In the fashion industry, fur on clothes is considered a sign of wealth and high social status. People have been deliberately using fur on their clothes since ancient history not only to keep them warm in winters but also to give a luxurious look to your clothes. Almost every one of us owns a fur coat, jacket, hat, or shawl in our wardrobe. Now let’s discuss ‘Is Vintage Fur Ethical?’.
There is a long discussion on whether wearing vintage fur is ethical or not. People have mixed reviews on if one should wear vintage fur or not.
Is it ethical to wear Vintage Fur?
According to some individuals, it is ethical to wear real vintage fur for many reasons. For example,
- The animal from which fur is obtained is dead now whether it’s been a day, or month or even a year but it is not coming back so you should not waste it.
- Moreover, wearing old vintage fur is quite economical instead of buying new ones.
- It is very sustainable and lasts for generations without degrading or harming the environment.
- It is often believed that animals are there to facilitate humans and it is okay to use them to get food and other stuff.
What is vintage fur and where does it come from?
Vintage fur is often taken as real, genuine fur on your piece of clothing which came from a real animal like mink, fox, bear, rabbit, etc. They are kept for many years and often passed on from generation to generation. You usually own a vintage fur coat or hat passed down to you from your great-grandmother or you got it from a vintage thrift store at a lesser price. Most of the fur clothes sold by high-end brands come from the skin of animals after killing them. About 100 million animals including dogs, rabbits, and raccoons are killed annually to get their fur.
Why it is unethical to wear vintage fur?
For a lot of people, it is very unethical to wear fur. According to them, an animal died while giving you its fur so your consciousness should not allow you to wear it at all. Many animals loving organizations such as PETA often point out the brutality animals face through their campaigns.
What can you do with fur if you don’t use it?
If you think that it’s unethical to wear vintage fur and do not want to use the fur coat of your mother, then do not throw it away. Donate it to someone who needs warm clothes or PETA also takes the vintage fur for their campaigns like giving shelter to abandoned pets.
Difference between vintage fur and faux fur:
Vintage fur comes from the fur of real animals while fake fur often called faux fur is manufactured in factories using artificial ways. It looks exactly like real fur, but it is made up of polymers and synthetic fibers. If you want to tell a difference between real and fake fur, then you can do so in the following ways:
- The real vintage fur feels very smooth when you touch it. On the other hand, fake fur is quite rough to touch.
- Real fur smells like human hair when you burn them while fake fur gives the smell of plastic and becomes hard after burning.
- If you look closely at the fur, the real fur has a complex structure of uneven hair on the surface while fake fur has a simple structure of hair of the same length.
Is Faux fur better than vintage fur?
You might think that vintage fur is the reason for animal cruelty, and one should just shift to fake fur since both serve the same purpose. But it has been highlighted that fake fur has many unpleasant effects on the environment. It is made up of synthetic fibers and polymers which are not biodegradable, so they are harmful to the environment. In addition to that, faux fur is not sustainable as it wears out after some time, and you need a new fur coat.
Alternatives of vintage fur:
If you think that it’s unethical to wear vintage fur, then you might be looking for alternatives to it. Following are some ways through which you can fulfill your fashion needs and be cruelty-free.
- A bio-based fur is being introduced into the market made from natural substances suitable for the environment.
- Recycle your fake or faux fur to use it for a long time.
- A stylish denim-based fur also serves the same purpose as vintage fur.
Brands that have become fur-free:
The campaigns of PETA and animal rights activists have created so much awareness that many brands do not sell real fur anymore. Following are the brands which have gone fur-free:
- Gucci
- Versace
- Burberry
- Coach
- Chanel
- Prada
- Ralph Lauren
Conclusion:
Wearing vintage fur or not is a choice one makes for himself. But whatever you choose, make sure to consider the environmental aspects of your choice. Try to recycle and reuse the clothes.
FAQs:
- Can I wear vintage fur?
If you own a price of vintage fur and you do not feel guilty wearing it then you should wear it. It’s your choice.
2. Is it legal to buy vintage fur?
Yes, it is legal to buy and sell vintage fur in the majority of countries. Although some places are planning to ban the making and selling of new fur.
3. What can be a substitute for fur?
Fur made with environment-friendly materials is taking over the market these days. Bio-based fur and coconut oil-based fur can be alternatives for vintage fur.
