Real Fur Vs. Faux

Both real and synthetic furs are common materials used to make outerwear like jackets and coats. Detractors of real fur view fake fur as a thrifty and animal-friendly substitute, whereas aficionados of genuine fur appreciate its luxurious nature.

Function

The softness and warmth of fur, real or fake, makes it an ideal material for cold-weather outerwear. Fur is also used as both a primary material and a trim for sweaters and accessories like scarves, hats and gloves. Both fake and real fur may also be used in the home as rugs or as an upholstery material for chairs and sofas.

Features

Fake fur, often known as faux fur, consists of fibers made from the synthetic chemical substances acrylic and polyester. Real fur is most often harvested from the pelts of animals raised on fur farms, though some comes from animals trapped in the wild.

Benefits

Fake fur comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles. It's inexpensive, easy to sew, machine washable and versatile. Wearers of real fur prize it for its luxurious feel and its reputation as a symbol of wealth and glamour. As the fur-wearing demographic grows younger, the options for fur coats and jackets have expanded to include a wider array of colors and trendier styles.

Considerations

Real fur is expensive. Animal-rights sympathizers object to the methods used in its production. According to the Global Action Network, furriers kill farm-raised animals via electrocution, gassing or lethal injection before skinning and processing their pelts, while animals raised on fur farms often live in cramped and unhygienic conditions. On the other hand, the production of fake fur contributes to environmental pollution, as the synthetic materials used in its construction are often petroleum-based. As the website GreenYour points out, the manufacturing of three fake-fur jackets uses a gallon of oil.

Warning

Those purchasing fake fur for its animal-friendly nature should read labels carefully to make sure the product is, in fact, animal-free. In 2006, the Humane Society of the United States discovered that jackets sold as part of the Sean John clothing line and jackets sold at Burlington Coat Factory under the Baby Phat label, both advertised as containing faux fur, actually contained real fur harvested from dogs.

References

• Humane Society: "Faux Fur" Is Actually Real
• GreenYour: Choose a Cruelty-Free Jacket
• Global Action Network: Fur Factory Farming