This morning, my friend was complaining about the synthetic fur trim on the hood of her long black down-filled puffy coat. "It gets icy sometimes and doesn't look good". I couldn't disagree with her!
Few people actually know the science and history behind real fur-lined hoods. Fur definitely has an aesthetic aspect to it but is mainly used to protect us from cold weather. The fur trim on a hood, for example, acts as a "boundary layer" and breaks up the wind before it gets to your face, keeping you warmer. Real fur also retains body heat better than any other insulating material. In other words, fur coats and fur accessories will keep you warm while you're out in the cold by preventing body warmth from escaping.
Besides its thermal qualities, real fur remains a fashion statement and a luxury staple. Fur adds value to an outfit like no other piece of clothing or accessory can. You're better off splurging on a fur coat rather than an expensive pair of shoes. The chic and stylish look of fur can be spotted from a mile away. Fur adds a different dimension, depth and texture to any garment, whereas other materials can be flat. Take a look at our previous post to see how your favorite celebrities and influencers style their furs.
Ultimately, if your goal is to build a wardrobe that consists exclusively of sustainable fashion pieces, you'll be thrilled to know that real fur is the most renewable and eco-friendly material.
Investing in a high-quality fur coat that will last you 30 years (with proper care) isn’t just good for your finances, but also benefits the environment. Faux fur coats quickly look worn out and loose their warmth and waterproof qualities over time. It is also scary to think that it takes them hundreds of years to biodegrade in a landfill (real fur, by contrast, only needs a few years).
Research is also showing that wearing synthetic materials may contribute to health issues. Fur, on the other hand, is naturally beautiful and requires minimal amounts of non-toxic chemicals (alum salt) in its manufacturing process. So why take the risk?
As you can see, there are many personal and environmental benefits to wearing real fur. It is now up to you to make a decision as to whether this investment is right for YOU.