Let’s Talk about Fur
Photo: Phil Oh via Vogue
Fur has become a stylish staple in the fashion world with it being worn for both street style or on the runway. It has become a styling choice that symbolizes luxury and class since people began wearing them. However, fur (whether real or not) is controversial. Many brands like Gucci have become fur less or fur free and many people debate on whether using real fur is right or if faux fur is any better for the environment. With Schiaparelli’s latest Spring 2023 couture show earlier this year, it seems as though the debate on fur has not let up. The show featured many realistic animal heads and faux furs that caused controversy with the general public. Many thought that the show was tasteless and glorified animal cruelty or poaching. Whatever the cause may be for the use for these furs in the show, it did spark some dialogue within the industry and consumers.
Photo: Phil Oh via Vogue
Obviously, the use of real fur has been condemned by the majority of consumers and with good reason, many factories that produce fur get their fur from fur farms. Fur farms often kill, abuse and/or torture the animals they house just to make a fur garment. The process of making real fur garments also produces lots of carbon emissions. With this knowledge many people have been turning to faux fur alternatives for their fur, but is faux fur really better and more sustainable? Faux fur was first introduced in the 1920s when it was made from alpaca hair. Then in the 1940s and 50s, when manufactured fibers evolved and grew, it was made out of acrylic polymers. Today, faux fur is mostly made of synthetic fibers with it being a blend of polyester, modacrylics and/or acrylic fibers. With the increase of technological and textile advancements, many companies have the ability to craft realistic faux fur garments that look just like the real thing.
Photo: Phil Oh via Vogue
Faux fur is a good way for the fashion industry to not use real animal fur or fabrics that come from animals. It is no secret that real animal hide has a bigger impact on animals than faux fur, but faux fur impacts the environment. However, although they are not animal derived, they are made of synthetics or plastics, which still impacts the environment and climate. These plastics are not biodegradable and do not break down adding to the increased waste of the fashion industry. Additionally, faux fur is created with the use of chemicals that can be harmful for the environment and when washed, these chemicals can go into the waterways affecting not only us but animals too.
Photo: Phil Oh via Vogue
The best thing consumers can do if they want to wear fur and can afford it is to purchase their fur secondhand from vintage or thrift shops or even from people they know. This has a lower carbon footprint and requires less plastic to be produced. Additionally, increasing the longevity of faux fur and fur garments and not wasting them is also important. Wearing the fur garments, cleaning them with care and taking care of them can make them last longer. Fur has always been a stylish thing to add to any outfit and has long been associated with luxury and class but it is important to know how our clothing affects the environment, animals and us as a whole. A person can still be fashionable and be a conscious consumer and think about what they are purchasing. As we continue to talk about and add to the discourse on furs (real or not), it is important to think about its effects on the environment and how the industry can do better.
