If you are paying for a real fur coat, you want to make sure you are getting exactly what you are paying for. One of the ways to ensure you are getting the real fur you desire is to know the identifying factors that will indicate the presence of real fur versus faux fur. While choosing a reputable furrier will ensure you get the right furs, it never hurts to be educated on how to identify real furs so you can appraise the quality on your own.

The Nap

Just like on the human head, the hairs on an animal’s pelt should all lie in one general direction. This is one of the easiest ways to tell if you are dealing with real fur or faux fur. The faux fur will typically lie in multiple directions within a small area of the coat. Another thing you should look for is a spiral or other random change in direction in the pelt. This is common in animals and can be a good sign as long as it only appears in one section of the fur instead of randomly throughout.

Density

Another similarity between human hair and animal fur is the differences in density, which can vary by animal. However, the highest quality furs will provide a greater density, helping you stay even warmer. You also need to pay attention the under fur. If you part the hair on a real fur coat, you should see little, if any, of the base material. Instead, you should see the soft under fur. Faux fur will reveal the leather underneath when you part the hair.

Feeling

It can be difficult for the novice to tell the difference between real and faux fur by touch, but you can learn how to tell the difference. For instance, beaver and raccoon fur should be slightly waxy because these animals often deal with the water. Foxes should be soft throughout. Faux fur will often feel the same, no matter which animal the fur is supposedly from. If you feel several fur coats, you should be able to tell the difference.

Before you rush out to buy a fur coat, it is important to know some of the identifying factors to ensure you are truly getting a fur coat. This includes checking the direction in which the hairs lie, testing the density of the fur by parting it and feeling it for the right type of fur.