Vegan Fur Coats: Luxury Without Cruelty

With the fashion industry moving towards ethical and sustainable practices, vegan fur coats have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional fur coats. Vegan fur coats are typically made from faux fur, which is designed to look and feel like real fur without the use of animal products. This allows consumers to enjoy the warmth and style of a fur coat without compromising their ethical values or contributing to animal cruelty. The rise of vegan fur coats has been driven by both consumer demand for ethical fashion and the fashion industry's recognition of the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional fur. As a result, many well-known fashion brands, including Gucci, Versace, Prada, and Calvin Klein, have pledged to stop using real fur in their collections and are now offering vegan alternatives.

Vegan fur fashion brands

Vegan fur is a type of faux fur that does not involve any animal products or animal cruelty in its production. It is a more ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to real fur. Many designers and retailers, including Nordstrom, Burberry, Versace, and Gucci, have decided to stop designing and producing fur products.

• Apparis – a New York-based brand that offers a range of high-quality vegan fur coats and accessories for all shapes, sizes, and styles. Apparis uses only cruelty-free materials and organic dyes, and prioritises reducing water consumption and waste. Their products are priced between $245 and $615.
• Unreal Fur – based in Melbourne, Australia, Unreal Fur offers a range of fashionable faux fur jackets and coats for women. Their products are made with modacrylic and polyester fibres and are PETA-approved vegan. Their outerwear is priced between $319 and $599.
• House of Fluff – an eco-friendly, faux-fur lifestyle fashion brand based in New York. House of Fluff offers a line of cruelty-free, high-fashion products that are affordable, beautiful, and comfortable. Their BIOFUR™ collection is made from plant-based or recycled textiles, and all pieces can be recycled or are treated with an additive to help them decompose naturally if they end up in a landfill or the ocean. Their vegan fur coats and jackets are priced between $200 and $525.
• La Seine & Moi – a luxury faux fur fashion brand based in France. The brand is known for the quality of its vegan furs, which are made with materials selected for their softness, lightness, and thermal qualities. Each piece is 50% hand-sewn and contains no more than 15% polyester. Their coats and jackets are priced between €350 and €600.
• Jakke – a London-based eco-fur fashion brand with a conscience. jakke offers a range of vegan fur outerwear from classic styles to retro and vibrant colours. Their vegan fur coats and jackets are priced between £179 and £339. The brand is committed to using recycled materials, with 45% of their collection made from recycled plastic bottles.
• Issy London – a contemporary women's brand offering timeless, high-quality, eco-conscious faux fur coats. Their seasonless, stylish, and luxe faux fur collection is sumptuously soft and irresistibly cozy, with sustainability at its core. Their outerwear is crafted using recycled polyester fibres made from recycled plastic bottles.

Faux fur vs real fur

Faux fur is a synthetic fabric designed to mimic animal fur. It is usually made from a blend of acrylic and other synthetic materials, such as polyester, sewn together to resemble real fur. Faux fur is more durable, accessible, and ethical than real fur, and it does not require specialised care or storage. It can be dyed any colour and created in different thicknesses, making it a versatile and affordable alternative to real fur.

Real fur, on the other hand, is made from the fur of living animals, such as chinchillas, foxes, wolves, rabbits, lynxes, and more. The process of obtaining real fur involves inhumane practices, as animals are often kept in cramped and unethical conditions until they are killed, with hundreds of animals needed for a single coat.

One of the main differences between faux and real fur is their source. Faux fur is made from synthetic materials, while real fur comes directly from animals and is used to create accessories, outerwear, and blankets. Faux fur is more durable and does not require specialised care, whereas real fur is more susceptible to damage and typically requires dry cleaning.

From an ethical standpoint, faux fur is the preferred choice as it does not involve animal cruelty. Additionally, the advancement of technology has improved the quality of faux fur, making it difficult to distinguish from real fur. However, it is important to note that cheap faux fur products may be made with synthetic materials that can be harmful to the environment.

When it comes to sustainability, real fur is biodegradable and generally more durable than faux fur. However, faux fur has a smaller environmental footprint, as it does not involve animal exploitation and the cruel practices associated with the fur industry.

In conclusion, the choice between faux and real fur depends on various factors, including ethical concerns, sustainability, accessibility, and personal preferences. While real fur may be more durable and naturally water-resistant, faux fur offers a more ethical and environmentally friendly alternative that has become increasingly difficult to differentiate from real fur in terms of aesthetics and quality.

Cruelty-free fashion

The fashion industry has evolved to embrace ethical and sustainable practices, with an increasing number of brands recognising the importance of animal welfare and environmental conservation. As a result, vegan fashion, including vegan fur coats, has emerged as a popular and stylish alternative to traditional fur garments.

Vegan fur coats offer a compassionate and environmentally conscious choice for consumers who want to look fashionable without compromising their values. These coats are crafted from faux fur, a synthetic material that mimics the softness, texture, and appearance of real fur while upholding animal welfare standards.

In recent years, several high-profile fashion designers and retailers have renounced the use of real fur in their collections. Notable examples include Gucci, Versace, Prada, Calvin Klein, and Balmain, who have all pledged to exclude fur from their future designs. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the inhumane practices within the fur industry, as well as a desire to offer more sustainable and ethical alternatives.

When it comes to cruelty-free fashion, consumers now have a plethora of options to choose from. Apparis, a PETA-approved brand, offers a range of faux-fur coats and accessories that are both stylish and affordable. Similarly, Unreal Fur, a PETA-certified company, provides a diverse selection of vegan coats and jackets, from ankle-length styles to bridal capelets. These brands exemplify the commitment to creating luxurious and elegant garments without causing harm to animals.

In addition to these dedicated vegan brands, major retailers like H&M have also begun incorporating vegan and environmentally friendly options into their collections. This shift demonstrates the increasing accessibility and popularity of cruelty-free fashion. By choosing these ethical alternatives, consumers can make a positive impact on the fashion industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Environmental impact

Vegan fur coats are made from synthetic or plant fibres, and their environmental impact varies depending on the materials used. While vegan fur coats eliminate animal exploitation, the process of creating synthetic fur can be harmful to the environment.

The production of synthetic fur involves the use of crude oil and fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The manufacturing process requires a significant amount of energy and involves various chemicals that can pollute soil and water. Cheap faux-fur products made with synthetic materials, such as chemical-based plastics, can be particularly detrimental to the environment.

On the other hand, vegan fur made from plant fibres offers a more sustainable alternative. Organic and recycled plant fibres, such as bamboo, hemp, and flax, have a lower ecological footprint than synthetic options. These natural materials require fewer pesticides, fertilizers, and water, reducing their impact on soil and water quality.

It is worth noting that the fashion industry has a complex relationship with animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Fur farming, which involves animals like minks, rabbits, and foxes, has a substantial ecological footprint due to the large amounts of land, water, energy, and resources it demands. The processing of animal fur also utilizes toxic chemicals, contributing to soil and water pollution.

Overall, vegan fur coats made from plant fibres are likely to have a lower environmental impact than those made from synthetic materials. By choosing vegan fur coats from ethical and sustainable fashion brands, consumers can make a more environmentally conscious choice.

Vegan fur care

Vegan fur is an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to real fur. It is important to care for vegan fur properly to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible and to get the most out of your purchase. Here are some tips on how to care for your vegan fur coat:

Washing and Cleaning

It is important to handle vegan fur with care when cleaning it. You should always check the care label on your coat for specific instructions, but typically, it is recommended to hand wash vegan fur in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener, as this can damage the fibres. Be sure to gently work the detergent into the fabric and avoid twisting or wringing the coat, as this can cause the fibres to break. Instead, gently squeeze out any excess water and lay the coat flat to dry.

Drying

When drying your vegan fur coat, avoid direct heat such as a dryer or radiator, as this can cause the fibres to become brittle and damage the coat. It is best to air dry your coat by laying it flat on a towel or hanging it on a padded hanger.

Brushing

To maintain the softness and fluffiness of your vegan fur coat, it is recommended to brush it regularly with a soft-bristled brush or comb. This will help to remove any dirt or debris and keep the coat looking new. Brush in the direction of the fibres, and be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.

Storage

When storing your vegan fur coat for the season, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent damage. Make sure the coat is clean and dry before storing it in a cool, dry place. You can use a breathable storage bag or box to protect the coat from dust and insects. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause mildew.

Avoiding Damage

Vegan fur can be delicate, so it is important to take care when wearing it to avoid damage. Try to avoid wearing your coat in rainy or snowy weather, as moisture can cause the fibres to become matted and difficult to manage. Also, be careful when wearing bags or backpacks with your coat, as the straps can cause the fibres to become crushed or matted.

By following these care instructions, you can keep your vegan fur coat looking new and stylish for years to come.

Frequently asked questions