The fur industry is an industry that requires manufacturers to comply with many requirements and standards. In the modern fur industry, the pelts are obtained from farmers, trappers, and hunters, they are classified according to factors such as general condition, length, curl and pattern, after which processing begins. Fur processing includes 12 stages. Furs can also be dyed or other decorative treatments. The production of natural fur is the art of creating beautiful things that are not only a symbol of wealth and prestige but also protect from the cold.
Mink
One of the most traditional and most expensive furs. It has a soft and silky hairline with well-developed downy and prominent guard hairs. Despite its extreme attractiveness, mink has long since moved into the category of familiar and everyday materials due to its practicality, versatility, and durability.
The pile of the mink fur is even, all the hairs are the same length, which gives any finished product an exceptional elegance. In addition, this is one of those types of fur that allows you to work with it like a fabric, sew not only coats but also skirts, jackets, and all kinds of accessories. The world leaders in the production of mink fur are North America and Scandinavia. Unlike Canadian mink, whose fur is similar to velvet: the pile is not so long and less fluffy, the Scandinavian mink is the most practical in terms of the Russian climate. She is less afraid of moisture, and therefore more wearable.
Mink is bred on farms in Scandinavia, Holland, Finland, the Baltics, Russia, Canada, USA, but the entire mink industry is based on one American species. During the work of breeders, due to the variety of climatic conditions and diet, the properties of fur vary greatly depending on the place of breeding. Thus, several types of mink have arisen.
Russian mink is a type of mink bred in Russia on the basis of imported wild North American mink. The main differences are a high guard hair and a thick high underfur. Thanks to this, Russian mink fur is not afraid of moisture, products made from it are very warm, while the hairline is fluffier than that of other types of mink.
The Scandinavian mink is today the most widespread variety of the same American mink in the world (about 80% of the world market for mink skins). The main differences between the fur of the Scandinavian mink are a flat awn of medium height and thick underfur, while the Finnish mink marked SAGA FURS has a higher hairline, and the Danish variety of the KOPENHAGEN FURS brand has a lower one.
The Finnish mink is a type of Scandinavian mink bred in Northern Europe.
The North American mink is a breed that is bred on fur farms in the United States and Canada.
Outwardly and to the touch, it resembles velvet, since the hairline with a low awn is practically the same length as the dense underfur. There is a North American mink with a so-called “super-short” hairline and has a plucked appearance.
North American minks are farmed relatively small and the quality of their fur is very high. This type of mink fur is considered exclusive.
The peculiarity of mink fur is that, under the influence of different feeding conditions, maintenance, and climate, batches of skins coming from different farms of the continent can differ significantly from each other. Therefore, the auctions are traded in lots for individual farms, in contrast to the Scandinavian mink, in which the origin is not taken into account when sorting. Thus, Blacknaffe and Blackglam mink, depending on their origin, can even differ in shade: from black to almost brown, which is closer to the color of mahogany. Such mink is allowed to be tinted in order to obtain the necessary black, which is the hallmark of this type of mink.
Dyed mink
Especially often dyeing (toning) is used when it is required to obtain an imitation of a more expensive dark brown mink from a mink of a relatively light brown tone. Thus, some fur manufacturers may even mislead their customers by presenting dyed mink as a more valuable type of fur.
Modern technologies with the help of bleaching (bleaching) of fur make it possible to achieve the most incredible colors and shades up to neon, which is gaining popularity, then losing it a little. Also, with the help of bleaching technology, various tones of the “golden” mink are created. Moreover, the darker the starting material, the darker the final shade will be. Thus, a palette of the most diverse shades is obtained, and the color of the fur retains the transition from a lighter shade of the side to a darker color of the ridge, which leaves a feeling of “naturalness” of the color.
There are also more sophisticated multi-layer dyeing technologies. For example, a light-colored mink can be dyed with a reserve tip of the awn, and then the effect of the so-called “snow-top” is obtained on the skin.
When buying a dyed mink fur coat, it should be borne in mind that exposure to chemicals that make up the dyes slightly reduces the wear resistance of the fur.
Plucked mink
The desire of designers to expand the possibilities of using mink fur leads to the fact that it is not only dyed in a wide variety of colors, but also changes the texture of the fur. In the process of pinching, the guard hair is removed from the fur, after which only velvety underfur remains on the skin. A mink pinch can be combined with a haircut.
Sheared mink
When clipping a mink, the length of the guard hair of the mink is shortened, resulting in shorter fur. Very often, a haircut is combined with other processing technologies, in particular, with a pinch. In this case, after plucking the awn, the resulting velvet is additionally trimmed to the desired height. Also, when combining these technologies, you can get the “corduroy” texture by applying the technology of multi-level fur trimming. Laser haircut allows you to apply a variety of volumetric patterns to the mink fur.
Sable
The pride of Russian furriers – the fur of the Russian sable – has always been and remains a symbol of luxury and wealth. Sable fur coats, coats and dressing coats trimmed with this precious fur, and even just collars and boas have always been in high esteem.
It is customary to wear sable fur with a touch of negligence. A sable coat is a real treasure. It is no coincidence that sable fur is considered the best in the world in color, brilliance, and tenderness. Prices for sable coats have never been affordable. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cost of such a treasure was comparable to the cost of a good apartment. In the democratic 60s – 70s of the XX century, sable faded somewhat into the background, and then in the 80s, it returned in all its splendor.
Sable fur is so magnificent that even today, in the era of shearing, dyeing, and other all kinds of methods of processing and changing natural fur beyond recognition, designers use it in its natural form.
Lynx
Lynx fur is one of the most expensive and rare types of wild fur. The most beautiful and high-quality skins of Scandinavian lynxes are considered. The more pronounced the black spots, the more expensive the fur. Lynx fur coats are sewn only from the lateral parts of the skins, since they are soft to the touch, attractive in light color, and the characteristic spots are more pronounced here. Lynx fur is practically not processed, since it has a repetitive natural color.
A lynx fur coat can be more expensive than a sable one, but you can rarely find them in the store since this fur is used almost exclusively for decoration and accessories: collars, cuffs, and hats.
Trotted cat
A rare and expensive type of fur. The lynx cat has very beautiful contrasting black spots on white, but a shorter pile.
Fox and arctic fox
Fox fur is the main favorite of all fashionistas in the world over the past several seasons. This fluffy fur in a modern, lightweight version is the perfect way to add weight and volume to your outfit as the new fashion statement demands. Long-haired fur – for those who, above all, value comfort and warmth. He is able to enhance energy and give sensuality to its owners. Products made from this type of fur look luxurious. The breeding of Arctic fox and fox began in Scandinavia at the beginning of the 20th century. As in the history of other types of fur, fox and fox fur gained unheard-of popularity with the light hand of Hollywood cinema. It is widely known that the President of the film company Paramount Pictures was a furrier and encouraged the widespread use of fur on the screen.
By color, there are two types of arctic fox in nature: white and blue. There are much fewer blue foxes than white ones, which is why they are more expensive. Animal breeders have hereditarily fixed the desired color and breed only blue foxes. Blue is the fur of the color of a cloudy sky of varying degrees of density. Arctic fox fur is also called platinum. Cellular platinum foxes have a similar skin color. The fur of light blue arctic foxes has thick guard hairs with a white base and a blue (to lilac) tip. The dyed ends of the guard hairs form a beautiful bluish veil against the background of light fluff.
Rabbit
In recent years, rabbit fur has been gaining a place in fashion collections again. The first peak of its popularity came during the Second World War, when, due to lack of funds, furriers were forced to work with cheap raw materials. Rabbit fur is one of the most affordable types of fur, which not only allows designers to experiment but also often serves to imitate expensive furs. It is cut like velvet, dyed in a variety of colors, and creates unusual shapes.
Rex (rex rabbit) is a breed of rabbit with an even thick and very delicate fur, located perpendicular to the leather fabric. Divorces in Germany and China. Not only fur coats and accessories are sewn from this type of fur, but it is also widely used to create very fashionable knitted fur products.
Orylag (orilag) – a new type of fur, created thanks to the painstaking work of French breeders, appeared a little over ten years ago. The orilag fur has high technical characteristics – it is warm, wears well and is very beautiful. Larger skins than chinchilla skins. Leather tissue (skin) is thin, light, elastic, but dense. The hair is very soft and fine. A wide variety of things are sewn from orilag: outerwear, fur lining, and they are used not only for the production of clothes and accessories, but, just like from Rex, they make a special fur thread.
Chinchilla
Light, weightless like fluff and thick chinchilla fur is very attractive and is one of the three most prestigious furs. Chinchilla fur is unique in its structure and is a dense layer of the most delicate fluff about 2.5 centimeters thick with a hair diameter of 12-14 microns. The color of this type of fur is very attractive – from dark gray on the back with a smooth transition to bluish-gray on the sides and snow-white on the belly. The extraordinary tenderness and beauty of the fur have caused the high prices for chinchilla fur products since the time of the Indian civilization. Then the fur of chinchillas was used to create clothes for members of noble families, since rodents were protected and their capture was strictly regulated
Sheepskin
Sheepskin was and remains one of the most affordable and popular types of fur. In Russia in the 19th century, a very common type of outerwear was long tanned fur coats and jackets with fur inside – the prototypes of today’s sheepskin coats. Sheepskin coats came into European fashion after the Second World War. In the 80s, sheepskin coats became everyday, comfortable and inexpensive clothing.
Kid lamb – goat fur first attracted the attention of designers at the beginning of the twentieth century, then went into the shadows for a long time and already in the mid-90s returned to the fashionable Olympus. Goat fur is extremely attractive: firstly, it is not expensive and very easy to process, and secondly, finished products from it look exquisite and attractive.
Karakul and broadtail
This fur has many names that depend on its origin and how it was made. At the beginning of the century, children’s fur coats decorated with embroidery and braid were sewn from astrakhan fur. A white astrakhan fur coat with a clutch was the dream of every little fashionista. Also, fashionable egg-shaped coats with fluffy fox collars were sewn from this fur.
The color palette is incredibly diverse – platinum, golden, amber, shades of gray from light gray and gray-blue to steel, beige, brown – thanks to the achievements of selection, the choice of colors is amazing. Modern methods of dressing make it possible to paint astrakhan fur in the most fashionable colors. And, of course, you will never get bored with the unique pattern of karakul in a classic black design.
Separate advantages of this type of fur are its ability to keep its shape (allows you to create products of an architectural cut) and the ability to create an elegant silhouette, thanks to a smooth and short pile.
Lippi
The fashion for a predatory color determines the enduring popularity of this type of fur. Coats, jackets and numerous accessories of their lippy fur look very fashionable and will not let their owners get lost in the crowd. Even if you find it difficult to decide on the purchase of a lippie fur coat, a small accessory from this fur will be enough to make the image bright and memorable.
Marten
The use of marten fur has a long history. In appearance, this fur is very similar to sable fur but has a slightly less dense awn. Marten fur has long been highly valued in Russia, and in Europe, where sable is not found, marten occupies its niche. Marten fur is widely used not only for the production of fur coats and jackets but also for finishing and making accessories – hats, collars, and cuffs from it look great.
The color palette of natural shades is varied – from gray-smoky to dark brown. Fisher or pecan – fishing marten – the largest marten with a dark brown color. The hair is thick, long, very similar to sable, but slightly coarser.
The fur of a marten from Canada is called a Canadian sable.
Seal
Silver, smooth, silky to the touch, the fur of the seal has an extraordinary pattern, which is ring-shaped spots of various shapes and diameters. Correctly and qualitatively colored seals should retain this ornament.
Due to its natural characteristics, the seal fur is the leader in terms of wear. He is absolutely not afraid of moisture, dirt, and dampness. The only drawback of this type of fur is that it is heavier than other furs. That is why shortened models of clothing are usually sewn from seal fur – jackets, jackets, and coats.
Beaver
Exceptionally soft, fluffy and very warm fur with a high level of wear resistance. It is not afraid of moisture, moreover, it becomes fluffier in wet weather.
In its natural form (without shearing and pinching) it is considered male fur, since it is rather heavy. For the production of women’s clothing, it is usually used after processing. Very beautiful jackets, short coats and coats are made from plucked and sheared beaver fur, and they have a delicate, velvety, shiny surface. Plucking is a rather laborious and delicate operation that requires knowledge of special technologies and is made by hand, which allows you to preserve all the qualities and characteristics of the leather tissue (flesh). Due to the laboriousness of the process, the plucked beaver is considered exclusive and more expensive. The special technology of sewing and cutting makes the plucked beaver fur coat soft and light.
Raccoon
The fur of a raccoon is voluminous, warm, and fluffy, with a long awn and soft underfur. Differs in lightness and plasticity – that’s why designers love it so much. In addition, raccoon fur is one of the most durable and is of considerable value. The color of the fur is gray, gray-brown, or black-brown, but in its natural form, it is rarely used, subjecting it to tint.
Raccoon dog (Ussuri raccoon). It differs from raccoon skins in a coarser awn and thick leather fabric. The main colors are golden (with orange underfur) and silver (with gray underfur), there are also white ones. The fur is very warm, the hair is thick, the down is close to that of goats, and is longer than that of the Arctic fox.
Pony
Pony fur has been rapidly gaining popularity over the past many seasons. Thanks to the plastic base and short pile, it looks more like a plush. These characteristics push designers to numerous experiments – it is painted in a variety of colors, subjected to all kinds of processing, such as, for example, laser haircut and perforation. Pony fur is used not only for traditional coats, jackets, and jackets, but also for dresses, sundresses, skirts, and trousers. If we talk about accessories, then these are not only the usual bags but also all kinds of belts, wallets and even shoes.
Otter
Rare otter fur is recognized as the benchmark for wear resistance. It is waterproof, thick, with dense underfur – not only beautiful but also extremely durable. In the course of processing, after the coarse guard villi are plucked out, the otter fur becomes very soft and really beautiful. Due to its thick and strong flesh, otter fur is considered one of the strongest. The darker the otter fur, the more elegant and valuable it is.
Column
Today, the fur column is one of the most popular. Soft and lightweight, it is perfect for creative designers. And if earlier this fur was used mainly for decoration, tassels, and the production of men’s hats, now beautiful coats, fur coats, and jackets are sewn from the fur of the column. Thanks to modern processing technologies, in appearance it is not inferior to mink or even sable. But, of course, it cannot boast of such wear resistance. Nevertheless, the fur of the column is quite practical, and, subject to careful and proper care, it is quite capable of serving you for several seasons. In addition, this is a very warm fur, suitable for the Russian climate, as it withstands changes in humidity and temperature well.
Nutria
Nutria (marsh beaver, beaver rat, ragondin) was brought to Russia from Argentina during the Soviet era. By color, five main groups can be distinguished: brown, white, beige, golden and black. A feature of this type of fur is that the guard fur is much longer than a short, curled underfur, has a small angle of inclination to the leather fabric and a pronounced shine. In appearance, plucked nutria fur is very similar to mink or even beaver fur, but it is not so warm and is much cheaper, therefore unscrupulous sellers often try to sell plucked nutria fur under the guise of more expensive types of fur.
Muskrat
The fur of the muskrat is beautiful, thick, and pleasant to the touch. Its color can vary from light ocher to almost black, although chestnut brown shades are most common. It cannot boast of high wear resistance, but it has good water-repellent properties, which, taking into account the climatic characteristics of our country, makes it very practical.
Llama
Llama fur is very soft, thick, and pleasant to the touch – it not only warms well but also gives a state of comfort and peace of mind. It is not afraid of moisture, moreover, in humid air it acquires a particularly attractive appearance, twisting into more pronounced spirals. Llama fur is very bulky and therefore, as a rule, is used as a decoration and in combination with other materials. Sheepskin coats decorated with llama fur are especially good. They owe their popularity to the hippie movement in the late 60s of the XX century. Then, embroidered Afghan sheepskin coats and short fur coats with llama fur trimming came into fashion and were very popular. This image to this day finds its fans and does not lose its relevance. Recently, coats, vests, and jackets made entirely of this beautiful fur have come into vogue.
Weasel
Ferret fur is very beautiful – golden with a dark awn. Products from this type of fur are distinguished by noble restraint and are always relevant since its color can be considered classic. It is one of the warmest types of fur along with arctic fox, raccoon, and wolf, but it is also lightweight.
Wolf
Wolf fur is widely used in the collections of the leading fashion houses. Traditionally, wolf fur is considered masculine, however, it is not replaceable for creating bright feminine images. Very warm, durable, and charismatic, it is actively used by designers in decoration, when creating accessories, as well as fur jackets and coats. Wolf fur belongs to the category of especially warm furs and therefore is used, among other things, to create garments for people living and working in extreme conditions.
It consists of a coarse guard pile of various lengths and a soft underfur that retains heat well. This fur is water-repellent, so the snow does not melt on it. The color is quite varied: from black to almost white, including shades of gray, brown, cream, red, and silver. The guard hair is nonuniformly zonal (up to 5 zones) colored with stripes of different colors.
Coyote
Coyote fur, along with wolf fur, is traditionally considered male fur. This fur is distinguished by the softness of the guard hair and the density of the underfur. In recent years, this rare fur has attracted the attention of designers, and products made from it can be found in the collections of the most famous fashion houses. As a rule, it is used in decoration or as a lining, but coyote fur coats and jackets can also be seen on fashion catwalks.