Fur

:For alternative meanings, see Fur (disambiguation).

Fur clothing

Fur once served as an important source of clothing for humans, especially in cold climates. Modern cultures continue to wear fur and fur trim as dictated by fashion trends and it is still considered by some a luxury item, although in many countries, wearing animal fur is considered taboo.

Related Topics:
Clothing - Taboo

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Animal furs used in garments and trim may be dyed bright colors or to mimic exotic animal patterns, or shorn down to imitate the feel of a soft velvet fabric. The term "a fur" is often used to refer to a fur coat, wrap, or shawl.

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Common animal sources for fur clothing and fur trimmed accessories include:

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• fox
• rabbit
• mink
• beaver
• ermine
• otter
• sable
• seal*Import and sale of seal products is currently banned in the US.
• cat* Import, export and sales banned in the US in 2000 (Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/prohibition_products_with_dog_cat_fur.xml)
• dog*Import, export and sales banned in the US in 2000 (Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/prohibition_products_with_dog_cat_fur.xml)
• coyote
• chinchilla

The manufacturing of fur clothing involves obtaining animal pelts where the hair is left on the animal's processed skin; in contrast, leather such as sheepskin involves removing the fur from the skin and using only the skin, and the use of wool involves shearing the animal's hair from the living animal, so that the wool can be regrown. Fake fur or "faux fur" designates any synthetic material that mimics the appearance and feel of real fur, without the use of animal products.

Related Topics:
Leather - Sheepskin - Wool - Fake fur - Synthetic material

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Today, considerable controvery exists over the methods of fur farming and trapping used to produce fur clothing, as well as whether animal fur should be used for clothing at all.

Related Topics:
Fur farming - Trapping

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