Whether you’re in the office, out shopping, or going out for a nice dinner, chances are you’ll see some variation of fur being worn. Furs are more popular than ever before, but do you know how they’ve become so popular? Wearing a real fur coat used to be a sign that a person was very wealthy. While this still might be true in some cases, furs have become more accessible and budget-friendly over the years. Here’s a quick look at the evolution of furs so you can gain a better understanding and appreciation.

Have Furs Always Been Popular?

Furs are often seen as luxury apparel today, but that hasn’t always been the case. Going back to the 1500s, furs were seen more as a necessity so they were used prominently for trading and bartering. The value of fur increased significantly between the 1500s and the 1800s. However, as the demand increased toward the later part of the 1800s, the supply decreased. This led to the need for alternative solutions to keep up with the demand to ensure furs remained available and accessible.

When Did Furs Become More Accessible?

Fur farms became prominent in the late 1800s primarily in North America. This led to the development of various types of fur coats. Through the early 1900s, fur production was at the highest levels ever seen, which made them more accessible as a result. Not only could you buy a real fur coat, but fur vests, jackets, and accessories were being produced as well. The success of fur farms has kept them around even today to ensure furs remain accessible to people.

Furs Were A Symbol Of Wealthy Women

Around the early 1900s, furs became a staple in the fashion industry. Any time you saw someone wearing a real fur coat, it was usually a woman who had plenty of money. So in many ways, furs became a symbol of having a high status. Fur coats and jackets began appearing in television and films, with mostly wealthy women wearing them.

Celebrities Began Using Furs In The Mid-1900s

When wealthy women started wearing different types of fur coats more, celebrities started doing the same. High-profile people were attracted to furs and wore them prominently during the mid-1900s. This caused the prices of furs to rise to the point where middle-class people could not afford them. This trend was short-lived, though, since the demand for furs decreased drastically. By the late 1900s, the price of furs came back to reasonable levels and the demand rose as a result.

Technology Has Led To Furs Being More Accessible And Affordable

Fur production has kept up with the evolving times technologically. Manufacturing furs is a streamlined process now to make them more accessible and affordable than ever before. But what makes this evolution unique is furs still have a luxury feel to them even though the average person can afford them more. One of the problems with the evolution of furs is the emergence of fake or faux furs. These synthetic furs look like real fur at times, but are more harmful to the environment and aren’t as elegant as real furs. So while advanced technology has benefited real fur production, consumers also need to be more aware of fake furs on the market.

Learning about the evolution of furs is fascinating. The history of furs can help you gain a better appreciation for the real fur coat you have in your closet or the one you want to purchase. Morris Kaye & Sons takes pride in offering the highest quality furs you can find anywhere. Whether you need fur styling in Dallas or are shopping for a real fur coat, our professional furriers can help. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of furs, we are happy to provide you with more information. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our furs.