Expert Tips for Choosing High-Quality Faux Fur This Autumn
As faux fur returns to fashion, an industry expert shares key indicators to distinguish between chic and tacky pieces.
Fake fur is making a comeback this autumn, with retailers like M&S, Zara, and Next releasing new collections featuring fur trim coats, fuzzy cuffs, and statement collars. While often viewed as a more affordable and cruelty-free alternative to real fur, the quality of faux fur can vary significantly, impacting its overall appearance and longevity.
Hester Moore, who leads the luxury faux fur brand Helen Moore, emphasizes that high-quality faux fur should be appreciated as a fabric in its own right, rather than merely an imitation of real fur. She notes that poorly made faux fur can quickly appear tacky, characterized by bald patches, matted fibers, or an unnatural sheen.
Moore offers seven key indicators to help consumers identify well-made faux fur:
Texture and Feel
A quick rub test can reveal the quality of the fibers. Good faux fur should feel soft and fluid, without any stiffness or crunchiness that might lead to matting. Stiff or spiky fibers often signal lower-quality materials.
Backing Integrity
When examining faux fur, the backing material that holds the fibers should not be visible. If the backing is apparent when the fur is gently blown on, it indicates a low density of fibers, making the item prone to thinning and shedding.
Drape and Lining
The way a faux fur garment hangs, or drapes, is crucial. Cheaper versions may have thick, slick linings like satin polyester, which detract from the drape and cause the item to shift easily. Higher-quality pieces often use softer linings, such as velvet, allowing for a more natural and fluid fold, similar to real fur.
Sheen Level
Ideal faux fur strikes a balance between being too dull and excessively shiny. An overly reflective surface can appear flat and lack texture. A desirable sheen should exhibit movement and a natural-looking luster, easily observable under shop lighting.
Fiber Shedding
Excessive shedding is a significant red flag. If fibers come off easily when touched or pulled gently in the store, the garment is likely to become thin and patchy over time. High-quality faux fur should shed minimally, if at all.
Fiber Variation
Natural fur typically consists of fibers of varying lengths, which contribute to its insulation and texture. Good faux fur mimics this by incorporating a mix of shorter and longer fibers, creating a denser and more natural appearance.
Seam Quality
The construction of the garment is also a key quality indicator. Fibers should not be caught or visible within the seams. Well-made items will have seams that are brushed out to ensure no fibers are sewn in, preventing a jagged or lopsided look.
When shopping online, Moore suggests looking for indicators of origin, such as items made in the UK, which may suggest greater attention to detail in manufacturing. The density of the fabric and clear images showing hair length can also provide clues. Regarding price, Moore suggests that extremely low-cost items, such as a £15 faux fur hat, may not be a wise investment, advocating for purchasing pieces that are expected to last for a decade or more.
Proper care is essential for maintaining the quality of faux fur. Items should be hung in a wardrobe with adequate air circulation, rather than being stuffed into drawers. If faux fur gets wet, it should be allowed to dry naturally and then shaken to restore its texture; radiators should be avoided as they can damage the fibers. A dog brush or hairbrush can be used to revitalize the fur. For cleaning, a sponge wipe or professional dry cleaning is recommended. Moore believes that with the right investment and care, high-quality faux fur pieces can last a lifetime.