If it looks too real to be fake, it might be just that. Faux fur is gaining popularity, but some clothing companies are trying to fool consumers into buying real fur, such as that of raccoon dogs or domestic dogs. I KNOW! How awful is that?

photo by liquidindian

The Humane Society has filed lawsuits against many big name brands such as Dillard’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and Nieman Marcus for false labeling of animal fur products. Or not labeling them at all. Now, I doubt there are too many vegans out there that buy unlabeled fur in hopes that it is fake. But we trust these companies to tell us the truth. If it says it’s faux fur, it better damn well be synthetic materials. We take the same risk every time we buy “vegan” food items. We depend upon others’ honesty. Unfortunately, we live in a world filled with deceipt and must take matters into our own hands sometimes to be sure. The Humane Society’s Pierre Grzybowski offers some tips for telling if fur is real or fake:

• Burn Test: If you’ve already purchased the garment, carefully remove a few hairs with tweezers and ignite them (away from other flammable objects). Faux-fur generally emanates a plastic-like odor, while animal fur smells similar to burnt human hair. Once the residue has cooled, rub it between your index and forefinger. Animal fur reduces to ash, while synthetic fibers generally leave behind a black bead that can be rolled between your fingers.
• Visual Test: Push apart the hairs to see if the backing is animal skin or a woven, grid-like fabric, which indicates faux fur. Also, don’t assume colored fur is fake. Real fur can be dyed any color. Some real animal fur that has not been sheared or plucked will have longer “guard hairs” that taper to a point and disappear like a cat’s whiskers.

When in doubt, steer clear of the furs. Or, if you do spot deceitful marketing, report it: humanesociety.org/furlabelreport.

To get a more in-depth description of the fur industry, go here: http://www.peta.org/mc/factsheet_display.asp?ID=56. Don’t worry, I’ve spared you the horrors of imagery or footage. Once you’ve witnessed a defenseless creature being skinned alive, it never goes away. Just take my word for it.

On a positive note, the fur industry is declining which means many more animals’ lives are being spared: http://www.arkofnoah.com/?p=1954.

Other sources: All Animals HSUS magazine, March|April 2009