Fur restyling: give an old fur new life
Have a fur that's inherited, outdated, or simply not being worn? Don't let it sit in a closet — restyle it. Fur restyling (also called remodeling or refashioning) is the art of transforming an existing fur into something modern and wearable, and because the fur itself already exists, it costs a fraction of buying new. Marc Kaufman Furs has restyled furs in New York City's fur district since 1870, in our own in-house workroom — the same hands that build our new coats.
Restyling, alterations, repairs and restoration
Almost anything is possible. Our furriers handle the full range:
- Restyling — shorten a long, heavy coat into a chic jacket, stroller, or vest; recut a boxy, dated silhouette into a fitted modern shape
- Alterations — take in or let out the fit, shorten a hem, reline in a fresh colour
- Repair and restoration — tears, loose seams, worn cuffs, bald spots, tired linings
- Updates — a new collar, cuffs, sleeves, or an added hood
- Refashioning — turn fur that's beyond wearing into pillows, throws, or keepsakes
Whatever the piece — mink, fox, sable, chinchilla, lynx, or shearling — if it's real fur there's usually a way to bring it back to life. Mink coat alterations and fox restyling are everyday work here.
Why restyle instead of buy new
Three reasons. It costs far less — you're paying for craftsmanship, not new pelts; see what fur restyling costs (from $350 for simple alterations). It's deeply personal — an inherited coat keeps its history while fitting your life today. And it's the most sustainable choice in fashion: reusing a fur that already exists means no new resources and nothing sent to a landfill.
How it works
It starts with a look. Bring your fur into our West 30th Street showroom, or send us a photo, and one of our furriers will assess its condition, tell you honestly what's possible, and suggest styles that suit both the fur and you. From there our in-house workroom does the rest. Most restyles take a few weeks, and every piece is cleaned and glazed before it comes back to you.
Start your restyle
Contact us for a restyling consultation or visit our showroom to see what your old fur could become. Want prices first? See how much fur restyling costs. Not sure yet? Read our guide on what to do with an old or inherited fur coat, or browse estate and pre-owned furs. Once your coat is ready, here's how to store a fur coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can an old fur coat be turned into?
An old or vintage fur coat can be completely restyled into a wide variety of modern items. Our master furriers frequently transform heavy, full-length coats into chic fur vests, contemporary jackets, boleros, and stylish capes. If you prefer not to wear the fur, we can also repurpose the high-quality pelts into luxurious home decor items, such as custom throw blankets, pillows, or elegant fur trims for cashmere capes.
How much does it cost to remodel or restyle an old fur coat?
The cost of fur remodeling varies depending on the complexity of the transformation, the condition of the original pelts, and the new pattern being created. Basic alterations or converting a coat into a simple vest typically start around $595 to $895, while complete structural redesigns into customized jackets or large blankets will be quoted based on the specific design. Restyling is a highly cost-effective way to get a brand-new luxury garment while preserving the sentimental value of a family heirloom.