Repurpose Your Fur and go Fur-free (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to wear thrifted fur? ›

Using “reclaimed fur” sends the same unacceptable message as wearing newly sourced fur—that it's OK to allow animals to languish in steel traps or be skinned alive for the sake of vanity. People can't tell the fur's backstory by looking at it, so wearing any fur is essentially a pro-fur billboard.

Fur vests are an ideal way to rework a fur into a more modern item. Additionally, fur coats can be transformed into home decor, such as blankets and pillows if the garment is not viable to make into a new garment. On one hand, you are creating pieces that you can wear or use more often.

Fur Sales Are Illegal in California.

Mink stoles fell out of fashion a long time ago, as they are not very practical. Nowadays you only see them in movies.

There are no specific laws against wearing fur in the UK or Europe, so it is technically legal to do so. However, there is a growing movement against fur clothing, as it is seen as cruel and unnecessary. Many people choose not to wear fur out of respect for animals, and some cities have even banned fur farms.

Even though it's still pretty common to see people wearing fur coats or fur trim in colder months, fur production not only causes horrific animal suffering, it puts us all at risk of future pandemics.

If you have an old fur coat you haven't worn in years, consider selling it. Depending on the quality, age, fur type, and condition, your coat can fetch you top dollar. But get a professional appraisal before you put a price tag on it.

If it's still in wearable condition, then you may want to consider donating the item to keep somebody warm. Fur coats can also be cut down into fur vests or shawls, or shorter more stylised fashion. Alternatively, smaller pieces of fur can be used for trims or cuffs on jackets, or to line boots or rain jackets.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has officially banned all consumption of ocelot fur coats, as well as any other types of fur coats made using the pelts of big cat species. The same also happens to go for bears and primates.

What states banned fur? ›

FUR SALES BANS

In 2021, Israel became the world's first country to prohibit the sale of fur. In the United States, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, and West Hollywood banned new fur sales, paving the way for California to become the first fur-free state in 2019.

Fur sources

Some of these are more highly prized than others, and there are many grades and colors. In the past animals such as leopards, jaguars, tigers, lemurs, and Colobus monkeys were commonly used but CITES laws and the environmental regulation has made these furs illegal.

'A natural and 100% biodegradable material'

"After Kering announced it would stop using real fur, we saw a lot of faux fur in shows. In winter 2021 and 2022, they accounted for up to 60% of fur looks on the catwalks. And then, in 2023, the trend was reversed: Real fur became the majority again at 80%."

Vintage fur is sustainable — if you have to wear it

“[With vintage], it's already been made, it's already out there, and really the best thing that we could be doing with our clothes is keeping them in use for as long as possible and out of landfill,” Drennan says.

The value of a vintage mink coat depends on a variety of factors, including the condition, size, brand and quality. A small mink coat could sell for under $300 while a top designer coat could sell for over $10,000.

Difficult stains should be removed by a professional. Smaller, fresh stains can be treated at home with a clean, dry cloth, then blotted with a slightly damp, clean cloth. Your coat should then be left to air dry for best results. Never use detergent or stain remover on a real fur coat.

CLEANING THE COAT

The alcohol and vinegar remove the dirt and mildew smells from the fur. The hydrogen peroxide eats the stains. You can spray the solution on the lining as well. Allow the fur to dry and air out for a day or two, then store it in a cool dry place with a COTTON pillow case over the top of it.

Removing stains on a natural fur coat should be handled by a professional dry cleaner. If you have a fresh stain on your fur coat, quickly dab it with a clean cloth. Use another clean, slightly damp cloth to gently blot the stain, and then allow to air-dry. Don't use stain remover or detergents on fur.

Step 1: Start by placing the faux fur item in a Mesh Bag. Step 2: Add the appropriate amount of a gentle wash, like the Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, according to the machine and load size. Step 3: Select the delicate cycle on the washing machine, and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low.