At Oakwood, we know that a beautiful piece is more than just its cut. The material, its feel, its technical properties, and its origin are all just as essential.
Long associated with luxury and comfort, fur continues to hold a special place in fashion. But today, between textile innovations, ethical concerns, and environmental issues, the choice between real fur and faux fur has become more complex… and more personal than ever.
Behind the allure of a collar or the softness of a lining lie real questions: animal welfare, ecological impact, biodegradability, lifespan, or recyclability.
How to choose without compromising either your style or your values?
At Oakwood, we believe that an informed choice is better than an imposed choice. Here is a clear and nuanced guide to understanding materials and making an informed decision.
Understanding the difference between real and faux fur
1. Real fur: authenticity, technicality and ethical questions
A natural, regulated and durable material
Sourced from animals such as fox, rabbit, or raccoon, real fur is distinguished by an incomparable feel, natural loft, and remarkable thermal quality.
Its longevity is a major asset: a beautiful piece can last for years and even be passed down.
At Oakwood, we exclusively use rabbit and raccoon fur, sourced from animals already destined for food, never from farms dedicated solely to fur production.
Real ethical issues
Fur remains a sensitive topic. Breeding and slaughter conditions in certain parts of the world have led to numerous alerts from animal welfare organizations.
Several European countries, including France, have progressively banned fur farming.
Today, the demand is for more transparency:
• Controlled supply chains,
• Better breeding practices,
• Traceability,
• Recycling and repurposing of existing furs.
An artisanal and heritage dimension
Real fur remains appreciated for its unique character: a noble material, handcrafted, that gives rise to durable, timeless, and often emotional pieces, a know-how that is fading but continues to exist in specialized workshops. Not to mention that valuing fur is already a recycling of a material that cannot be consumed.
2. Faux fur: textile innovation and ecological paradox
An ethical and modern alternative
Designed to offer a "cruelty-free" option, faux fur has evolved significantly. Current technologies allow for astonishingly precise imitation of natural hair: density, softness, volume…
It also appeals with its creative palette: colors, lengths, visual effects.
An ecological impact not to be overlooked
Made from synthetic fibers (acrylic, polyester, modacrylic…), faux fur raises other questions:
• Energy required for production,
• Use of plastic derivatives,
• Difficulty of recycling.
It is ethical in terms of animal welfare, but can be heavier ecologically depending on the quality of the fiber or its durability.
The future is moving towards hybrid, recycled, or bio-sourced materials, to reconcile innovation, performance, and responsibility.
3. The consumer facing their values
Today, the question is no longer simply “real or fake?”, but rather:
“What type of footprint am I willing to accept?”
Motivations vary:
• Animal welfare: refusal of all animal-derived materials.
• Durability: choosing a natural, resistant, biodegradable, repairable, and transmissible material.
• Innovation: preferring technical or recycled fibers.
• Global responsibility: evaluating the entire life cycle.
New habits also play a role:
• Second-hand,
• Upcycling,
• Recycling of old furs,
• Mindful purchasing rather than multiple purchases.
The trend is not towards the total disappearance of fur, but towards its revaluation: producing less, better, and with meaning.
