Fur: Real versus Fake fur

Fake fur is a relatively modern invention. Thus, fake fur will help identify fake fur will help identify an ‘antique’ item as a fake antique, retro, reproduction or altered in modern times.

Fake fur was introduced in 1929 and has been commercially available since the 1950s. Due to animal right sentiments it has become increasingly popular and well made. Modern fake fur can be deceptive.

The following are some tips for identifying fur versus fake fur:

** Check the backing – The best way to determine whether a fur is real or faux is to examine the material the fur is attached to. Genuine fur will be on leather. It will resemble suede and there are often strips of leather sewn. You may also may be able to see the backing if you part the fur and separate the hairs.

The material on faux fur, on the other had, is clearly not leather. It is ribbed fabric a bit like a knitted sweater.

** Price- Real fur tends to be much more expensive than fake.

** Feel of the fur— Real fur is soft and smooth,. on the other hand, feels coarse and synthetic.

** Burn test. Pull out a few strands of hair. Hold the hair to a match over a plate or fire-proof surface. Fur will singe and have a burnt hair smell. Faux fur will smell like melted plastic and curl in to plastic balls.

** Pin test. Poke a pin through the fur and backing. If it’s hard or impossible to push through, this is consistent with with real fur. If it goes through easily, this suggests it’s fake fur.