Natural fur and artificial difference. How to distinguish natural fur

All manufacturers tend to want to reduce the cost of the production process of their products to maximize profits. This desire did not bypass the global fur industry. Increasingly, fur factories are trying to pass off artificial material as its natural counterpart, and with the development of technology, substitution becomes more and more difficult to determine. Natural fur retains heat much better than all other materials, and the replacement will make itself felt already at the first good frost. However, how to recognize it at the stage of product selection? Only a few fur hat stores are guaranteed to use only natural fur, which has excellent heat-saving properties. For all other outlets, you should take into account a few simple tips from fur specialists that will allow you to accurately recognize an artificial fur substitute.

Sign one

First of all, you should pay attention to the product tag, because most often natural fur is bought in the form of clothes, headwear or accessories, and all of them must have a label with comprehensive information about the composition of the material, its origin and the manufacturer. In addition, manufacturers often place information about product care and cleaning tips. However, the sewn-on label is not always true, so if the question is? - it is better to immediately turn to professionals, such as the Yarmarka Hats factory. On its official website, you can easily find the most fashionable and pleasant new thing, both for yourself and for your loved ones.

Sign two

Another sign of natural fur is the weight of the product, it will always be a little more than that of a similar model made of artificial material. Real skins of fur animals cannot be cheap, so pay attention to the price, if it is not too high, relative to products of this class - you should take a closer look at it. Tactile sensations will help well in determining a fake: natural material is soft, smooth to the touch, lies beautifully and plays in the sun, it feels like you are stroking a soft, fluffy animal. At the same time, as a synthetic substitute, it is a little rougher, tougher, it feels like a soft synthetic children's toy.

Main Tests

Experienced specialists in the field of fur products recommend conducting three simple tests that will accurately determine what material is in front of you:

  1. fire test. For him, it is enough to tear out a small piece of wool from the fur base and set it on fire with a lighter. The natural base will burn quickly, releasing a corresponding smell of burning wool, rather unpleasant. Synthetics, on the other hand, will practically not burn - it will only melt a little, turning into a dense droplet. At the same time, the smell will be different: burnt rubber.
  2. pin test. The natural basis of the skin is usually very dense. Therefore, it will be quite difficult to pierce it with a pin or needle, while they will enter the synthetic fabric easily and without hindrance.
  3. Base test. For him, it is enough to look under the lining or push the dense pile with your hands. In an artificial substitute, a dense synthetic, stretching base will be visible, in a natural analogue - leather.

It should be remembered that in recent years, products made from natural materials have become increasingly rare, because they are expensive and require more careful care. But artificial fur is becoming more and more perfect, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish it from the natural skins of fur-bearing animals. Therefore, when buying natural fur, you should be as careful as possible and use the above recommendations.

In order to learn to distinguish between fur, you need to decide what fur is.

Fur- animal skin, taken together with wool and dressed for a fur coat. Natural fur was the oldest material from which clothes were made. Such clothes reliably protected from the cold. If speak about modern production, today the skins of certain animals are called fur: mainly the families of mustelids, felines, foxes, beavers, deer, servals, sheep of the Karakul breed.

By the way

The quality of products does not depend on the skin itself, but on the quality of the dressing of the mezdra, that is, the upper layer of fur adjacent to the skin. Mezdra should be thin, extremely soft, but very durable.

Natural fur does not let moisture through, does not get wet, and dries quickly away from batteries and heaters. This fur is a good protector from the cold. But it needs proper storage. In order to keep your fur product for a long time, you need to:

1. Store it in a loose gauze bag.

2. Also store in a place with good air access.

3. Natural fur can only be cleaned with special equipment.

Types of natural fur

Fur is of two types: smooth and fluffy. The fur of sable, mink, otter, marten, ermine, muskrat, squirrel, seal, etc. are classified as smooth furs. The most famous fluffy furs: arctic fox, fox, raccoon, rabbit. Natural fur is expensive, therefore it is considered a very status material. In modern clothes, it is used not only as a heater, but also as an object of respectability and high position.

Artificial fur

Artificial fur is a pile material that can be developed in one of the following ways:

1. adhesive,

2. on weaving machines,

3. on knitting machines.

Such fur is most often used as a lining-insulation, or for finishing inexpensive products. It can be collars, edges and cuffs. Of course, fur coats with hats are also sewn from it. Faux fur is much cheaper than natural fur and warms worse. Its appearance quickly becomes less attractive, the fur can shrink or fall off. Fur coats made of natural and artificial fur can be outwardly almost indistinguishable. But if you carefully examine the product, then natural fur is smoother and more pleasant to the touch. If we compare a product made of natural fur and faux fur, then the natural product shines brighter in the light. A real fur product will be much softer than a faux fur product. Despite the fact that such a product is more expensive, it will pay off in the future, because a natural fur coat retains its original appearance for a long time.

We offer you several practical advice: how to distinguish natural fur from artificial.

1. The surest way is to pull out a few hairs from a fur coat and set them on fire. Usually, natural fur will catch fire and smell like burnt hair, while artificial fur will start to melt and smell like a chemical smell. Of course, such actions cannot be performed in the store. Because it is unlikely that the seller will agree to pull the fur out of fur coats and hats, so this method is possible only after the purchase.

2. A fairly reliable way is to check the base of the fur. If the fur is natural, then you will see the skin of the animal - wrinkled skin, and if the fur is artificial, then the fabric will be the basis.

3. Another way to determine the fur is its appearance and the inscription on the label. It must indicate the type of fur and its origin.

All inscriptions must be clear and legible and must not be "blurred".

Let's summarize

1. Natural fur is more expensive.

2. Natural fur requires careful care and proper storage.

3. Faux fur does not spoil the mole.

4. Natural fur burns, while the characteristic smell of burnt hair is released, artificial fur does not burn, but melts.

5. Natural fur has a base - wrinkled animal skin, the base for artificial fur - cloth.

6. Be sure to pay attention to the label: all words and numbers on it must be well printed.

Now you will be able to distinguish natural fur from faux fur, this will help you avoid being deceived by the seller if he sets faux fur for real.

If you are going to acquire a fur product, one of the first questions that arises is the origin of fur. Today, there are artificial and natural fur on sale, and it cannot be said that one of them is more popular - they simply occupy different market segments. It goes without saying that the cost of artificial products is several times lower. Although, lovers of chic prefer fur coats or vests made of mink, sable or fox.

But, it's one thing if a lady decides to make this or that purchase, knowing in advance what she is getting, but it's completely different when an unscrupulous seller tries to sell artificial fur under the guise of natural fur. In any case, it is useful to know what properties natural fur coats have and how they can be distinguished from clothes made from high-quality eco-fur.


You can see that the faux fur in the photo looks so that it is almost indistinguishable from natural fur. Actually, the more this similarity, the better. But, if desired, you can always find differences. The main thing is to know what to pay attention to.

  1. The first difference is in weight. An eco-fur product, whether it is a fur coat, vest or short fur coat, will be somewhat heavier than natural fur. But, this method is good if both fur options are presented in the store.
  2. Artificial fur does not wrinkle as easily as natural fur, it is much less silky and soft to the touch. True, such touch sensations are very subjective, so it is best to use them in conjunction with other methods of checking the fur.
  3. The main method of how to distinguish natural fur from artificial fur is to set fire to the villi. You need to pull out 3-4 hairs from the clothes you are testing and set them on fire. Natural wool at the same time will emit a characteristic animal smell. And the artificial pile will smell chemically. In addition, synthetics do not burn, but melt, and this can be seen with the naked eye.
  4. You can push the villi with your hands on any part of the fur and look at the base. If you see a fabric, then be sure that you have an eco-fur coat in front of you.
  5. Natural fur reflects light at a certain angle, while the reflectivity of artificial pile does not depend on the angle of incidence of light. It seems more shiny, but does not look natural.

The choice between natural or artificial fur is very ambiguous. Although, it is useful to be able to distinguish the origin of products, so as not to replenish the number of deceived buyers. Every person should know what he is going to buy.

Modern fur manufacturers are very dexterous and cunning, they go to great lengths, trying to reduce the cost of production and maximize their profits. In turn, buyers need to be extremely vigilant and attentive, to know all the traps and tricks, so as not to fall for the bait of scammers. How to distinguish artificial fur from natural? The answer to this question seems obvious right up to the moment when you are not faced with a choice. Today, faux fur products have become a worthy alternative for those who want to look spectacular without overpaying. But still, there is a difference between artificial fur and natural fur.

Where to buy

If you want to buy a fur coat, vest, hat made of natural fur, we recommend shopping in trusted places. Currently, there are enough chain stores that value their reputation and can provide all the necessary certificates. The chances of running into a fake in this case are minimal. The label contains all the information about the product, so be sure to take a look at it. In any case, the main differences between faux fur and natural fur, little tricks and recommendations will never be superfluous.

Main differences

There are basic methods of difference, the main criteria that you need to pay attention to in the first place. In answering the question, we will start with them.

The foundation

The basis of natural fur is wrinkled, quite hard and unpleasant to the touch, in the case of artificial fur, it is made of dense fabric. In the case when it is not possible to determine the type of basis, use the ordinary sewing needle and stick it into the base. If you don’t have to make any effort, the needle will go in and out quite easily, most likely, you have a fabric base in front of you, but if you stumble upon an obstacle, you will have to make some effort, you have natural fur with a natural base. Try crumpling the fur in your hand. Artificial creases quite easily, its fabric base hardly returns to its previous shape, leaving characteristic creases. Do not be too lazy to inspect the base: the presence of folds indicates that you have artificial fur in front of you.

fur hair

The method of checking the hairs is really extreme - arson. You need to pull out a few hairs and, using an ordinary lighter or matches, set fire to them. Natural fur burns out rather quickly, leaving an unpleasant smell of burnt hair. The artificial material does not burn, rather it melts, releasing the smell of burnt plastic. Admittedly, this method is considered one of the oldest and most effective. Real fur hairs taper at the end, while faux fur hairs have square shape. It is this difference in structure that gives natural fur its smoothness and softness.

Label

Particular attention should be paid to the label, the information contained on it. If you don't know how to distinguish faux fur from real fur, at least read what the manufacturer has indicated. All information about the composition of the fur, its origin, the features of the use of the product, as well as the subtleties of caring for them should be indicated. The absence of a label should be a wake-up call. In 2010, a document was adopted on the territory of the Russian Federation obliging manufacturers of fur products to indicate complete and reliable information about the materials used.

Price

Of course, the cost of a finished fur product is far from always the personification of its quality. However, if you do not know how to distinguish faux fur from natural, you do not have the opportunity to do this with standard methods, then pay attention to the price. The underestimated cost should alert, raise a number of questions.

Mink fur

Mink is perhaps the most common fur today. Almost every modern beauty dreams of a mink coat. Fraudsters are trying to "shove" us a fake for fabulous money, albeit skillfully created. That is why it is necessary to always be on the alert and understand that the most popular fur is counterfeited most often. We will show you how to distinguish faux mink fur from natural. Elite mink is forged using rabbit or marmot skins. Outwardly sheared fur is almost impossible to distinguish. The replacement with faux fur is also common - again, with high-quality dressing, painting and processing, an inexperienced buyer is unlikely to be able to find differences.

You will be able to suspect deception only after a couple of years, when the fur begins to shine, thin in places and wipe off. In order not to experience such disappointment, do not rush, approach the purchase more consciously, pay attention to some criteria:

  • Tactile sensations - rabbit fur is very soft, marmot fur, on the contrary, is quite hard, unpleasant to the touch. You should focus on something in between: the mink is quite soft and moderately hard, sometimes it can prick a little.
  • The length of the hairs - along the entire length of the product, the mink hairs are of the same length, creating a perfectly flat surface.
  • The presence of a certificate - it must be at the seller who wants to sell you a mink coat.

fox fur

How to distinguish natural fox fur from faux fur? I would like to note right away that the arctic fox is almost impossible to replace: its thick and fluffy pile with the same length of hairs cannot be replaced by any other natural fur. That is why it is often faked with natural fur. With dexterity, it is quite easy to distinguish it, paying attention to a number of characteristics:

  • Appearance - fur of animal origin will change its shade under different lighting conditions. So, for example, in bright light, it will begin to shine, which will never happen with artificial fur - it will retain its dullness and inertness.

  • Product weight - natural fox fur is much lighter than artificial fur.
  • Arson of individual hairs - in the case of a polar fox, it works general rule. Set fire to a few villi - natural fur will quickly burn out, leaving a pungent smell of burnt hair.

We hope we have revealed for you the main secrets of choosing natural fur. Now you will not wonder how to distinguish faux fur from natural, you can easily identify a fake and save yourself from disappointment in the future. We wish you happy shopping!

Many people buy outerwear made of natural fur for the winter. If the choice falls on a jacket, preference is given to models with a hood decorated with fur trim. It's both beautiful and practical. In the manufacture of winter models of boots and other footwear, skins are also often used - for interior or exterior decoration. How to distinguish real material from artificial, so as not to pay for a fake? There are several general methods.

The most common products and decorations are made from the skins of rabbit, fox, arctic fox, mink, beaver, as well as astrakhan fur, sheepskin and tanned leather. The rabbit's hair is soft and fluffy, with sparse downs. Fox skins are distinguished by long and harsh hair, the downs in them are quite thick.

The Arctic fox is very fluffy and has a thick down. The hair is shiny and quickly straightens when rumpled. Natural fox fur differs from artificial fur in a specific quality - it does not freeze in the cold. In addition, under electric lighting, it begins to shine strongly, and artificial becomes dull in color.

Mink fur coats are the most expensive. Her fur is soft, not prickly, elastic. In the sun, the skin shines very beautifully. Beaver - with a very thick and dense undercoat, because of which the core is not visible. His coat is 5 cm long, and if you hold your hand against its growth, you feel a tingling sensation.

Natural astrakhan is shiny and has specific curls. It is smooth, moderately soft and shiny. Sheepskin is extremely dense, soft and warm. Sheepskin coat has a soft rough surface of matte color. Depending on the type of leather and dressing, it varies in weight.

How to distinguish a fake visually

If you do not understand fur things at all, the first thing to do is to carefully study the product tag. Usually it is sewn to the wrong side of outerwear. It indicates the materials of manufacture and composition. In the case of shoes, the manufacturer indicates the data on the box or insert.

Since natural fur costs a lot, the products are often branded. When you see a brand name on a product, you can then find information about the manufacturer yourself. You can also pre-select certain companies specializing in fur clothing and study the range so as not to buy artificial falsification.

Synthetic things can be distinguished by their cheapness. Therefore, the surprisingly affordable price for a “real” mink coat, or boots with sheepskin should alert you. But remember that high prices can also be set for a fake - for the purpose of profit.

Note! Some modern synthetic furs are also expensive. The reason is the high cost of production. Keep this in mind.

How to distinguish natural fur coats from faux fur?

To begin with, you just need to stroke the fur coat: the real one is exceptionally pleasant to the touch. Depending on the type of animal, its coat can be smooth, fluffy, elastic, or slightly prickly in the hand.

Fur - natural and artificial

The following mechanical methods will help to distinguish artificial material:

  1. Fire. Set fire to a few hairs: if they burn with a characteristic smell of burnt hair, this is the original. If they melt, forming balls, and emit an unpleasant odor, this is synthetics. When checking the authenticity of a sheepskin coat, a lit match is brought to its outer side - real leather does not burn.
  2. Needle. She needs to pierce the product through and through: it is very difficult to pierce the real skin of a fur-bearing animal, but it is easy to pierce the artificial one.
  3. Crush the flesh a little. Natural material is either elastic or resembles elastic paper. Synthetic pile is always attached to the fabric base.

The lining of the originals is stitched in such a way that you can see the core. And in artificial fur coats, the hem is built up “tightly”. Finally, real fur coats and sheepskin coats weigh less than fake ones. The video shows the main differences.

How to identify synthetics on boots

Most often, boots are trimmed with fur from the inside. This gives them heat-saving qualities. The most common version of this finish is sheepskin. If it is real, then to the touch it will resemble very dense and soft cotton wool. It is also distinguished by its resistance to deformation - the crumpled pile quickly takes its original position.

It is difficult to get to the mezdra on the inner surface of the shoe - the wool of the sheep is so thick. The mezdra itself has a shade inherent in wool - only if the sheepskin is not dyed. Synthetic sheepskin is rarer, not so pleasant to the touch and does not straighten when crushed. Instead of mezdra, she has a fabric base.

Sometimes fur is used as a decorative outer trim for boots. In some models, manufacturers make insoles from mink. There are shoes, the shaft of which is entirely made of arctic fox, fox or raccoon. In these cases, you can distinguish natural fur on boots in the same way as on fur coats.

Fur trim on hoods and collars

Here you can often get a fake. Faux furs are very similar to natural furs, and the small size of the trim sometimes misleads incompetent buyers.

Synthetic skins can be distinguished by the following features:

  • too dull or bright shine;
  • in products under a polar fox or a fox, it is rather problematic to unravel the tangled hairs;
  • if stored incorrectly, the pile is deformed, and it is difficult to give it its original shape.
  • if you press your cheek against the collar, it will not warm it.

A characteristic feature of artificial pile is a bright, atypical color for the animal world. In general, an unnatural finish leaves a feeling of unnatural, and it is difficult to confuse it with a real one, but it is possible. In the photo you can clearly see the difference between synthetics and the original.

Note! Real furs are also dyed in various colors.

You can immediately distinguish any natural fur coat from artificial fur by weight. Natural products are much lighter than artificial ones. They are very comfortable to move in, they are much warmer. With proper storage, their appearance does not change for years - unlike synthetic ones. But the moth does not damage the latter.