What Is the Definition of Faux Fur?

Upon close inspection, faux fur is usually distinguishable from real fur.

Faux fur looks like real animal fur, but is made from synthetic materials. The word "faux" is French for false or fake. Faux fur is widely used in clothing and accessories. It has both advantages and disadvantages when compared to real fur.

Uses

Clothing designers use faux fur in just about every type of apparel imaginable. One popular use is lining the hoods of jackets, especially women's jackets. Faux fur is also used for teddy bears, blankets, purses and pillows.

Expense

Faux fur is generally much cheaper to buy and maintain than real fur. Real fur can be eaten by moth larvae and also deteriorates more rapidly in warm weather. To get the maximum life out of real furs, owners must often give them to a furrier during the summer to be stored in a special, unlit vault at about 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 percent humidity.

Use of Animals

The synthetic fibers of faux fur are not derived from animal products. Real furs, however, are made from one or more real animal skins.

Shedding

Faux fur is more apt to shed than real fur.

Heat Retention

Faux fur does not retain heat as well as real fur. For this reason, real fur is better for staying warm in extreme cold.

References

• Furs.com: Fur Care
• Fake Fur Definition: Faux Fur Definition