What Is Faux Fur ? Characteristics & Trends

What Is Faux Fur ? Characteristics & Trends

Faux fur materials are pile textiles that are manufactured to replicate real fur’s texture and color.  This popular material is made from a wide range of textiles to resemble real fur without having to actually take fur from animals. Faux fur is usually made from synthetic materials like acrylic and polyester blends nowadays. It is important to note, however, that faux fur is made up of a variety of different materials depending on the producer, which may also include natural fibers such as wool or cotton. These materials create products that are so soft and authentic-looking, and in some cases it’s really hard to tell the difference. In comparison to animal fur, synthetic analogues are cheaper and more plentiful. Plus, they are more durable and resistant. Acrylics and modacrylics are the primary polymers used for faux fur. Most faux fur is made from silk, wool, or cotton.

The use of faux fur has become increasingly popular among fashion designers. Due to environmental concerns, these imitation fabrics have become increasingly popular worldwide, especially with vegans and animal rights activists. Over the past few years, the eco trend has emerged so greatly that many manufacturers of real fur garments design them to look artificial.

The History of Faux Fur

During harsh winters, our primitive ancestors used real fur to create coverings that kept them warm. The ancient Egyptians used fur as a symbol of power and wealth and as a sign of wealth. Fur from animals such as the fox, rabbit, mink, chinchilla, raccoon, beaver, wolf, and more maintained its popularity and prominence for many centuries until faux fur became popular in 1929.

The high demand and price tag of real fur in the early 20th century spurred people to develop faux fur materials that were similar to fur in look and feel, but more accessible and affordable. Alpaca fur was used to make the first faux fur products, which is still an animal type. Nevertheless, this material wasn't comparable to the high-quality real furs that were used back then, since it was of a low quality and didn't come in a wide range of colors and textures. Despite this fact, people purchased it because it was cheap, warm, and quite frankly, the best alternative at the time. As textile manufacturing technology progressed, manufacturers began improving faux fur production as time went on, beginning in the 1940s.In the 1950s, acrylic polymers were introduced as a substitute for the alpaca hair that had been used for 20 years. These materials could be colored and designed with a wide range of textures to better mimic real fur from desired animals like rabbits, foxes, and mink. In the middle of the 1950s, acrylic polymers that were being used to make faux fur were combined with other polymers to make products that are quite similar to those we see today, almost 60 years later.

How Is Faux Fur Made?

Faux fur products are manufactured almost completely automatically in the 21st century. That being said, there are still several steps involved in the process:

  • Several monomers are mixed in a large stainless steel container before being pressurized in a high-temperature environment to create synthetic fur fibers. In this process, powder is produced, which can then be dispersed in acetone to form a liquid.
  • The liquid mixture is then filtered and pumped through spinnerets to create the individual fibers that are then stretched and cut into size before being dyed.
  • Backing materials are typically made from cotton or wool, and are cut and prepared for attachment.
  • By weaving, tufting, or knitting, the faux fur fibers are attached to the backing material. Almost all faux fur products are made by knitting since it is the fastest and cheapest method.
  • The finishing steps of production include heating the fabric, brushing it, polishing the fibers, and applying an additional layer of color to the garment.

Latest Faux Fur Trends

Although faux fur is nothing new, you shouldn't ignore the big trends associated with faux fur. Keeping up with all the latest runway trends that change every season can be difficult at times. Thankfully, we have done the work for you, so here are some of the trends that we are obsessed with in 2022:

  • Faux fur vests and shawls
  • Faux fur jackets
  • Faux fur hats
  • Faux fur scarves
  • Faux fur handbags
  • Faux fur gloves
  • Faux fur can be used in the home as well as for clothing. Faux fur throw blankets are the perfect home décor product for winter. Faux fur pillows, rugs, and ottomans are also trendy options.

How to Style Faux Fur

There are so many ways to style faux fur that it’s really easy to do your own thing and let your unique style and personality shine through, whether it’s in your clothes or in your home. For those who are looking for inspiration when it comes to styling, here are some of our favorites:

  • Style faux fur with high heels and a dress
  • Dress it down with jeans and combat boots or sneakers
  • Add tons of stylish accessories to dress up with faux fur
  • Make a statement with colored faux fur combined with more neutral pieces
  • Warm up your home with faux fur accents that add color and texture to plain and neutral rooms
Hanggul is the ultimate one-stop shop for those who are planning to buy luxury faux fur fabrics. We offer the widest range, certified quality, luxurious packaging and free shipping across India. Visit hanggul.com to book your luxurious piece today.