How To Tell If A Coat Is Real Fur

How to Tell if a Coat is Real Fur: The Ultimate Guide

Buying a fur coat is a significant investment, and it's crucial to ensure you're getting what you pay for. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with faux fur, often marketed as the real deal. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently distinguish real fur from its synthetic counterpart.

Key Differences Between Real and Faux Fur

Knowing the fundamental differences between real and faux fur is the first step to successful identification. Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics:

Texture and Feel:

• Real Fur: Possesses a unique texture and softness. Each hair will have a slightly different length and thickness, resulting in a three-dimensional look and feel. It's often surprisingly soft and luxurious to the touch.
• Faux Fur: Generally feels more uniform and less natural. The fibers tend to be consistent in length and thickness, giving it a more artificial, sometimes slightly stiff, feel.

Hair Shaft Examination:

• Real Fur: Carefully examine individual hairs. Real fur has a unique structure with a discernible root, shaft, and tip. The hairs taper towards the end and feel almost feathery.
• Faux Fur: Synthetic fibers are typically uniform in thickness from root to tip, lacking the natural taper of real fur.

Burn Test (Proceed with Caution!)

• Real Fur: A small, almost invisible strand can be cautiously held with tweezers and burned. Real fur will smell like burning hair (keratin) and leave behind a powdery ash. Important Disclaimer: This method is destructive and should be used only as a last resort on a hidden or inconspicuous area.
• Faux Fur: Synthetic fibers will melt or burn with a plastic-like smell, leaving behind a hard bead or residue. Again, proceed with extreme caution and only as a last resort.

Shine and Luster:

• Real Fur: Possesses a natural shine and luster. The sheen is subtle and not overly glossy.
• Faux Fur: Can have a more uniform, sometimes overly glossy sheen that appears artificial.

Other Indicators of Authenticity

Beyond the physical characteristics, several other factors can help determine authenticity:

Price:

• Real Fur: Genuine fur coats are expensive due to the cost of materials, labor, and ethical concerns. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Faux Fur: Significantly more affordable than real fur.

Tags and Labels:

• Real Fur: Reputable retailers will clearly label the coat's material as real fur, potentially specifying the animal's species. Check for country of origin information. Look for certifications.
• Faux Fur: Clearly labels the coat as faux fur, often specifying the type of synthetic fiber used (e.g., acrylic, polyester).

Stitching and Construction:

• Real Fur: Often features high-quality stitching, with attention to detail. The pelts are carefully matched and sewn together.
• Faux Fur: May show less precise stitching, especially in less expensive options.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach

Identifying real fur requires a multi-faceted approach. Combine the texture test, hair shaft examination (when possible), and the burn test (with extreme caution) for a comprehensive assessment. Consider the overall look, feel, price, and labeling to make a well-informed decision. When in doubt, consult a professional furrier or experienced retailer. Remember, responsible and ethical sourcing is crucial when considering purchasing a fur coat.