lowell the trusted choice for fur owners across Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood.

At-Home Storage Tips (Short-Term Only)

While cold storage is always the best option, there may be times when temporary at-home storage is necessary. If so:

• Use a cotton garment bag, never plastic.
  
  
• Hang on a wide, padded hanger.
  
  
• Place in a dark, cool closet away from heat or sunlight.
  
  
• Leave space around the coat to prevent crushing.
  
  
• Avoid mothballs, cedar chips, or sprays — they damage the coat.
  
  

Remember: these tips are for short-term use only. For seasonal or long-term protection, professional cold storage is essential.

Case Study: The Beverly Hills Premiere Coat

A client in Beverly Hills owned a sable coat she wore exclusively for Hollywood premieres. For years, she stored it at home, thinking occasional use meant minimal wear. Over time, the coat developed stiffness and faded patches from closet heat. When she finally brought it to Edwards-Lowell, we restored as much as possible — but some damage was permanent.

Since then, she’s relied on our cold storage every summer. The coat has regained softness, and no further damage has occurred.

The takeaway? Prevention through cold storage is far less expensive than restoration after the fact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Fur Storage

How often should I place my fur in cold storage?
Every year, ideally from spring through fall, when Los Angeles temperatures are highest.

Is cold storage worth the cost?
Yes. It is a fraction of the cost of repairing or replacing a luxury fur.

What happens if I leave my coat at home in LA?
Heat, dryness, and pests can cause permanent damage within a few seasons.

Do all furs require cold storage?
Yes. Whether mink, fox, chinchilla, or sable, all furs benefit from professional storage.

Can I store my fur with other garments?
No. Furs need space to breathe. In cold storage, they hang individually with room to drape naturally.

Will cold storage make my coat last forever?
No garment lasts forever, but cold storage can extend its life by decades compared to at-home storage.

The Link Between Storage and Longevity

Consider this: a luxury fur can cost anywhere from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Without proper storage, the average lifespan might be 10–12 years. With annual cold storage, that lifespan doubles or triples, preserving not just the coat but its value as a family heirloom.

In Los Angeles, where heat and dryness accelerate wear, cold storage isn’t optional. It’s the difference between a coat that endures and one that deteriorates prematurely.

Final Thoughts:

Trust Edwards-Lowell for Expert Fur Storage

Your fur coat is too valuable to risk with improper storage. Los Angeles’s climate poses unique challenges, but professional cold storage offers a proven solution.

At Edwards-Lowell, we provide expert Cold Fur Storage in Los Angeles, professional cleaning, restoration, and rentals. Our climate-controlled vaults ensure your garment remains soft, glossy, and flawless for years to come.

Call Edwards-Lowell today at (310) 360-0466 to schedule cold storage for your fur garment. Serving Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and surrounding communities.