Say NO to Fur – Its Role in the Fashion Industry

It is no secret that fur clothing came in handy to humans 170,000 years ago. However, technological developments and changes in fashion have practically ended our need for such clothing pieces.

Nowadays, fur clothing is a symbol of wealth, elegance, and luxury, but at what cost?

It’s known that fur clothing is unethical and cruel to animals, yet some still choose to ignore it… but it’s time to state facts and stop ignoring this matter just because it doesn’t affect us personally.

Here are some eye-opening global fur farming statistics from 2018, retrieved from Humane Society International:

• Canada – total 1.8m (1.76m minks; 2,360 foxes)
• US – total 3.1m minks
• European Union – total 37.8m (34.7m minks; 2.7m foxes; 166,000 raccoons; 227,000 chinchillas)
• China – total 50.5m (20.7m minks; 17.3m foxes; 12.3m raccoons)

Fur farms were created to meet demand; thus, no demand means no supply needed, resulting in a decrease of fur farms. Each year, around one hundred million animals are bred and killed on intensive fur farms to supply the fashion industry. We are not only talking about fur coats, but also those pom-poms on your hats or those linings on your gloves. The smallest piece is directly related to animal cruelty and death.

Italy called for victory just yesterday when they announced their ban on fur farms and will be shutting down all mink farms within the next six months. Along with this, California was the first state to have banned fur back in 2019. More countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, and more have also banned fur, with more on the way.

Of course, customers are not the only ones who must incentivize the idea to stop producing and selling fur clothing. Brands must step up and stop any practice they do not agree with and end the ongoing trend. Luckily, many brands have taken matters into their own hands and have stopped the sale of fur clothing. These brands include Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Coach, and many others.

Celebrities have also taken steps to promote the end of fur in the fashion industry. Victoria Beckham has adapted a fur-free culture since 2019 for her brand, and Billie Eilish agreed to wear Oscar de la Renta’s dress to the Oscars in 2021 with the agreement that the fashion house would stop using fur… which they have.

With the help of celebrities and influencers using their influence and voices to stop unethical fashion practices, more people being aware and conscious of fur farms. Because of this, it can be said we are moving in the right direction to be more ethical in the fashion industry.

Banning fur clothing does not mean it would be the end of the wealth and fashion symbol. There are simply no more excuses to continue fur clothing production because of the advanced faux fur technology. Faux fur is a high quality material made with polyester, modacrylic, and acrylic fibers that holds the same quality standards as real animal fur. It is so advanced and perfected, that it’s difficult to distinguish real fur from faux fur. Yes, it will keep you just as warm, and it’s going to look and feel just as real; the only difference is that no innocent animal died in the making.

As the world is developing and adapting to a sustainable culture, fur fashion should not be overlooked just because it’s trendy and in style. Like already said, there are ways to keep this style going without harming others and the environment.

What do you think about this, and what are some steps that you are taking to be more conscious and ethical when shopping?

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