A mink stole is a women’s garment made from the fur of the American mink, often lined with silk or other fabric. It is worn draped around the shoulders over formal wear and is a symbol of wealth or status. Mink are often raised on fur farms for their pelts.
A mink stole is a women’s garment that is similar to a shawl or evening wrap. It is usually smaller and narrower than a shawl, but wider than a scarf. Mink stoles are usually long and rectangular in shape, although some may be triangular. It is usually made from the fur of the American mink and is often lined with silk or other fabric. A stole is worn draped around the shoulders, usually over a gown or other formal wear.
The fur used on mink stoles is that of the American mink, a small carnivorous mammal found primarily in North America. It is a relative of the European mink, whose fur is also used to make garments. The American mink is also related to otters, weasels, and wolverines. As a result of the natural sheen and softness of their fur, mink are often raised on fur farms so that their pelts can be harvested for clothing.
Farm-raised domestic mink are usually larger than their wild counterparts, producing more fur. They can be bred to be white, black, or any color in between, while most wild mink are dark brown. The United States is one of the main producers of mink fur, behind Denmark, China and the Netherlands. Farming mink for their fur is a matter of controversy and debate.
To make a mink steal, the mink pelts are first processed with chemicals and oils. This processing cleanses the hides and makes them softer and more supple. The processed skins are matched according to color and quality. Usually the heads, legs and tails will be clipped off, although some types of stoles leave these body parts intact.
The skins are sewn together, stretched, and shaped to desired dimensions during a process called blocking. After the blocking, the skin is sewn into a garment and cleaned again. As a final step, a mink stole will usually be lined with fabric so that the tanned underside of the fur does not directly touch the wearer’s skin.
The mink stole is most often worn on formal occasions over a dress or gown, providing warmth and keeping the arms free. Due to the high cost and quality of mink fur, mink stoles are considered by many to be a symbol of wealth or status. Mink stoles are also sometimes associated with a vintage or retro look.
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