What is Faux Fur? - Jayley | Blog

An alternative to real fur, faux fur is a warm, durable and versatile fabric commonly used in fashion to make outerwear and accessories. 

Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

With its ethical advantages over real fur, faux fur provides stylish wearability whilst being completely animal friendly.

Read on to discover everything you&#;ve ever needed to know about faux fur!

Table of contents:

What is faux fur made from?

Why is faux fur bad?

Is faux fur animal-friendly?

Why is faux fur so expensive?

Is faux fur worse than real fur?

What is ethical fur?

Is faux fur warmer than fur?

What is faux fur made of?

A blend of polyester, modacrylic and acrylic fibres, faux fur, also known as fake or synthetic fur, is a pile fabric that simulates real animal fur. 

First introduced in , faux fur was originally made from alpaca hair. By the s, however, the quality of fake furs had vastly improved thanks to advances in textile manufacturing technology. 

In the s, acrylic polymers replaced alpaca hair to create the first fully synthetic fur coats. 

Today, faux fur is primarily made from a blend of acrylic and modacrylic polymers. Easy to cut, shape and process during manufacturing, faux fur can easily replicate the texture and appearance of real fur.

Other than the obvious animal-friendly advantages, synthetic furs made from polymers can also sustain dye no matter how often they are washed. And, unlike real fur, they don&#;t require cold storage to prevent deterioration.

Why is faux fur bad?

Although cruelty-free and better for animal welfare, many argue against faux fur and its environmental impact.

Unlike real fur, synthetic fur is manufactured using synthetic fibres and non-renewable petroleum-based products; therefore, it isn&#;t biodegradable, taking hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. 

Synthetic clothing is one of the largest contributors to microplastic pollution in the UK due to our fast-fashion, throwaway culture.

Faux fur&#;s acrylic and polyester properties damage the environment by releasing microfibres into our waterways when washed. These toxic microplastics pollute waters and could enter our food chains if eaten by aquatic life.

However, faux fur is still a humane alternative to real fur, and although it has a planetary impact, if you look after yours correctly, you&#;ll help to minimise this.

How to prevent your faux fur from landfill

• Buy good quality faux fur and invest in pieces you&#;ll wear multiple times.
• If your faux fur needs some TLC, visit a local sewist to fix unwanted rips, splits and tears.
• If you get bored of your faux fur, consider selling it or donating it to charity instead of throwing it away.
• Take care of your items by hanging them in an airy space away from direct sunlight when they&#;re not in use.

Is faux fur animal-friendly?

Faux fur is a perfect vegan and cruelty-free option for those who love the look of fur but not at an animal&#;s expense.

Faux fur is completely artificial and free from animal derivatives, made from synthetic materials, acrylics, modacrylics and polyesters. With advances in textile technology, faux furs are now produced from bio-based fabrics, plant-based ingredients, and even 3D-printed hairs, reducing their environmental impact.

 Why is faux fur so expensive?

The cost of faux fur varies widely, reflecting the quality and durability of the fabric.

Most faux fur is made from polyester and acrylic blended yarn knitted into a fabric backing. 

The higher the yarn quality and the more durable, soft, and authentic the faux fur, the more it will impact the finished fabric&#;s price.

The heaviest faux fur fabrics are the most expensive, as they require extended knitting time and more dye, increasing the price of the finished garment.

Similarly, a faux fur fabric in one block requires less manufacturing time than a coat with various textures or colours and is usually cheaper.

How faux fur finishing processes affect the price 

• A faux fur solid is the least expensive. These faux furs require a tumbling process before manufacturing, with no other processes applied.
• A faux fur fabric that starts as a solid but then has a second colourway printed on top is slightly more expensive.
• Discharge printing uses a strip-away solution to remove part of the yarn&#;s colour, allowing more colours to be added to give the fabric variety. A lengthier process, the price of this faux fur fabric will be much higher than a basic solid.
• The most expensive finishing process is a jacquard weave, where various coloured yarns are woven to make a unique pattern. Much slower than other processes, a manufacturer may only make around 90 metres of fabric per day using this technique instead of roughly 640 metres per day of faux fur solids.

As with most things, the cost of your faux fur will truly reflect its quality, density and durability.

A higher-priced faux fur garment will more likely withstand multiple wears if looked after correctly.

Is faux fur worse than real fur?

Faux fur is a niche material, representing just 0.1% of the 80 billion garments produced globally every year. 

Although blamed for polluting the environment with microfibres, faux fur coats require much less frequent washing than most synthetic garments and take four times less energy to manufacture than a real fur coat. 

As a synthetic fabric, faux fur is denounced for its impact on the environment, but as an ethical alternative, there are no real arguments to suggest that it&#;s worse than real fur.

What is ethical fur?

Ethical fur is a by-product of meat production.

When livestock are killed for meat, their pelt and skin are discarded. Ethical fur production uses this by-product for clothes, shoes and home textiles, transforming waste into something of value. 

Similarly, if animals are culled for environmental management, their fur could be considered ethical if used in textile production.

Is faux fur warmer than real fur?

Although faux fur can replicate real fur in appearance, it struggles to compete for warmth.

Due to its synthetic nature, faux fur doesn&#;t allow the skin to breathe and isn&#;t as insulating as real fur naturally grown by animals for insulation. Most real fur coats also benefit from having an inner fur lining for added warmth.

Although faux fur is the obvious and most ethical choice for fashion, real fur is more suitable for hiking, skiing or mountain climbing as it&#;s better equipped to protect the wearer from harsh conditions. Real fur can also keep snow at its top surface layer to prevent freezing.

Faux fur clothing and accessories at Jayley 

Our faux fur clothing collection has you covered for every occasion. Whether it is a striking leopard print faux fur jacket for a glamorous night out, a stylish faux fur cardigan to elevate your office looks, or a cosy faux fur gilet for the transitional seasons, we&#;re confident you will find a piece you&#;ll treasure in the collection at Jayley. 

Jayley Cashmere and Banana Blend Cardigan

If you want to dip your toe into the faux fur trend first, or you&#;re looking for even more ways to incorporate it into your looks, our collection of faux fur accessories is the place for you. 

Stay warm in style with our faux fur hats, gloves and scarves &#; available in a beautiful range of colours and prints, from pastels and brights to classic monochrome styles. 

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Huihai.

Rock faux fur all year round with a statement faux fur bag from Jayley. Discover our extensive collection and find bags for every occasion, whether it&#;s a clutch bag to carry your night-out essentials or a faux fur tote bag to carry everything you need in spacious style. Or, why not browse our faux fur cross body and bum bags and find your new festival companion?

Jayley Black Faux Fur Bum Bag

High-quality garments that will last a lifetime with the correct care, there&#;s never been a better time to shop faux fur and banish the cold. Discover the full faux fur collection at Jayley today and fall in love with your new wardrobe staples. 

Related Articles:

How to Care for Faux Fur

Guide to Cashmere Scarves

How to Wear a Cape or Poncho

Introduction: The debate between faux fur and real fur coats has been a long-standing one, with fashion enthusiasts and animal rights activists on opposite sides of the spectrum. Both types of fur have their unique qualities, but they also come with their own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between faux fur and real fur coats, allowing you to make an informed choice that aligns with your values and preferences.

Faux Fur Coats:

Pros:

1. Cruelty-Free: Faux fur is made from synthetic materials like acrylic and polyester, making it an ethical choice for those who oppose animal cruelty. No animals are harmed in the production of faux fur coats, making them a compassionate option.

2. Affordable: Faux fur coats are generally more budget-friendly than their real fur counterparts. This affordability allows a broader range of consumers to enjoy the luxury and warmth of fur-like outerwear without breaking the bank.

3. Variety of Colors and Styles: Faux fur can be manufactured in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing for creative and diverse fashion choices. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more unique, faux fur offers versatility.

4. Easy Care: Faux fur is often easier to care for than real fur. It is typically machine washable and less prone to damage from moisture, making it a practical choice for everyday wear.

Cons:

1. Less Durability: Faux fur coats may not be as durable as real fur coats. Over time, the synthetic fibers can wear down, leading to a less luxurious appearance.

2. Environmental Impact: While faux fur is cruelty-free, it is not entirely environmentally friendly. The production of synthetic materials can have negative impacts on the environment, such as the release of microplastics during washing.

Real Fur Coats:

Pros:

1. Natural Insulation: Real fur is known for its exceptional insulation properties, keeping you incredibly warm in cold weather. It's a superb choice for extreme cold conditions.

2. Luxurious Appearance: Real fur has a timeless and luxurious look and feel that is hard to replicate with synthetic materials. It often carries a certain status and elegance.

3. Longevity: With proper care, real fur coats can last for decades, making them an investment piece that can be passed down through generations.

Cons:

1. Ethical Concerns: The biggest ethical issue surrounding real fur is the treatment of animals in the fur industry. Many animals, including mink and foxes, are raised in captivity and subjected to inhumane conditions before being killed for their fur.

2. High Cost: Real fur coats come with a hefty price tag due to the labor-intensive process of fur harvesting and preparation. This makes them less accessible to many consumers.

3. Maintenance: Real fur coats require special care and storage to maintain their quality. They are sensitive to moisture and must be professionally cleaned, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Another Thing to Consider:

For me personally, I try to meet in the middle. I only purchase vintage furs. Furs of animals that have already been killed and worn by amazing women who have lead extraordinary lives. It is so fun to open those fur coats and see the initials of the women who have own them and then of those of whom they've been passed down too. Stitching in your initials to your fur coat, might be my most favorite part of owning a fur coat. I look forward to passing a few down to my daughters. It will be beautiful to see them sew in their own initials under mine, and the women who donned it before me. 

Buying vintage furs, also known as pre-owned or second-hand fur garments, can be a responsible and ethical choice for several reasons. Here are some compelling reasons why it's often considered best to buy vintage furs:

1. Sustainability: One of the most significant advantages of purchasing vintage furs is its sustainability. By buying a vintage fur coat, you are not contributing to the demand for new fur production, which can be harmful to the environment. The fashion industry is a significant contributor to pollution, and choosing vintage furs helps reduce the industry's carbon footprint.

2. Ethical Considerations: Vintage fur coats have already been produced, often decades ago. By purchasing a vintage fur, you are not directly supporting the fur industry's practices, which are often criticized for their treatment of animals. This allows individuals to enjoy the beauty and warmth of fur without participating in the unethical aspects of the fur trade.

3. Preservation of History and Craftsmanship: Many vintage fur coats are works of art, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and design from a bygone era. Buying vintage furs helps preserve these pieces of history and honors the skilled artisans who created them. It allows you to own a unique and often heirloom-quality garment.

4. Unique and Timeless Style: Vintage furs offer a unique and timeless style that stands out in today's fashion landscape. These pieces often feature designs and fur types that are no longer in production, making them distinctive and a statement of personal style.

5. Value for Money: Vintage fur coats are typically more affordable than new fur garments. You can find high-quality vintage furs at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new fur coat of similar quality. This value for money is especially appealing to those who appreciate fur's warmth and luxury but have budget constraints.

6. Reducing Waste: Buying vintage furs contributes to reducing textile waste. When you buy second-hand clothing, you extend the life of the garment and prevent it from ending up in a landfill, promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.

7. Customization and Repurposing: Vintage furs can often be altered, repurposed, or restyled to fit your specific preferences. This allows for personalization and the creation of a truly unique piece of outerwear.

8. No New Animal Harm: By choosing vintage furs, you are not contributing to the demand for new fur production and, therefore, not supporting the raising and killing of animals for their fur. This aligns with the values of individuals who are concerned about animal welfare.

Conclusion: The choice between faux fur and real fur coats ultimately comes down to personal values, budget, and style preferences. Faux fur offers a humane and budget-friendly option with a wide variety of styles, while real fur provides unparalleled warmth and luxury but raises ethical concerns and comes at a higher cost. 

When making your decision, consider your stance on animal rights, environmental impact, and your fashion priorities. Whichever choice you make, remember that fashion can be both stylish and responsible, allowing you to express your individuality while aligning with your values.

XX

Lana

Are you interested in learning more about Bulk faux fur carpets? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!