Real Fur vs Faux Fur: Making an Informed Choice in Fashion

In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, the choice between real fur and faux fur still remains.

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But today, individuals are increasingly more interested in ethically sourced materials, even if this means paying top dollar.

So what about fur?

This comprehensive guide aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the distinctions between real fur and faux fur, addressing common questions.

In the ever so hot debate of real fur vs fake fur, what is the conclusion?

Let&#;s take a closer look.

Real fur vs faux fur: The source matters

At the heart of the debate between real fur vs faux fur is the source of these materials.

Real fur, derived from animals such as mink, fox, rabbit, and chinchilla, is often procured through farming.

On the flip side, faux fur is a synthetic alternative made from materials like acrylic, polyester, and nylon, which do come with their own disadvantages:

• Microfiber pollution: Washing faux fur garments can release microfibers into water systems, meaning tiny plastic particles can end up in oceans and waterways.
• Non-biodegradable materials: Synthetic materials used in faux fur are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not break down naturally over time.
• Resource intensive production: The manufacturing process of synthetic materials requires significant energy and resources.
• Limited recycling options: While efforts are being made to develop more sustainable faux fur options, the recycling of synthetic materials is still a challenge.

As a result, in order to make sure that the fur we choose (whether real of faux), has a small environmental footprint and is environmentally friendly, we need to make sure that we buy from reputable sources.

Further reading: How to tell if a fur coat is real or not: 5+1 tips that will help you identify authentic fur

Synthetic fur vs real fur: Cost and durability

Real fur is often associated with luxury, which is reflected in its price tag. Faux fur, on the other hand, being a more accessible option, is generally more affordable.

However, in order to decide what is more &#;affordable&#;, you need to see things in the long run.

While faux fur items may come with a lower initial price tag, they tend to have a shorter lifespan than real fur. Frequent replacements due to wear and tear can accumulate costs over time, making real fur, with its renowned durability, a potentially more cost-effective investment.

Moreover, and despite advancements in technology, synthetic materials used in faux fur may not match the resilience of real fur.

Faux fur garments can be more prone to deterioration over time, diminishing their overall longevity. Real fur, known for its ability to withstand the test of time, often offers a more enduring and sustainable option, becoming an actual investment.

Real vs fake fur: Maintenance and care

When it comes to more practical considerations, the maintenance and care of real fur items may require a little more attention, such as professional cleaning and specific storage conditions to preserve its appearance and texture.

Faux fur, on the other hand, is generally more user-friendly, with many items being machine-washable and requiring less meticulous care.

While faux fur may resist some stains, the material is not as resilient as real fur when it comes to extended wear and exposure to the elements. Over time, faux fur may mat or lose its original texture, affecting its overall appearance.

Learn more: 5 things to consider before buying a fur coat

Real fur vs fake fur: Aesthetics and fashion trends

The aesthetic appeal of real fur, with its unique luxurious look and feel, has long been a significant advantage for fashion enthusiasts.

Real fur has long been associated with opulence and a timeless elegance that is challenging to replicate. The unique texture, warmth, and natural sheen of real fur remain distinctive, creating a luxurious aesthetic that has been coveted throughout history.

On the other hand, faux fur is very adaptable &#; it can follow fashion trends, take many colors and styles, and is a fine choice if you want to try new styles without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is faux fur real?

By definition, no! &#;Faux&#; is a French word meaning fake, so faux fur is fake fur &#; the opposite of real!

Is real fur warmer than faux fur?

One of the most common questions in this debate of real vs fake fur revolves around warmth.

The answer? Yes! Generally, real fur is warmer than faux fur.

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The natural insulating properties of real fur, which come from animals adapted to cold climates, provide superior warmth compared to synthetic materials used in faux fur. The ability of real fur to trap and retain heat makes it an effective insulator, making it a preferred choice in extremely cold conditions.

Read more: Why real fur coats are a winter must-have

Is real fur better than faux fur?

Yes, in many cases real fur can be considered better than faux fur.

The natural qualities of real fur, such as its exceptional warmth, durability, and timeless elegance, are aspects that some individuals may appreciate, although it&#;s essential to recognize the ethical and environmental considerations associated with it.

The choice between real fur and faux fur often involves a nuanced evaluation of factors, including aesthetics and sustainability, plus another important aspect: where you buy your women and men&#;s real fur coat from.

Real fur vs faux fur: Making an informed choice

In the evolving landscape of fashion, consumers are presented with a myriad of choices, each carrying its own set of considerations and the real fur vs. faux fur debate encompasses more than just fashion preferences.

As consumers become more informed, the fashion industry is compelled to adapt, making room for a style statement that resonates with the growing demand for responsible fashion choices &#; the most important being the furrier you trust to buy your real fur jackets from.

eFurs is your top choice here.

The company&#;s collections include women&#;s and men&#;s garments known for the excellent quality of their raw materials and crafting, as well as being distinguished for their quality, unique design, and manufacturing superiority.

Check out all our designs today!

Explore the best real fur coats

Through extensive research, HSI UK has discovered that many animal fur items for sale in the UK, especially in independent boutiques, in markets and online, are either not labelled at all, or are incorrectly labelled or marketed as synthetic.

For the vast majority of British shoppers who reject the cruelty of the fur trade, trying to buy only fake fur can be a real challenge. Whether it&#;s raccoon dog fur bobble hats, rabbit fur key chains, or hooded coats trimmed with fox fur, misleading labelling or incorrect marketing is leading would-be ethical consumers to purchase real fur trim items in the mistaken belief that they are faux fur.

Don&#;t be misled&#;check out our guide to telling the difference between real and faux fur.

This is a double scandal&#;violating the rights of consumers who are not being protected from unfair trading, and artificially inflating the market for animal fur, causing immense suffering.

We believe that all retailers have a duty to ensure that they have rigorous buying and quality control procedures in place in order that they do not mislead customers.

Each year, HSI/UK finds more examples of &#;fake faux fur&#; for sale, from well-known outlets on the UK high street to independent shops and markets, in London and other UK cities. The problem appears to be growing particularly acute online.

How can this happen? Isn&#;t fur expensive?

Shockingly, real fur can now be produced and sold for less than fake fur&#;a calculation that&#;s costing animals their lives.

Life is cheap in the animal fur industry; miserably poor conditions in countries such as China&#;where much UK fur trim comes from &#; means real fur can be produced and sold very inexpensively. At online wholesalers such as Alibaba.com, retailers can bulk-buy a 70cm raccoon dog fur hood trim for £3 per piece, or a raccoon dog fur pompom for a bobble hat for just 30p per piece.

This translates into cheap items on the high-street. Here are just a few of the items we&#;ve recently found in the UK:

• A knitted hat with real marmot fur bobble costing £3.50
• A handbag charm/keyring pom pom made from rabbit fur for sale at £5 each
• A parka with real raccoon dog fur trim around the hood priced at £35
• A gilet made from real raccoon dog fur with a £75 price tag
• A short sleeveless jacket made of rabbit and marmot fur for sale at £35

Check before you buy, but please do not simply rely on labels or price when taking a decision on whether fur is real or fake&#;an animal&#;s life could depend on it. Check out our guide to telling the difference between real and fake fur&#;and if in any doubt, please leave it on the shelf.

Buyer beware: what&#;s (not) on the label

Shockingly, there&#;s no legal requirement for animal fur to be specifically listed on a garment&#;s fabric content label. We&#;ve recently found, for example:

• A ladies&#; coat with a real fur trim on the hood, labelled polyester 100%
• A pair of fingerless gloves with real fur trim, labelled 100% acrilico [sic]
• A knitted hat with a real fur bobble, labelled 100% acrylic
• A pair of woolen gloves with real fur trim, labelled 80% wool, 20% polyester

By law, under the EU Textile Products Regulation () a &#;textile product&#; that include parts of animal origin (for example, feathers, bone, or animal fur) must be clearly labelled or marked using the phrase &#;contains non-textile parts of animal origin&#;.

However, our retail surveys show extremely low compliance with this new Regulation, meaning consumers can&#;t rely on labels to avoid buying real animal fur. In addition, the fur labelling requirements under this Regulation do not apply to any non-textile items (for example a coat made primarily out of fur, or leather, which are not textiles would not legally require any fur labelling), plus shoes or accessories such as pom pom keychains are also exempt.

Current EU fur labelling laws are inadequate and poorly implemented, creating a confused marketplace.

Customers care&#;and deserve better

Opinion polls for decades show that the vast majority of the British public want no part in the cruel fur trade, and would not buy or wear real animal fur.

A poll commissioned by HSI/UK and conducted by YouGov shows that the vast majority (85%) of consumers expect to see real animal fur clearly labelled as such in the clothes and accessories they buy. The poll also reveals that, in addition to labelling, people rely most heavily on fur feeling synthetic (50%) and a cheap price (47%) as lead indicators to assess whether fur is real or fake. In fact, neither represents a reliable method to distinguish real from fake fur, and labels are unreliable.

UK shoppers are not getting the information they need to make informed, ethical buying choices.

The Advertising Standards Agency recently upheld two complaints from HSI/UK where real fur had been described as faux fur. It has since issued an Enforcement Notice and guidance to retailers reminding them of their responsibilities when it comes to describing fur.

Read our blog: Lacking Infurmation

View details of our recent investigation

Found fake faux fur? Send us the details

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Bulk faux fur carpets. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.