How to Tell Real Fur from Faux Fur: A Luxury Buyer’s Guide
The Base Inspection: Leather vs. Fabric
This is one of the most effective ways to tell the difference—look underneath the fur.
Real fur grows directly from leather (animal hide). If you part the hairs and look closely at the base, you’ll see a natural, suede-like material.
Faux fur is machine-made and attached to a fabric or mesh backing. You’ll likely notice threads, stitching, or a woven pattern that signals a synthetic foundation.
Bonus Tip: Genuine fur hair shafts taper naturally at the tip, while synthetic ones are typically blunt-cut.
The Burn Test: Know What You’re Smelling
This method is for owned garments only and must be done with care:
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Take a few strands from an inconspicuous area.
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Hold them over a flame for a few seconds.
Real fur:
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Smells like burning human hair.
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Turns to fine ash and crumbles easily.
Faux fur:
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Smells like burnt plastic or chemicals.
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Melts and forms a hard, shiny bead.
Warning: Always test safely, away from flammable material, and never on someone else’s product.
The Blow Test: Watch the Movement
This test can be subtle but effective:
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Gently blow air through the fur and observe how it behaves.
Real fur is light and airy. It parts naturally and settles quickly with movement. You’ll see a beautiful flow in the hairs.
Faux fur is heavier and less flexible. The hairs may stick together, clump unnaturally, or react slowly to airflow.
This is especially helpful when examining collars, hoods, or trim.
The Blow Test: Watch the Movement
This test can be subtle but effective:
Gently blow air through the fur and observe how it behaves.
Real fur is light and airy. It parts naturally and settles quickly with movement. You’ll see a beautiful flow in the hairs.
Faux fur is heavier and less flexible. The hairs may stick together, clump unnaturally, or react slowly to airflow.
This is especially helpful when examining collars, hoods, or trim.
Why Choosing Real Fur Matters
While faux fur may be less expensive upfront, real fur offers unmatched benefits:
Durability: With proper care, real fur lasts a lifetime and beyond.
Sustainability: Genuine fur is biodegradable and often produced through ethical, regulated farming.
Luxury Appeal: Nothing matches the feel, warmth, and beauty of natural fur.
Conclusion: Trust Your Senses & Shop Smart
Learning how to distinguish between real and faux fur is empowering—especially in a luxury market where quality and authenticity are paramount.
At Samaras Furs, we offer only certified, high-quality real furs—designed for modern elegance and crafted for timeless appeal. When you shop with us, you can be confident you’re investing in something real, rare, and beautiful.
