Vintage Fur Coat ID Series #6: Coyote

• Posted on 22 March 2024
• By Rob Cahill
• Posted in sustainability, Vintage Fur
• 0

Coyote fur is probably the most popular and recognizable fur over the past two decades with the rise of the fur trimmed parka, where coyote fur was most commonly used.  I would venture to say that more people wore fur in the past 20 years than they did in the 1970’s & 80’s, but only a strip on a parka hood.  Nonetheless, natural fur.  

From iconic fashion brands to small companies taking advantage of the fur trimmed-parka trend, fur trimmed parkas have been a fashion staple around the world. They’re commonly seen on the streets of cities in Canada, Korea, China, and Europe.

Known for its longer wispy fur in multiple tones, from cream colour, to beige and black all in one, coyote matches with a range of colour palettes and accessories.  Its texture is soft, it is incredibly warm, and is surprisingly durable long haired fur. 

Like the other wild furbearers we have covered (Beaver, Raccoon), coyote size and fur characteristics change by region. In Eastern North America, they are larger and darker in colour with a coarser fur. They are smaller, softer and lighter coloured in the West. Western coyotes are longer haired in the north of their range and much shorter haired in the south, such as around Texas, with some sections being reddish in colour. 

In the 1980’s and early 1990’s big, full length coyote coats were a serious statement, but were more common as a ¾ length ‘car coat’ or jacket.  Coyote fur was also commonly used for men’s coats and jackets.  

Today, we are seeing coyote fur used as one of most popular furs in home décor as pillows, blankets and carpets, giving a room or cottage a very rustic, wild look. In upcycling vintage coyote fur, an aprés ski fur vest and home décor are very popular. It also knits well into blankets, vests, and scarves.

From a sustainability standpoint, coyotes are present in virtually 100% of their historical habitat as they have adapted very well to urbanization, even in the largest cities such as Toronto, New York and Los Angeles.  Scientifically, coyote populations are ‘hyper-abundant’ and government regulated management is taking place in every province and state in North America.  Coyote are not in the north Territories as this is the domain of their much larger cousin, the grey wolf.

Enjoy wearing your coyote fur coat or consider a style upgrade with a Further Upcycle consultation.