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How can you tell the difference between real fur and fake fur?
It has become increasingly more difficult to tell the difference between real fur and faux (fake) fur. This isn't a surprise, as technical advances in the faux fur manufacturing process have closed the gap look-wise in recent years.
This is a good thing from an ethical standpoint ' sewists and designers can now get the same style and look for their garment, accessory or sewing project without harming a living animal.
But since real fur and faux fur are virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye, this can raise concerns when purchasing, let's just say, a jacket with fur accent pieces. How can you reliably tell the difference between real fur and faux (fake) fur fabric to avoid any missteps?
Before we start comparing real fur and faux fur, we'll first define what they are individually. Due to the nature of the content, we won't go into specific examples or show any graphic imagery, but fair warning ' the real animal fur industry is a highly controversial (and disturbing) topic.
READ MORE: How Much Does Faux Fur Cost? A Guide to Faux Fur Prices
Don't let this deter you ' we'll provide all the information you'll need to make smart, informed decisions no matter if you're a consumer and shopping for yourself, or a sewist or designer looking for material and fabric for your next product line or sewing project.
Here's a closer look at what faux fur is, what real fur is and how to tell the difference between real and faux fur.
What is faux fur?
Faux fur and fake fur are two names that are used interchangeably in the fashion industry and sewing circles. More often than not, faux fur is a synthetic fabric made from a blend of acrylic and polyester fibers.
And because it's a manmade fabric (no animals are harmed in making faux fur), it can be manufactured in just about any color imaginable and comes in different weights and pile heights (thicknesses). This allows manufacturers and wholesalers like Shannon Fabrics to offer both classic animal prints and some wild, eye-catching prints and textures not found in nature.
READ MORE: What is Faux Fur? (Material, Textures, & Projects)
Due to a huge shift in the fashion industry, most affordable designer name brands only offer 'fur' apparel and accessories that are sewn with faux fur. It's not only more ethical and better for their brand image, but it's more affordable and easier to care for. Next time you see someone in public wearing something that looks like fur, don't be too quick to judge ' it's likely faux fur.
We may be a tad biased (in a good way) after selling faux fur for almost 25 years, but it's a fabric you truly have to feel in person to understand completely!
What is real fur?
If you're a little unsettled by the thought of real fur being used in apparel and accessories, we don't blame you. While you can certainly jump to the next section if needed, here we'll outline (as gently as possible) what real fur is and how it's 'made'.
Real fur, also called genuine fur, is generally from foxes or rabbits, although lynxes, chinchillas and raccoons are also common animals raised for their fur. In order to keep production costs down, these animals are crammed into small cages with other animals, with disease, parasites and unbearably high levels of stress prevalent throughout the 'farm' (the waste associated with these farms is highly toxic for the local environment, too).
Over half of the world's genuine fur comes from Europe, and most of these animals live painful, short lives. We'll spare you the details on how they're slaughtered, but as expected, it's inhumane and disturbing.
READ MORE: The 5 Best Faux Fur Wholesalers (Reviews/Ratings)
Once the fur is harvested, it's treated with harmful chemicals to prevent decomposing before being used as trim, lining or as the main substrate of a piece. Accessories and garments with real fur can cost several thousands of dollars depending on the quality of the fur and how much fur is used.
How to tell the difference between real fur and fake fur
Now that we've covered what faux fur and real fur are, you're probably wondering how to tell the difference between real fur and faux fur. Luckily, there are several easy ways to determine if the fabric or article of clothing in question is real or fake.
Note that not all of these are foolproof ' it might take a combination of a few different methods to make sure you're not purchasing real fur.
- Separate the fibers and look at the base
- Push a pin through the back
- Look for the price and read any attached labels
- Burn a few of the fibers
- Use the touch test
Separate the hair/fibers and look at the base to tell the difference between real fur and fake fur
Run your fingers through the fur to part the hair/fibers ' you should be able to see through to the base. This can get a tad more difficult with denser furs and fabrics.
Real (genuine) fur will have the hair attached to its solid, natural leather base. Faux (fake) fur will have have the fibers attached to a knitted base that is often a similar color (and will stretch a bit).
If possible, turn the fur in question over to check the backing ' this will make it easier to see the leather or the knitted base. While this is ideal, note that if the fur in question is sewn into a garment or accessory, you won't be able to do this and you'll have to separate the fur from the front (as mentioned above).
Push a pin through the back of the material to tell the difference between real fur and fake fur
This one is simple ' use a safety pin and try to push the tip through the fabric.
The pin should easily pierce through faux fur due to the knitted base, and it will be noticeably tougher to push through the leather in genuine fur.
Look for the price and read any attached labels to tell the difference between real fur and fake fur
While we wish telling the difference between real fur and fake fur is as simple as reading the label, be warned this can be misleading.
Additional reading:
4 Advice to Choose a Backpacks Wholesale
Are you interested in learning more about Factory Faux Rabbit Fur Rugs? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
If the label is marked as genuine or real fur, chances are it's right. Unfortunately though, a garment or accessory marked as faux fur can sometimes be real fur, so use the other methods listed here to determine if the label is correct.
READ MORE: 8 Best Sewing Projects and Uses for Faux Fur Fabric
Looking at the price is also another way to tell if the fur is real or fake. Real, genuine furs can cost thousands of dollars and are usually found in name-brand high-end shops. While this is generally the case, note that Chinese fur production has significantly lowered the price of genuine animal fur in recent years - making it more competitive.
Burn a few of the hairs/fibers to tell the difference between real fur and fake fur
Burning a few of the hairs or fibers is a pretty reliable way to tell the difference between real fur and fake fur. We advise you use this tactic at home (instead of a store) in a safe, flame-proof space.
Pull out a few hairs/fibers from an inconspicuous spot on the garment, and hold them to a lit match (ideally over a sink). Faux fur will curl and smell like melted plastic, and real genuine fur will singe and smell like burnt hair.
Use the touch test to tell the difference between real fur and fake fur
This one is also subjective and works best when you can compare a real fur garment and a fake fur garment next to each other.
Despite looking deceptively similar to real genuine fur, faux fur can have a completely different feel depending on the quality of the synthetic fibers.
Genuine fur is usually soft, smooth and dense like a dog's or cat's coat, and the hair will easily part as you slide your fingers through it. Faux fur, especially less expensive faux fur, can often feel more coarse, and if your hands are damp or moist, will sometimes stick to your fingers.
Parting thoughts - real fur vs. faux fur fabric
As you can see, there are some pretty stark differences between real fur and faux fur despite looking so similar.
Luckily, throughout our 25 years of being in the fabric and textile industry, we've seen a major shift from manufacturers and fashion brands using real furs to opting instead for faux fur. Despite this, the animal fur industry is still a multi-billion dollar global industry that is fueled by demand from often uninformed consumers.
READ MORE: 7 Must-Try Faux Fur Sewing Tips
By keeping the tips listed above in mind, you'll be able to make smart, sustainable decisions without sacrificing style, form or function. Do your research ' only align with brands who are transparent with their business practices, and who publicly make a stance against using real animal fur in their collections and products.
Here at Shannon Fabrics, we offer over 130 different faux furs that are not only free from animal products, but are super durable, weaved with top-shelf synthetic yarn and are as soft and cozy as you'd expect. We've created a library of free tips and tricks, patterns and videos to not only educate, but to share our love of sewing with this ethical, irresistible fabric.
If you have any questions about faux fur or how to use faux fur in your next sewing project, feel free to contact our team of friendly, no-pressure customer service team at 866-624-.
Feeling inspired? Use our store locator to find faux fur fabric near you.
Faux Fur Rug Buyer's Guide
If you are hoping to revamp a space in your home or office, a faux fur rug is one of the best ways to make a statement. Faux fur rugs are comfortable, chic, and can elevate the ambiance of any room to create a more stylish and sophisticated look ' and with faux fur, you can do all this in an animal friendly way! Shopping for a faux fur rug can be intimidating, but we have all the information you need to decide on the right size, color, and brand for your needs.
What size Faux Fur Rug Should I Get?
When adding a rug to your space, deciding on the size and shape is the best place to start. The ideal rug size will depend on the area you are putting it in, your furniture layout, and whether it will be the only rug in the space. To determine the perfect size, measure your room carefully and tape out exactly where you think the rug should go. If you are hoping to layer your faux fur rug on top of a larger area rug, you will likely want to choose one that is at least half the size of your base rug so your new rug will stand out.
Best Rooms for a Faux Fur Rug
Faux fur rugs are extremely versatile, and as such, there are many different options for what rooms to adorn with these beautiful floor pieces. Faux fur rugs work great in bedrooms, as they are soft for bare feet, and they can also be a smart choice for playrooms or nurseries as they're comfortable for young children to sit and lay on. If you would like to add a luxurious look to your office or living room, a faux fur rug can be a great way to do that as well.
Best Colors for a Faux Fur Rug
Faux fur rugs come in a variety of colors, making them a fantastic way to express your unique sense of style in every room. If you are going for a neutral color scheme, a classic white or tan rug could be a good option. However, if you would like to get more playful, faux fur rugs come in pinks, blues, greens, and more. If you would really like to make a statement, consider a large area rug in a neutral color layered under a faux fur rug in a brighter tone to stand out.
How to Clean a Faux Fur Rug
Though it is important to check the care instructions for your specific rug, most faux fur rugs are quite easy to clean! For small stains and spot cleaning, a bit of soap and water will generally do the trick. For a deeper clean or to get out extra soiled spots, you can generally machine wash the rug and allow it to air dry before putting it back down.
Faux Fur Rug Buying Tips
Bringing a room together with the right furniture, rugs, and decor is an exciting process! Start by doing your research to make sure you are buying the right faux fur rug for your needs. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when shopping for a faux fur rug for your space:
Decide on the size of rug you need.
Ultimately, the size of rug you are looking for will dictate every other aspect of the purchase process, so it is the best place to start! Measure the area where you would like a rug and determine exactly what size faux fur rug would complete the space.
Consider what color scheme you would like.
There are so many options for decorating with color, so you really can't go wrong here'it is simply about deciding what color works best for your needs! If you are buying the rug to go in an existing area, consider what colors would go best in the space. If you plan to decorate around the rug, you will have more options for your color choices and you can select the rest of the furniture in the room to match your centerpiece faux fur rug.
Browse our fantastic selection of faux fur rugs.
You have come to the right spot! We offer a wide variety of sizes and colors, and have friendly staff that will set your rug buying experience apart. We have a reputation for selling high quality rugs so you can be certain you are getting a product that will last you for years to come!
Can you Vacuum a Faux Fur Rug?
Vacuuming your faux fur rug regularly is one of the best ways to keep it clean and looking like new. It is important to make sure that you use the vacuum cleaner's high pile or thick carpet setting so it is able to properly vacuum the fibers.
How to Wash a Faux Fur Rug
The great news about faux fur rugs is that they are typically quite easy to wash at home. Check your specific care instructions to be sure, but generally, you can wash a faux fur rug in your washing machine on a delicate cycle using gentle laundry detergent, then simply allow it to air dry before placing it back on the floor.
How to Fix a Matted Faux Fur Rug
If your faux fur rug becomes matted, fixing it is quite easy! Start by shaking out the rug to move the fibers around. Then, using a clean pet hair brush, brush the rug fibers in the opposite direction of their natural lay pattern to get them to stand up on their own. If it does not feel smooth, you can also combine a teaspoon of hair conditioner with two cups of water in a spray bottle and spritz this on the rug before brushing.
How to Remove Pet stains out of a Faux Fur Rug
Accidents happen, and if your pup has had one on your faux fur rug, don't sweat it! To remove a stain from a rug, simply blot up as much of the liquid as possible, then spray a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water on the spot. Allow to sit for about a minute, then blot up the vinegar solution and repeat as necessary.
Rugs with Bonded Suede Backing
Rugs with bonded suede backing, a flexible material that is multi-functional, make rugs easy to fold and carry and versatile. Rugs with bonded suede backing can be used as a blanket or decorative quilt and rugs with this backing are outdoor friendly. Please note that rugs without this backing are not washing machine safe.
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