Black, White and Coloured Mink Coats: How to Choose a Shade
Black mink is the most versatile shade, natural brown the most classic and white mink the most striking, while greens and creams are the fashion choice of the season. The colour of a mink coat changes what you wear it with more than its cut does. Yves Salomon makes long-haired mink in all of them this winter, from Blackglama black to forest green.
By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 20 October 2026.
Key facts
- Black mink goes with everything and hides wear best
- Natural brown and beige mink are the classic heritage shades
- White and ivory mink need careful storage away from light
- Dyed shades such as forest green read as a fashion statement
- Yves Salomon codes its black long-haired coats as Blackglama mink
The black mink coat
A black mink coat is the safest buy because it works over black tailoring, denim, camel knits and evening wear without looking contrived. The Long-Haired Mink Long Coat and the Long-Haired Mink Fur Coat with High Collar are both coded Blackglama by the house, the American Legend label for its finest black mink. For a shorter option, the Short Belted Straightened Long-Haired Mink Fur Coat has a belt that marks the waist.
The white mink coat
White mink is the most dramatic shade and the one that photographs best. Wear it tonal with cream knits and ivory trousers, and keep accessories simple. The Hooded Jacket in Long-Haired Mink Fur and the Short Long-Haired Mink Cape come in white this season, and the Maxi Belted Coat in Long-Haired Mink Fur is the full-length option. Pale fur can yellow in light, so store it in a dark, cool place in a breathable cover.
Brown and beige mink
Natural brown is the heritage mink shade and the easiest to wear by day. The Straightened Long-Haired Mink Maxi Coat and the Belted Long-Haired Mink Maxi Coat with Notched Collar show how rich it looks when straightened. Beige mink, like the Maxi Belted Coat in Long-Haired Mink Fur, is softer and pairs well with grey flannel.
Green and coloured mink
Coloured mink makes the fur the focus of the outfit. This season Yves Salomon cuts long-haired mink in deep forest green: the Short Long-Haired Mink Fur Jacket and the Long Belted Mink Coat with Shawl Collar. Keep everything else black, grey and camel so the colour carries the look.
Which shade suits you?
Choose black if you want one coat for every occasion, brown for a classic daytime fur, white for evenings and photographs, and green if you already own a neutral coat. Whatever the shade, compare lengths in our guide to mink jackets, coats and capes.
Our picks by shade
1. Long-Haired Mink Long Coat
Black Blackglama mink at 130 cm with a tailored collar.
2. Hooded Jacket in Long-Haired Mink Fur
White mink with a hood, worn tonal.
3. Straightened Long-Haired Mink Maxi Coat
Brown straightened mink at ankle length.
4. Maxi Belted Coat in Long-Haired Mink Fur
Soft beige mink with a matching belt.
5. Long Belted Mink Coat with Shawl Collar
Forest green mink with a shawl collar.
How to style a black mink coat
Go tonal for evening: black column dress, sheer tights and a pointed boot let the fur do the work. By day, wear it over a camel roll-neck and pale denim so the black reads crisp, not heavy. Gold jewellery warms black fur; silver sharpens it.
How to style a white mink coat
White fur looks best with cream, ivory and soft grey. Avoid pure optic white clothing next to it, which can make natural white mink look yellow by comparison. Brown leather boots and a camel bag keep the look warm. For snow and mountain trips, our apres-ski outfits show how fur works with ski layers.
Does mink colour change the price?
Shade matters less than length and grade, but premium black under the Blackglama label and very even pale pelts both add cost. Our mink coat price guide explains every factor.
Caring for pale and dark fur
Dark mink hides wear but can fade in strong sun; pale mink shows marks and can yellow in light. Both need the same basics: a breathable cover, a broad hanger, a cool dark wardrobe and a furrier for cleaning. Read the full fur care guide.
Yves Salomon at a glance
| House | Paris fur, shearling and leather house |
| Roots | A family of furriers that settled in France in 1920 |
| Label | Maison Yves Salomon, founded in 1980 |
| Today | Thomas Salomon, the fourth generation, joined in 2000 |
| Lines | Main line, the Army parka line (2005) and the fur-free Meteo line |
| Traceability | Fur pieces show a Furmark label number on the product page |
| Sizes | French sizes, shown on Coveti in UK sizes: FR 36 is UK 8, FR 40 is UK 12 |
Frequently asked questions
What colour mink coat is most versatile?
Black. It works over tailoring, denim and evening wear and shows the least wear. Natural brown is the most versatile daytime shade.
Does white mink turn yellow?
Pale fur can yellow when exposed to light and heat. Store a white mink coat in a cool, dark place in a breathable cover and have it professionally cleaned when needed.
Is coloured mink dyed?
Shades such as forest green are achieved by dyeing. Natural mink shades run from dark brown through to pale beige.
What is a Blackglama mink coat?
A coat made from the finest black mink under the Blackglama label of the American Legend cooperative. Yves Salomon uses the name on its black long-haired coats.
Read next: How much is a mink coat?, Mink jacket vs mink coat, How to store a fur coat.