The term fur corresponds with luxury. It is not uncommon to see celebrities and famous people show off their fur coats. It not only helps you keep warm during harsh winters, but it also a style statement.

However, with the growing awareness about how fur is literally skinned from animals, many people are opting for fake or faux fur. This is made up of synthetic elements and though it may not be as soft as real fur, it does not at least harm animals.

Real Fur vs. Faux Fur

The fashion industry is in constant debate about whether to use real or faux fur. While real fur is more expensive, it comes at the cost of a life. On the other hand, synthetic fibers however beautifully created, do not match up to real fur.

Real fur is obtained from animals that are usually raised in fur farms. These animals are usually subject to bad living conditions and are caged all the while.

Gassing or electrocution kills them cruelly and the fur is then skinned off them. This fur is extremely soft and the skin is processed and dyed to give it the perfect look. Natural lines and patterns make this fur look all the more appealing.

Faux Fur

While some fur connoisseurs would cringe at the term faux fur, animal rights activists will certainly give them a nod. Faux fur is made from synthetic elements usually petroleum products.They serve the same purpose as real fur and are used on jackets to keep the body warm during winters.

Faux fur is far cheaper than real fur as well. Environmental activists will however give this type of fur thumbs down as well, as it is made from elements that can cause environmental pollution. To make three faux fur jackets a minimum of one gallon of petroleum is consumed.

How Do You Tell Real Fur from Faux Fur

With widespread campaigns and awareness about animal cruelty in fur farms, many people are opting to buy faux fur. The problem is that it is usually difficult to tell the two apart. There are however certain tests that can be done to differentiate real fur vs. fake fur.

The Touch

Real fur feels very soft in comparison to faux fur.Faux fur does not roll as easily between the fingers as real fur. Real fur also is more curly and dense towards the base.

Patterns

Real fur has typical and natural patterns. While these patterns can be imitated on faux fur, sometimes looking at it you can tell real from fake fur.

Burn Test

By far the most effective test to tell faux fur from real is the burn test.If you take a few hairs from the fur and burn them, real fur would burn like human hair and emit a similar small.Faux fur will on the other hand melt to a hard ball and smell of artificial chemicals.

Be aware that many people sell real fur saying it’s faux and vice versa. Make an informed choice the next time you buy fur and if you sense something out of place, you can perform these tests.

Photo Credit: makebeautysimple.com