Fake fur, also called fun fur or faux fur, is any material made of synthetic fibers designed to resemble fur, normally as part of a piece of clothing. Its increasing popularity has been credited to its promotion by animal rights and animal welfare organizations which claim that it is an animal-friendly alternative when compare with traditional fur clothing. Faux fur is not only used in clothing, but also for stuffed animals, fashion accessory and home decorations like pillows, bedding and throws. It is also sometimes used for craft projects because it can be sewn on a sewing machine. Real fur is generally thicker and requires a special machine, hand sewing or an awl to sew it. The studies show faux fur is almost five times greener than your average mink.
Advantages of Faux Fur
The fur industry has tried to discredit faux fur manufacturers, claiming that the process is more damaging to the environment than “natural fur.” But a recent study from CE Delft reveals just the opposite, that even low-impact mink’s effects on the environment outweigh the making of faux fur. The study examines manufacturing, cold storage, cleaning and life of the garments, finding that faux fur is almost five times greener than your average mink.
The study compares a natural mink fur coat side by side with a faux fur coat (as we as a mink trimmed and faux fur trimmed). Aside from production, a heavy tax on the environment comes from the lifelong maintenance of natural fur increases its impact on climate change incredibly- especially for cold storage during summer months. The study also found that natural mink still has a greater environmental effect than five fur coats, even if cold storage and yearly cleaning aren’t performed.
- Fake fur is ethical and cruelty-free.
- Fake fur is a fabric; therefore it is relatively easy to sew with.
- Fake fur does not require or encourage the breeding of animals in factory farms like real fur.
- Fake fur does not require cold storage to prevent deterioration and is impervious to moths.
- The most important advantage of using faux fur is that you are freed of the guilt of killing animals to satisfy your wants.
- It is a cheaper alternative to expensive fur as synthetic fibers are used in its manufacturing. Even though it matches natural fur in looks, it is far more cost-effective.