Faux fur, or fake fur, is a new version of responsibility and luxury made of 100% cruelty-free synthetic fibers. There is no better winter-statement piece than a faux fur coat. This cozy and chic jacket can elevate your casual outfit while adding a glamorous touch to formal winter wear while keeping you toasty in the coldest of weather. What are the types of faux fur coats?
Faux fur coats are available in short, medium, and long pile lengths. A myriad of patterns, colors, and styles also exist. The most popular fur imitations include mink, chinchilla, fox, rabbit, sheepskin (sherpa), and beaver.
Multitudes of labels are now opting for fur-free products. So, brands have upped their game with new faux fur materials and styles. They provide cruelty-free, sustainable, and cost-effective products, removing the need for the real deal.
So now that the chilly winter temperatures are seeping, it’s time to learn what types of faux fur coats are available.
Related: Faux Fur vs Real Fur
What Are The Types Of Faux Fur Coats?
Animal-friendly faux fur coats are the perfect addition to winter wardrobes. The broad range of faux garments and coat styles is vastly expanding.
You can choose whichever style fits your needs: from a stylish cropped bomber jacket to a knee-length coat or a cozy, long shaggy coat.
You can also try various pile lengths, ranging from short to long. In addition, a myriad of colors exists, including classic black, white, or brown, and vibrant multicolored or dappled fur.
Faux fur coat fashion options include:
- Faux fur jackets
- Faux fur crop jackets
- Faux fur coats
- Faux fur mid-length coats
- Faux fur long coats
- Faux fur vests
- Faux fur hoodies
- Faux fur stoles and shawls
- Faux fur collars
- Fully lined faux coats
Artificial fur coats are created to imitate the real thing.
We can divide the types of fur coats according to the animal fur it looks and feels like; some of the popular texture varieties include:
| Common Faux Coat Fabric Textures | Luxury Faux Fur Fabric Textures | New, Offbeat Faux Coat Fabric Textures |
|
|
|
Each faux fur fabric offers a distinct pile varying in length and texture (softness). More so, faux fur coats have distinct naps in −the direction in which the pile (fake fur fibers) is leaning.
The available fabric of the faux fur coats on the market today includes:
- short pile faux fur or low pile faux fur
- medium pile faux fur
- long-pile faux fur
What Is Faux Fur?
Authentic modern fake fur, also known as faux fur, is a type of synthetic fabric first created in the mid-1950s to stimulate the aesthetics of real animal fur. Interestingly, faux fur wasn’t first introduced for its sustainability. Instead, manufacturers grabbed the opportunity to make easy money −faux is a lot cheaper than animal fur.
To create this manmade fabric, manufacturers compress blends of polymer fibers like polyester, acrylic, modacrylics, and other synthetic materials. The singular use or combination of acrylic and modacrylic fibers provides the springy, lightweight texture that gives the fabric its fluffy look and feel.
They are then weaved, sewn, or knit together using other textiles like cotton, silk, or wool to attach the fibers and resemble genuine fur accessories. Although faux furs can never match the actual characteristics of natural furs, they have certain advantages over their natural counterpart.
Unlike natural animal furs, manufacturers can color faux furs in almost every shade, allowing for more play and dramatic color combinations. Additionally, synthetic materials are durable and resistant. So, manufacturers can cut, shape, and process the fabric to match natural fur texture, including short, medium, and long-pile faux fur.
Faux fur is also more accessible and ethical than real fur, and it doesn’t require expensive care and storage. This animal-friendly fabric is versatile, durable, and warm. Hence, the wide range of fashion accessories, including coats, jackets, coats, vests, and shawls. Because of these advantages, along with environmental concerns and animal rights, more people are leaning towards purchasing faux fur.
What Does Faux Fur Feel Like?
As the name implies, faux fur is made up of synthetic materials and won’t be able to truly match the feel of real animal fur. In addition, the way it feels vastly depends on the quality of the fibers used in production.
Suppose your skin isn’t used to the feeling of faux fur. It might have a scratchy or itchy feeling, especially when it’s made from poor-quality synthetic fibers. It also lacks the lustrous sheen and fades when washed or dry-cleaned.
On the other hand, high-quality faux fur feels smooth and warm to the skin even if you’re unfamiliar with its texture. In addition, quality fur retains its shape and color despite regular washing or dry-cleaning.
Fake fur can successfully compete with natural fur and wool products regarding heat retention. It also consists of closely packed strands of fur that help trap the icy air and ensure heat insulation.
The Primary Types Of Faux Fur
Faux fur is made to resemble genuine fur.
Manufacturers can match a specific animal’s fur texture with impressive accuracy! So, faux fur coats are available in various types and textiles depending on the type of animal fur they are supposed to imitate.
For example, faux fox fur and faux sheepskin fur will look and feel nothing alike as they are made to take after the appearance of the actual animals.
Each faux fur fabric has a distinct pile that can vary in length and softness. The faux fur also has a distinct nap, referring to the direction the pile is leaning because of how the fibers connect to the backing material.
The three primary and equally popular faux fur textures on the market today include:
- short pile faux fur or low pile faux fur
- medium pile faux fur
- long-pile faux fur
The different lengths and textures add depth to a coat, delivering a visually interesting yet accurate representation of the fur imitation, be it a yak, rabbit, fox, alpaca, or weasel fur.
The Most Popular Faux Fur Fabrics
It’s nearly impossible to mention the most popular fax fur fabrics with the forever-changing styles and the undying creativity and innovative designs. However, we’ll mention the classics that never seem to go out of style.
The most popular faux fur fabrics include:
Mink Faux Fur
Mink fur is the most popular fur choice globally −it has been a leading fashion statement for 70 years. Its faux counterpart follows shortly.
Mink faux fur coats are fashionably short, dense, and soft as a cloud. Opt for a cruelty-free and cost-effective option for those who dream of owning a mink fur coat,
Natural mink colors include browns, blues, pearls, and lavenders.
Chinchilla Faux Fur
Chinchilla faux fur is another highly sought-after choice due to its ultra-soft quality. As a result, authentic chinchilla coats are high in demand and positioned as one of the priciest fur coats.
Chinchilla faux fur coats range from short to long pile lengths. They also mostly imitate the unique shades of gray of the actual chinchilla fur.
Fox Fur Coat
Authentic fox fur coats began rising in popularity in the 1960s, which is when various types of fur coats started becoming more affordable. Today, fox coats remain a fashion statement all around the world.
Fox fur is long, fluffy, and silky. In addition, it exhibits a wide array of trimmings and natural colors, including red, gray, white, silver, and even blue.
Fox faux fur coats are just as popular. It is often used for coat trimming and capes, but you can also get a full coat made from faux fox fur.
Rabbit Faux Fur
Genuine rabbit fur is known as the “great imitator” that can be made to resemble just about all fur varieties.
Thanks to its affordability, rabbit fur is also the most popular and distributed fur to the general public.
Faux rabbit fur can also imitate most fur varieties, making it a popular choice for customers (even if they are unaware). In addition, faux rabbit fur takes after the warmth and appearance of real rabbits. So you can expect it to feel so soft and ticklish on your skin.
Sheepskin Faux Fur (Sherpa)
By nature, genuine sheepskin coats are water-resistant, moisture-wicking, highly durable, and protect from frigid winters.
Sheepskin coats generally have a higher price tag due to their durability and low maintenance. They consist of several elements, including fur, leather, and wool. However, cheaper faux counterparts are deemed as warm and durable as shearling.
You can find sherpa coats ranging from elegant to super casual. They are available in unique styles and silky silhouettes for men and women.
Sherpa coats consist of plush fabrics, fleece, and looped materials to recreate sheep’s wool. Sherpa jackets and coats are slinking down the runways in the 2022 season.
Beaver Faux Fur
Sheared beaver fur coats are popular for many benefits, including their soft texture, warmth, water repulsion, and cost.
Faux beaver fur coats provide similar attractive and soft piles. In addition, they are equally durable and cost-effective.
Faux Fur Colors
Color-wise, real animal fur usually comes in single or double colors, varying between black, white, and shades of brown. The colors of fur coats or accessories were the same natural color scheme as the original animal skin.
While solid or faux furs are most popular, the only boundaries regarding color are the limitations of the designer! You can explore leopard, tiger, and lynx patterns in natural color schemes or vibrant neon alternatives.
Models of coats and jackets also vary in great varieties of monochromatic, bright, two-tone, three-tone, neon, and psychedelic colors. There is truly something for every style!
Styles Of Faux Fur Coats
There are various styles of faux fur coats available. Some of the most bought coats are as follows:
- faux fur jackets
- faux fur crop jackets
- faux fur coats
- faux fur mid-length coats
- faux fur vests
- faux fur hoodies
- stoles and shawls
- faux fur collars
How Do I Choose The Best Faux Fur Coat?
The best faux fur coat truly depends on personal style and preference.
However, a few pointers include opting for a faux fur coat that features high-quality fabric and construction. In addition, the design or print should be appealing and well-suited to your (or the wearer) figure.
As with any clothing article, the ideal shape and cut vary from person to person; you can’t match a coat style for a tall or plus-sized person with a short, petite person.
Follow these straightforward tips when choosing a faux fur coat:
Always Opt For A High-Quality Faux Fur Coat
While we all love saving money where possible, faux fur coats are already a cheaper version of genuine animal fur jackets. So you won’t regret spending an extra penny in the long run.
The way a faux fur coat is constructed affects the overall fit, appearance, and comfort.
Faux fur fabric has a sturdy, stiff backing that can be uncomfortable without a full lining. Unfortunately, cheaper, low-quality brands can be scarce in this regard, leaving you with an ill-fitted coat.
Cheaper, low-quality faux fur coats also tend to be scratchy and lose their sheen and bright colors after a wash.
So, to avoid disappointment and having to purchase another coat next winter, consider investing in a high-quality faux fur coat.
You’re looking for a dense and full fabric coat with a soft, flexible backing. Although coat styles vary immensely, keep an eye out for authentic-looking fur that resembles a real animal’s pelt.
If you lean towards the authentic and wild spectrum or rainbow colors, at least look for complete coverage and consistent coloring throughout the coat.
Match A Faux Fur Coat To Your Body Type
Body types always have and always will play a vital role in selecting the best faux fur coat for any individual. However, don’t worry. There’s an authentic coat for every unique body shape.
Faux fur coats are fluffy and dense and can seem to add extra size to a person’s silhouette. So, petite individuals can pull off the waist and hip-length coat styles. However, a larger person might want to consider a short, crop jacket to define their waist area.
Take your height into account too. Trying on a coat sounds like work, but looking in the mirror while wearing the coat gives you an indication of whether the coat’s length suits you or not. This simple step will save you an unnecessary purchase.
Then, a long coat will be best suited if you need a coat to wear in biting cold weather. Long faux fur coats provide the most protection. Fortunately, long coats lend a luxurious and elegant appearance that you can pair with special dinners or formal occasions.
However, opt for a short coat if you’d like a faux fur coat that you can wear year-round. Short coats are available in endless styles and sizes; you can wear them as an accessory or with a casual outfit.
Note that individual preferences can and should vary. Our style expressions are what make us unique! So, we recommend trying on a few different styles before settling for the first faux fur coat on the rack.
Choose a style that fits your figure and personality. Play around with styles from cropped bomber jackets to long shaggy coats and knee-length trench coats. Experiment with various pile lengths and nude to vibrant colors and prints.
Just have fun!
Faux Fur Coats Care & Storage Guide
Faux fur coats are popular thanks to their classy appearance and affordability. They provide the same luxurious feel and warmth at a fraction of the price of real fur coats.
It takes extra care to keep faux fur coats or hood trims and collars looking their best. Faux fur coats offer several advantages over real fur:
- Faux fur coats are more resistant to insect damage
- Faux fur coats can withstand humidity and temperature changes during storage
- Most faux fur coats can be cleaned at home instead of going to the dry cleaner
Despite faux fur coats’ advantages to real fur, they also require proper care and storage to keep them in tip-top condition. Here’s how to take proper care of your faux fur coat to ensure it remains durable and classy for years to come.
Avoid Getting Faux Fur Coats Wet
The best way to ensure your faux coat lasts for years is to plan ahead to prevent the coat from getting wet.
Faux fur material isn’t equipped to withstand wet conditions, so we recommend making alternate selections during wet weather. Water, unfortunately, destroys the lining and damages the synthetic fibers.
So, avoid wearing faux fur coats in rainy and snowy weather or keep an umbrella at hand during the winter months.
Brush Your Faux Fur Coat
It is vital to brush your faux fur coat using a soft-bristled brush to smooth the fabric, remove tangles, and remove most dust and debris. You can also give the coat a proper shaking to remove the dust without damaging the fibers from excess brushing.
Ensure to brush the coat along the pile’s direction to prevent fiber removal or the bunching and matting of the fake fur.
Store Your Faux Fur Coat In A Cool, Dry Place
Ensure to store your faux fur coat in a cool, dry place to prevent the coat’s lining from sweating and the fine fibers from frizzing.
Aim to choose a location that doesn’t have exposure to excessive heat or light to avoid discoloration. Next, prevent unnatural flattening by ensuring the coat isn’t cramped or smothered against other garments. Lastly, consider storing your faux fur coat in a garment bag to protect it against temperature changes.
Take Your Faux Fur Coat For Professional Cleaning
Even though you can handwash your faux fur coat, we recommend sending it for a professional cleaning. Aim to wash your coat every season to keep it looking its best.
If you choose the risky option of handwashing your coat, ensure to use approved cleaning solutions specially designed for faux fur. These products will reduce the possibility of fabric damage like matting and staining.
Then, avoid drying your faux fur coat with heated drying appliances. Instead, lie the coat flat on a drying rack to prevent the weight of the water from distorting the shape and leave it to air dry.
Cleaning Faux Fur Coats & Trims At Home
While we recommend taking your faux fur coats to a professional for cleaning, we’ll provide a short guide for those up for a challenge.
| How to wash faux fir coats & trims | |
| water temperature | Cold |
| detergent | Mild (preferably use approved cleaning solutions) |
| special treatment | Handwash |
| iron settings | DO NOT IRON |
| Drying methods | Air dry only |
Handwashing faux fur coats are preferable to prevent damage from washing machine cycles. You can wash your coat in the bath or in a large plastic storage container.
- Fill the tub with cool water and add two teaspoons of mild detergent.
- Now, fully submerge the coat in the solution and lightly swish it through the water for 10 minutes. Avoid excessive agitation.
- Next, lift the faux fur coat out of the water and gently squeeze the soapy water out. Finally, rinse the coat until all suds are removed.
- Then, gently squeeze the excess water out again. Avoid wringing the coat!
- Place the coat flat on a drying rack and allow the coat to air dry. Keep the coat out of direct sunlight and allow the coat to fully dry before wearing or storing the coat.
- Brush the faux fur coat with a soft-bristle brush to remove matted fur.
Conclusion
Faux fur coats are a great innovation when winter really kicks in. And thanks to technological advances, it’s almost impossible to spot the difference between faux fur coats and real fur coats.
Get the look of authentic animal fur at cost-effective prices, and without harming the creatures, we adore so much.
Sources:
More Fashion Ensembles
