What Is the Warmest Fur for Winter?

All fur is warm — that’s the point — but some furs are dramatically warmer than others, and the “warmest” one depends on what you’re dressing for. Here’s how the major furs actually compare when the temperature drops, from a furrier who’s fitted New Yorkers for more than 150 winters.

How fur keeps you warm

A fur’s warmth comes from two layers: the dense, soft underfur that traps body heat, and the longer guard hairs that shield against wind and moisture. Furs with thick underfur are warm; furs with both thick underfur and long guard hairs are the warmest of all.

The warmest furs, ranked

Fox tops the list for sheer cold protection — long guard hairs over dense underfur trap a deep cushion of air, ideal for standing outdoors in wind and snow. The trade-off is a fuller, more voluminous silhouette. Explore fox coats and jackets.

Raccoon and other long-haired furs deliver similar deep warmth for the coldest, most exposed conditions, with a rugged, textured look.

Mink offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio: its dense underfur keeps you warm in a lightweight, sleek coat that’s comfortable for everyday city winters — which is why it’s the fur most people actually live in. Explore mink coats.

Chinchilla and sable are remarkably warm for their weight thanks to extraordinary hair density — chinchilla has the densest fur of any land animal — though both are luxury furs treated with more care than everyday wear. See our chinchilla collection.

So which is warmest?

For extreme, windy cold, fox wins on sheer insulation. For the best balance of warmth, weight, and everyday wearability, mink is hard to beat. For warmth that also happens to be the softest luxury on earth, chinchilla. Not sure which suits your winters? Contact us or visit our NYC showroom and we’ll help you choose.