Real Fur or Faux Fur? The Ethics of Fashion Debate

Updated on Mar 06, 2011

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24 comments

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Fur vs faux vs fashion… is anyone actually working for a solution anymore or do we just love a good controversy?

Faux vs Real
Faux seems to be the most common proposal as an alternative to real fur. In our own forums, it seems to be the go-to solution. I have a bone (or two) to pick with those that make this argument.

One being that other people’s perception of your viewpoint will be warped. So you know that you are against fur, but you have no problem wearing something identical that will probably advertise you as an advocate for fur? Yes, we are taught not to worry about what other people think. But this is real life, we are adults and we have to accept that people judge us based off of your looks. If you are an anti-fur fashionista, would you not be better off making that perfectly clear with your wardrobe? You could almost throw vintage fur in this paragraph as well.

My other issue is a more global one. Faux fur has to be synthetically manufactured. The chemicals that are released by these plants are more damaging to the environment than fur farms. Maybe twenty minks weren’t raised and skinned to be your coat, but think about the massive amount of damage that impacts the natural habitats of thousands of other animals for your faux fur coat. Plus the harmful impact on humanity. You are essentially trading one evil for another. Plus, it’s fairly safe to say that organic fabrics are better for your skin, heck nearly anything organic is better for you! That faux fur anything you’ve got wrapped around your torso, is plastic.

Faux fur may not be the viable option it seemed.

Pick Your Battles
Another major thing that pops to mind is that animal right’s issues extend beyond fur farms. How can you proclaim to be against wearing an animal’s fur, but have no problem owning thirty pairs of leather shoes? Is there a difference between wearing fur and skin?

The same can be said of meat. You may be the first one to speak out against the latest designers sending fur down the runways, but at the end of the day you are sitting in a booth chowing down on an all-beef, all-American (substitute your country and/or a chicken) patty. That animal wasn’t treated any differently than the one(s) that supplied Ms Wintour or MK Olsen’s coat. (Side note: much of the animal torture videos you see are propaganda for extremist groups. [side side note: see PETA])

So it seems to me that being only against fur, is ignoring (or prioritizing) many other animal abuse issues.

A Wolf in Shearling?
Those famous PETA adverts are probably the first thing that pop into your head when you think of anti-fur proponents. Many models and celebrity have famously taken on their cause. And countless others I am sure. But have they really delved into PETA’s story and mission? I think if they had, they may not be so quick to heed their battle call.

PETA has openly stated that companion pets should be done away with all together. How many anti-fur fashionista’s and young starlets do you see out treating their little pooches like children? Well sorry to burst your bubble, but PETA does NOT approve. Ingrid Newkirk, PETA’s president, kills thousands of these companion pets each year because she has that much conviction in PETA’s mission

So how do you feel about supporting PETA’s now? I know I’m getting off track slightly, but I do have a point! And that point is that you can’t let someone else make your decisions for you. Ignorance won’t win your cause.

I am not making an argument for or against fur. I am only trying to bring light to the many issues that deserve careful consideration if you are going to debate fur in fashion. The biggest flaw I see when people take on controversial issues is that they make a decision blindly. They don’t take the time to step back and read both sides of the issue.

People love to pick on the fashion industry. Next time you are defending it, don’t give them anymore ammo to use against us. Know your beliefs inside and out, and know your proponents beliefs. And hey, look fabulous doing it!

Check out the talk about fur happening in the Chictopia Forums:
Thoughts on Fur
Kim Kardashian wears real fur

by Grace Gulley

WRITE A COMMENT (24)

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BonnieOliva on February 06
To all of you that wear real fur let me tell you that it doesn't matter if it's an endangered animal or not, THEY SUFFER A LOT, even little rabbits that are "common" are suffering because people doesn't care! You should read Peta, people take the fur while they are ALIVE!!! DON'T BUY MORE REAL FUR. http://tinyurl.com/ah52e2p and I don't care if you don't like my comment!

CHGg on May 11
My personal rule when buying real fur and faux fur is to look at the price and quality. I generally go for real fur though, but if I'm doing a big project and it would be cheaper to use faux fur and if it is good quality, then I might use it. The main problem I have with faux fur is that it doesn't capture the same quality as real fur. The "hairs" are all the same length; the colors are flat.

JessicaSands on November 04
(@Telcontar_Rulz).. I agree. I would NEVER buy a product that has been made with an endangered animal, however, I would definitely buy a coat made out of possum or rabbit fur (if only we could make cane toads shoes!). Earlier this year Australia banned the cattle export to Indonesia because their appalling treatment. People should know animal cruelty doesn't just happen with fur..

CHGg on May 11
Products made from endangered animals are usually illegal. For example: in the US, it is illegal to own or sell any product made from any species of sea turtle.

ScaryGodmother on June 25
Love this article! Yes, it is a very controversial topic but if people knew the whole truth about everything they might just change their minds. This is totally worth listening to, Scottish Volunteers Hunt Vicious, Invasive Minks http://www.npr.org/2011/02/22/133960032/scottish-volunteers-hunt-vicious-invasive-mink

alinaceusan on May 29
fabulous shots

mickey8701 on April 26
I love most of your articles though. Just wanted to put that out there.

Squarectomy on April 26
Thank you.

mickey8701 on April 26
I respect the fact that you chose to touch on the topic and I'm glad you did; it's a controversial subject and an issue on this site. It's just the way it's presented that makes it seemingly one-sided. You spent more time on the pro argument. I'm just giving you my opinion on the article. I don't want you to take this as an attack and go on the defensive. It's merely constructive criticism.

Squarectomy on April 26
I'm not taking it personally. :) And I do appreciate your opinons and feedback.

mickey8701 on April 26
I'm just saying what I gained from the tone of the article, and I'm obviously not the only one who felt that way from reading the comments. I understand what you were trying to do, but I'm just saying how it came off. Personally, I know the argument from various sides of the issues, and I feel like it could have been presented better, even despite your limitations.

mickey8701 on April 26
And I understand that you're trying to present an "unbiased article", but to be honest, it seems that this article is more so attacking those who are against fur. That's the tone of the article to me, just because you more so emphasize the hypocrisy of SOME people who wear fur...and that's all. Where's the other side? Where is the direct quotes from BOTH sides?

Squarectomy on April 26
I explicitly state that I am not arguing either way. I can see how someone could make assumptions if they were to pick out points of my content. But as a whole, I don't see how it has an aggressive, accusatory tone...

Squarectomy on April 26
The reason I bring up the issues I do is because those are the major flaws I see in the fur argument. I am limited on space, so it's hard to really delve into the topic, as deeply as I'd like. My first point is pointing out the evils of faux fur and asking you to weight those against the evils of fur. With every issue, there are

Squarectomy on April 26
positive and negatives on both ends of the spectrum. Being ignorant of your proponent's arguments makes your own argument weaker. My second point is asking you to think on a grander scale. My third point is asking that you carefully consider who you join forces with. Just being associated with a less-than-reputable source knocks your own credibility down a few rungs on the ladder. N

Squarectomy on April 26
one of these are attacks. In fact, it seems to me, no matter which side of the debate you sit on, if you were to take this constructive criticism and apply it to your own beliefs then you would have an even stronger argument. One that people would have a much harder time disproving.

mickey8701 on April 26
So yes, I have throughly looked at the issue from both sides. And the fashion industry still has yet to give a valid reason for wearing fur, fake or not. Personally, I think it looks ugly. I cannot fathom why anyone would want to walk around, looking like they are wearing a dead animal, in the 21st century. It's not a good look, in my opinion.

mickey8701 on April 26
There is a difference than killing an animal to live than to kill (skin alive) an animal merely for the sake of vanity. I don't eat meat, but if I did eat meat, I would eat meat from an animal who was raised well, unlike most animals raised on fur farms. If I ever did wear leather, it's only from animals who were killed for food, from a farm in which they were raised well.

Telcontar_Rulz on April 01
For me, it really depends on the animal. I wouldn't wear the fur of an endangered animal, but I have no qualms about wearing possum fur (possums are pests in my country and destroy hectares of native forests each year).

theTsaritsa on March 31
Fleece is made from plastic too, and a lot of the time recycled plastic is used. I have one faux fur coat-- it's leopard print and does not look real. I don't feel like I'm giving the wrong impression when I wear it. I think the key here is knowing where your clothing (and food) comes from and how it was made. Consciousness is king.

soigne on March 31
Be warned that this documentary is not pleasant. But it is the ugly truth of what is happening amongst us - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6361872964130308142#. Is your food and clothing worth the unimaginable pain of others?

Catherinee on March 11
With all due respect for this well written article, I find this slightly biased... Granted, my opinion is probably biased too since I'm vegan. However, I try to make conscious decisions when I shop - a preworn pair of Doc Martens will win over a pleather pair from Bakers. They'll last longer, don't require new materials, etc. While all synthetic materials harm the environment, the chemicals used..

Squarectomy on March 11
I'm not arguing for or against fur in this argument. My only point was that most people (not all) are very one-sided in their opinions and both sides of the coin should be explored--which only makes one stronger in their own convictions. The majority of people that present anti-fur arguments seem to forget the issues I presented here--why I chose to focus on them.

Squarectomy on March 11
As for PETA, I only use them as an example because there are ever-present when it comes to the Fur debacle. People cite them in their arguments against fur, but it's hard for me to back an organization that has so many skeletons in their own closet. I really appreciate your comments and that you can speak intelligently about your beliefs!

Catherinee on March 11
Also, there's no regulation for labeling fur garments. I'm probably risking sounding pushy, but since you mentioned house pets... http://reviews.ebay.com/LIPPI-CAT-WOLF-COYOTE-Furs-from-Asia-cruel-reality_W0QQugidZ10000000004641194

Catherinee on March 11
...manufacture real fur? Sweatshops used in this step? And pollutants from possible carelessness and minimal upkeep in fur farms? There's also illegal fur trading. I watched a documentary following illegal trading - mainly in Asia and the US. It disgusted me how many pelts of endangered species were being sold. It's important to remember that these endangered species serve a crucial part in their potentially withering ecosystems. I love a good controversial argument, but there's much more to the anti-fur movement than PETA throwing paint at celebrities, or any of PETA's actions, for that matter.

Catherinee on March 11
..to preserve fur aren't exactly helpful. You mentioned organic fabrics - I don't know if you were trying to imply real fur is organic, but formaldehyde and chromium (used in fur) aren't things I'd like near my body. Additionally, while one can opt to buy fur from a verified source, many fur factories do not adhere to any environmental guidelines. What about emissions from factories used to...

lechateaudesfleurs on March 10
20 years ago people kept their shoes and would resole them has they worn out. People don't do this anymore. Or they can't afford the shoes that should. I don't wear leather shoes because i get bored of my shoes too fast. I don't fix them and i don't have the money. This article is very well written and interesting ! Good job !

Squarectomy on March 12
Thank you for the kind words and interesting tidbit. :)

Annebeth on March 10
your points are great, but I still see a difference between fur and eating meat, and even the use of leather. Leather just lasts longer than fake leather, so for things like bags and shoes it is the superior option. And eating meat is our nature, some people just get sick if they don't eat meat. I do think that we should all, collectively eat less meat because it's so bad from an environmental pov

theTsaritsa on March 31
Completely agree.

Squarectomy on March 12
Agreed. I'm not saying that anyone issue trumps another, but as you put it 'be aware of your actions'. :)

Annebeth on March 10
Fur however is just "prettier and softer", so it doesn't actually have any real leg up from faux furs. I do think that the real issue should be animal abuse indeed. It irks me how people get all "aww poor little seal", while piglets are being killed for our food. Don't be a hypocrite, be aware of your actions.

angiekje on March 10
This article is amazing!! I am definitely anti, but you made me think further out of the box (I did a fur-article and knew most of what you mentioned, but it's the way you wrote it... perfect!!) I do disagree with the meat-thing... I tried being a vegetarian but it made me ill... so I am in fact somebody who needs meat, but I can live without fur and leather, I know, animal torture for meat is

Squarectomy on March 12
Thanks so much for the lovely feedback!

angiekje on March 10
disgusting too :s (just for the record: I am against all animal abuse issues... and I realize it every time I eat a steak ;) at the moment I am abstaining from meat for 40 days, to make a point (it's a belgian "event"). I did think I saw a slight opinion in your article though :D anyhow: LOVED IT faving it, liking it on facebook: GREAT job!!

ChanelleNstuff on March 10
Great article! You did amazing on a really touchy subject and have all valid points. :)

Squarectomy on March 12
:)

stylesolace on March 10
10,000 years ago we would kill animals for making tools, shoes, and use their fur for warmth from the cold, etc. They were killed to better our lives. The difference now? People are exploiting animals to make money off it. Where we used to see it as a NEED, it is now a way to maximize profits and places animals in a poor position. This is the capitalist society of which we live, lets not forget.

Squarectomy on March 12
Oh I do agree! It drives me bonkers what a wasteful, greedy society we have. I'm only saying that there are two sides to every coin, and equal consideration should be given.

JennaStevie on March 10
Great article for sure! Its true people don't think of fur and leather as the same when considering real or fake. But it is!! I had a vegan friend who only bought real leather coats. I'm faux all the way for everything unless its vintage. Vintage you're recycling something that's already there not creating a demand for more fur or leather like you would with new products.

blonderedhead on March 10
Good article. I'm doing a project on environmentalism & just read about plastics in faux fur production. How do we pick the lesser of the evils? I eat a vegan diet but don't limit myself in what I wear. It's a tough debate for me, but it's hard to control buying products that affect animals outside of food. Even Chuck Taylors use glue w/ animal byproduct and tons of vegans unknowingly wear them!

Squarectomy on March 12
It really is tough. But I'm glad that there are people such are yourself who choose NOT to be ignorant. :)

playingwithfire on March 10
I applaud you for writing this and 1st and foremost calling PETA out on their horrific, disgusting hypocrisy, and for pointing out the obvious when it comes to leather. I cannot begin to tell you how many people I know (my best friend included) who are either vegan or "don't wear fur" and yet still rely on leather 4 shoes, bags & car seats never acknowledging that they are 1 in the same. Thank yo

Squarectomy on March 12
Thanks for the lovely feedback. Yes, I was never an avid PETA fan but my research for this article forever turned me off to them. To put it nicely...

Aprilfrances on March 10
you said it all. I'm with you. It's killing off our animals.

fashionophile on March 10
Great point about wearing real fur and real leather. People don't understand that it's technically the same--wearing any kind of skin should be counted as the same. How is wearing real fur different from wearing real leather? It's not. There are bigger issues than just the fur debate. It's about the animal abuse.

Squarectomy on March 12
Indeed! :)