The fur industry was at its peak until celebrities and animal rights groups participated in the popular global campaign ‘I had rather go naked than wear animal fur.’ It made the luxury brands like Michael Kors, Gucci, Burberry, Versace, etc., start using false fur, fake fur, or Faux Fur.
They have adopted the ‘fur-free policy’ even in their fashion shows. It boosted the faux fur industry, introducing fake fur as an alternative to Coyote fur, Mink Fur, Rabbit fur, etc.
Here, the curiosity begins, like what is faux fur? What are fake fur coats made of? How much is this industry? And many more questions. Let us get an insight into faux fur.
What is Fake or Faux Fur?
In simple words, fake fur is a textile fabric produced to replicate animal fur. So, when you see people wearing fake fur jackets, many of them are made of Faux Fur. So, Fake Fur, Faux Fur, or Pile Fabric is engineered to give the warmth same as animal fur. They are 100% cruelty-free, and the fabric is not made of animal-derived products. This imitation fur comes in varied types of textures and colors.
Moreover, Faux fur coats and other dress wear are affordable, fire-resistant, and durable. It is made of modacrylics and acrylics, and the base fabric used is silk, cotton, or wool.
What Are Faux Fur Coats Main Components?
Faux Fur coats are made of different textile fabrics that imitate animal fur. It is warm, and soft, and can be altered under different conditions. The coats are made of synthetic fibers. The main components or characteristics of the Faux Fur Coat are:
- Soft To Touch: As cotton and wool, along with the material polypropylene, are used, the coats or jackets made of faux fur is soft to the touch, provide warmth, and are durable too.
- Washable: Faux Fur coat has many underlying synthetic fibers with which it is made. If it is not having the base material like wool, then moth larvae cannot destroy it, but you need to get the coats dry-cleaned. However, silk or cotton base fabric can be sent to laundromats. The users need to read the washing instructions carefully.
- Brushing Is Important: To restore the sheen of your faux fur coats and prevent them from getting shabby, you must regularly use a comb or brush to clean them.
- Cost-Effective: The imitation fur may be less costly than the original animal fur, but they are rated a little on the higher side over the quilted fabrics.
What Materials Are Used in Making Faux Fur
We have now understood what is Faux or Fake fur made of. Let us now see how faux fur is made. This noble fiber has made its way into the fashion industry and into the closet of millions of people. Let us now talk about the raw material used to make the Faux fur or its composition.
The Fake Fur is mainly composed of a varied combination of polymers like acrylics, modacrylics, and a combination of both. Here, acrylic polymers are made of chemicals derived from air, coal, petroleum, limestone, and water. This polymer is a product derived from a chemical reaction of acrylonitrile under high heat and pressure conditions.
The second monomers are also added to the acrylics to absorb the dyes. On the other hand, modacrylic polymers are copolymers made by the vinyl chloride monomers and acrylonitrile reaction. They can be easily dyed, plus this type of fake fur is fire-resistant. Other features of these materials are lightweight, and springy, and give the fur a fluffy look.
Other fabrics used along with Faux Fur include cotton, silk, and wool. These are the fabrics to which the fiber is attached. The resin and silicone are used to improve the luster and smoothness of the fake fur. The materials like nylon and rayon are also used to give a unique look to the fur.
How Are Faux Fur Coats Produced?
There are many modern ways to use faux fur for your coats. However, there are a few essential processes through which your Faux Fur coat moves. The production process is as under:
- Heat Setting Process: It treats the fiber and improves its stability. The diameter of the pile fibers is expanded. If there are uncut loops, the fabric is napped to cut the loops before continuing with this setting.
- Tigering Process: This process is used to remove the loose fibers from the coat fabric with the help of wire brushes.
- Shearing and First–Time Electrifying: The rough shearing is done with helical knives to stretch the fabric to the desired length. The first-time electrifying is done by combing the coat fabric in both directions using a grooved cylinder.
- Weaving Process: In this process, the fibers are looped and interlaced with the backing fabric. This technique assists in producing a wide range of clothes, but it is quite slow. This process begins after the chemical synthesis of the fur and obtaining the raw material for production. The wet application of the chemicals smooths the coat and brings shine.
- Second-Time Shearing and Electrifying: The second-time electrifying process improves the fabric’s luster. Moreover, the finished shearing removes any loose fabrics.
- Embossing Process: Under this process, the heat embossing steel rollers stimulates the curls and are cut to imitate the natural fur. The curl is heat-set into the coat fabrics.
After all these processes, the manufacturers of the faux fur coats need to label the fur as imitation fur and then pack and ship it to distributors. It should be done according to the Government guidelines as set forth for the textile industries.
Pros and Cons of Faux Fur Coats
There are differences between using faux fur and wearing real animal fur.
Pros
- Less Expensive: Faux fur is a cheap alternative to real fur, as it is made of synthetic fibers and acrylics.
- End To Animal Cruelty: It puts an end to the cruel and bloody fur industry. There is no animal harm, and it works for the welfare of the fur animals. Even some top-notch brands have gone fur-free. It is 100% cruelty-free.
- Add Creativity: You can create distinct patterns, designs, and colors on faux fur coats. It will help the brand attract more customers and customize a few faux fur coats to the present-day market demands.
- Easy To Maintain: It is easier to wash faux fur clothing. You can machine wash it or send it to the laundry. However, you must use proper fabric detergent and maintain the washing machine temperature as stated by the brands. Apart from this, your faux fur coats are fire and insect-resistant too.
Cons
- Problem In Extreme Weather Conditions: It may not withstand extreme weather conditions compared to animal fur that is warm and cozy.
- Texture: It comes with a coarse texture, even though it is made to go through the heat setting processes.
- Not So Environment-Friendly: The fibers may not break down easily because they are synthetic, so it proves harmful to the environment.
Summary
Although there may be a few cons of faux fur, we cannot deny its advantages to the fur industry. From saving the animals to creating distinct patterns, faux fur coats have come a long way.
Moreover, experts believe that modern technology used in the textile industry can bring similar smoothness and warmth as real fur to your faux fur coats. But, it is our responsibility to maintain this fabric according to the washing instructions given by respective brands.
