Facts on fur types This is an introduction to the origin and main characteristics of some of the most common furs used today.
 North American beaver (Castor canadensis)
This large, semi-aquatic, wild animal is from North America. The long
guard hairs are very dark brown to reddish or “blonde”. Beaver is often
plucked or sheared by designers to show the soft underfur and reduce
the weight of the item. It is often used for trimmings and full fur
garments.
Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)
Originating
from South America, the chinchilla is now totally protected in the
wild. It is farmed in North and South America and Europe. This very
soft and silky fur is mainly grey, but there are some black, white or
beige-white natural colours. It is used mainly for small articles and
trimming but also for full-length garments.
Coyote (Canis latrans)
This abundant North American wild fur-bearer produces long, dense fur
ranging in colour from cream to dark grey, typically black-tipped. The
fur is used for full coats and trim and is particularly popular for
men’s coats.
Finn raccoon (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
Today, finn raccoon is predominately farmed in Finland. A thick and
luxurious fur with a natural colour range from beige to brown to
reddish brown, it is often used in trimmings and sports coats,
including menswear.
Silver fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Farmed silver fox has long, glossy, lightweight fur with natural
colours in black and white, giving a feel of silver. Darker skins have
more black and paler skins more white. Silver fox is traditionally used
for collars and cuffs, wraps and stoles.
Blue fox (Alopex lagopus)
Farmed blue foxes are dark to pale grey in colour. They can also
produce almost white fur, known as white or “shadow fox”. Often dyed in
many shades, the soft and thick hair is typically used for collars and
trimmings but also for jackets and full-length coats.
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
This is the most common and well-known of the wild foxes, found in
North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The North American pelt has
long, soft red hair whereas the European fur is flatter and less silky.
It is used for trimming and for full fur garments.
Karakul lamb (Ovis aries platyura)
This is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated sheep in the world. It
is also known as Persian lamb and Astrakhan. The pelt is distinctive
for its softness and lustrous wavy curls. Natural colours are black,
grey, white, silver grey, pink and brown. It is typically used for full
fur garments such as coats and skirts, and as trimming, edging and
lining.
Tibet and Calgan lamb (Ovis aries steatopyga)
Found in China, this long curly-haired lambskin can be dyed many colours. It is used mainly for trimmings.
Canadian marten (Martes americana)
A wild fur-bearer found in Canada and parts of the USA, this cousin to
the Russian sable exhibits particularly soft and luxurious guard hairs
with dense, silky underfur. It is typically used for coats, jackets and
trimming.
Mink (Mustela vison)
This is the most common farmed species, producing dense, lightweight
fur. There is a wide range of natural colours from white to black,
taking in pearl, violet and sapphire, demi-buff (medium brown) and
“ranch” (very dark brown). The fur can be worked in many ways,
including shorn, knitted and also dyed in many different colours. It is
a very versatile fur and is used for coats, jackets, trimmings and
accessories.
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethica)
A semi-aquatic mammal, which is very prolific, the muskrat is found
wild throughout North America and Europe, the former Soviet Union and
China. It is also known as musquash. It has thick, waterproof underfur
with a long, glossy overlayer of guard hairs. The colour varies from
light brown to black. Muskrat is used for coats, jackets and trimmings.
Nutria (Myocastor coypus)
A large, semi-aquatic rodent, mainly found wild in Argentina and
southern USA (Louisiana), the nutria is also farmed in Poland and the
Czech Republic. It has dense, greyish underfur and long glossy guard
hair and varies in colour from dark brown to yellowish brown. It is
used either long-haired or plucked for garments and trim.
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
This wild fur-bearer is very abundant throughout the USA and southern
Canada. Raccoons from northern areas are more highly furred. It is a
long-haired fur with grey and black markings. Raccoon is mainly used
for trimmings including collars and cuffs.
Sable (Martes zibellina)
A wild fur-bearer found only in Russia, sable is the most expensive
fur, highly valued for its rarity, lush dark colour and deep, silky
pelt. It ranges in colour from dark brown (almost black) through brown
to pale yellow/golden. Sable is also farmed to a small extent. It is
used for garments, trimming and small pieces such as stoles.
Russian and Chinese Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
A wild fur valued for its soft, lightweight qualities. The pelts are
typically grey-blue and used for linings, garments and some trimmings
in both natural colours and dyed.
North American Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
A wild fur valued for its soft, reddish pelt. It is typically used for linings, garments and some trimmings.
Weasel and Kolinski (Mustela nivalis and Mustela sibirica)
These fur-bearers have shorter guard hair than mink, with very
lightweight leather and flatter, soft fur. They are used for full coats
and trim in both natural and dyed colours. They may also be plucked and
sheared for use as a lightweight spring fur.
|
