Faux Fur vs Real Fur: Which Fabric Is Right for Your Project?
Choosing between faux fur and real fur fabric is a decision that affects your project's cost, quality, ethics, and ease of sewing. Whether you're making a winter coat, a cozy blanket, or a costume, understanding the differences between these two materials will help you make the best choice.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll compare faux fur fabric and real fur across every factor that matters to crafters, designers, and DIY enthusiasts.
What Is Faux Fur Fabric?
Faux fur (also called fake fur, synthetic fur, or fun fur) is a textile made from synthetic fibers — typically polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic — designed to mimic the look and feel of real animal fur. Modern manufacturing techniques have made faux fur incredibly realistic, with options ranging from short-pile plush to long shaggy varieties.
Faux fur fabric is typically sold by the yard and comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and pile lengths. Common types include solid color faux fur, animal print patterns (leopard, zebra, tiger), and specialty textures like sherpa and minky.
What Is Real Fur?
Real fur comes from animal pelts — most commonly mink, fox, rabbit, chinchilla, and raccoon. It has been used in fashion for centuries but has become increasingly controversial due to animal welfare concerns. Real fur is typically sold as pre-cut pelts rather than by the yard, making it fundamentally different from faux fur as a sewing material.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Faux Fur | Real Fur |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $8–$30 per yard | $50–$500+ per pelt |
| Ethics | Cruelty-free, vegan | Requires animal farming or trapping |
| Availability | Sold by the yard in 50+ colors | Limited colors, seasonal availability |
| Ease of Sewing | Easy to cut and sew at home | Requires specialized tools and skills |
| Durability | 5–10 years with proper care | 20+ years with professional maintenance |
| Weight | Lightweight to medium | Heavy |
| Warmth | Good insulation | Excellent insulation |
| Care | Machine washable (gentle cycle) | Professional cleaning only |
| Allergies | Hypoallergenic | Can trigger allergies |
| Environmental Impact | Synthetic (petroleum-based) | Animal agriculture impact |
Cost Comparison: Faux Fur Wins
One of the biggest advantages of faux fur is affordability. A yard of high-quality faux fur fabric at EOVEA costs a fraction of what real fur pelts cost. For a blanket project that requires 3–4 yards, you might spend $40–$80 on faux fur versus $200–$1,000+ on real fur.
For wholesale buyers and businesses, the cost difference is even more significant. Wholesale faux fur fabric brings the per-yard cost down further, making it the clear choice for commercial projects.
Sewing and Crafting: Faux Fur Is Easier
Faux fur fabric comes on a woven or knitted backing, just like regular fabric. You can cut it with scissors, pin it, and sew it on a standard home sewing machine. Real fur pelts require specialized leather needles, razor blades for cutting (not scissors), and often professional furrier skills.
Tips for sewing faux fur:
- Use a rotary cutter or cut from the backing side to avoid trimming the pile
- Use a walking foot on your sewing machine
- Increase stitch length to 3.0–3.5mm
- Use polyester thread for strength
- Brush seams with a wide-tooth comb to release trapped fibers
For a detailed sewing tutorial, see our complete faux fur fabric guide.
Ethics and Sustainability
The ethical argument is straightforward: faux fur is cruelty-free. No animals are harmed in its production. This has led many fashion brands — including Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Stella McCartney — to go fur-free entirely.
The environmental picture is more nuanced. Faux fur is petroleum-based (synthetic), while real fur involves animal agriculture with its own environmental footprint. However, advances in recycled polyester and bio-based synthetics are making faux fur increasingly sustainable.
When to Choose Faux Fur
- DIY projects — blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, costumes
- Fashion on a budget — coats, vests, accessories
- Home decor — throws, rugs, accent pieces
- Children's items — soft, washable, hypoallergenic
- Costumes and cosplay — available in any color or pattern
- Commercial/wholesale projects — consistent quality, unlimited supply
When Real Fur Might Be Preferred
- Heirloom luxury garments designed to last 20+ years
- Extreme cold weather gear (Arctic conditions)
- Vintage restoration or repair of existing fur garments
The Bottom Line
For the vast majority of sewing, craft, and fashion projects, faux fur fabric is the better choice. It's more affordable, easier to sew, available in more colors and styles, machine washable, cruelty-free, and produces beautiful results.
At EOVEA, we carry a wide selection of faux fur fabrics including solid colors, animal prints, shaggy pile, and short pile options — all sold by the yard with fast USA shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is faux fur as warm as real fur?
Faux fur provides good insulation and is warm enough for most climates. Real fur has superior insulation for extreme cold (below -20°F), but for everyday wear and home use, faux fur performs excellently.
How long does faux fur fabric last?
With proper care, high-quality faux fur fabric lasts 5–10 years. Avoid high heat when washing and store away from direct sunlight to maintain softness and color.
Can you tell the difference between faux fur and real fur?
Modern high-quality faux fur is very difficult to distinguish from real fur by look and touch. The easiest test: check the backing. Faux fur has a fabric backing; real fur has a leather backing.
Is faux fur better for the environment than real fur?
Both have environmental impacts. Faux fur is petroleum-based but requires no animal agriculture. The industry is moving toward recycled and bio-based faux furs, making it increasingly sustainable.