Material Care Guide"Fur"

Table of Contents）

・What is Fur

・About the Material

・How to Handle Fur Materials

・When You're Not Sure What to Do

・How to Care for Fur

What is Fur

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Fur comes in two main types: real fur, made from the actual pelts of animals, and faux fur, a fabric made from synthetic fibers designed to resemble natural fur. Real fur made from natural materials includes types such as mouton (sheepskin), fox, and rabbit, while faux fur is made from synthetic fibers crafted to look similar to real fur.

Mouton is highly durable and is used not only for clothing but also for boots, interior items, and more, while luxurious mink is often used for formal wear. Both real and faux fur are highly durable, typically lasting over three years, and high-quality pieces are said to last as long as 100 years.

About the Material

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Faux fur and real fur differ in price, design, feel, warmth, and durability. Both real and faux fur come in a wide range of qualities and prices, and both require care, so it's best to choose the type that suits you best.

With its soft, fluffy texture and beautiful sheen, fur offers excellent visual appeal along with strong durability, water resistance, and warmth. Depending on the density of the fur, the large amount of trapped air acts as insulation, providing outstanding warmth. Its high resilience also means that fur rugs, for example, tend not to leave your seat feeling sore, making them comfortable to use in winter.

Most real fur cannot be washed with water. It also tends to absorb odors easily, such as perfume, tobacco smoke, and insect repellent, and depending on how it's stored, it can be damaged by insects or develop mold. Please also be aware that exposure to UV rays from sunlight or fluorescent lighting can cause fading, so avoid storing it in sunlight for long periods. In this respect, faux fur, being made of synthetic fibers, tends not to absorb odors as easily and is less prone to insect damage compared to real fur. Depending on the product, some faux fur items can even be hand-washed at home.

How to Handle Fur Materials

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Since fur has a composition similar to human hair, it tends to attract dust easily. If you wear it outdoors, be sure to brush it off after returning home. For clothing items, hang them on a hanger in a well-ventilated area to air out in the shade, and gently brush off any dust.

When You First Start Using It

With items such as mouton, when new or when you first start using them, you may notice a distinctive animal scent, but this will fade with use. If the smell bothers you, try airing the item out in a well-ventilated, shaded area or letting some air pass through it before use.

After Wearing

For everyday care, simply brushing is usually sufficient. Use a soft brush to remove dust, then let the item air out in a well-ventilated, shaded spot.

Since fur is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, always allow it to dry naturally in the shade.

At the End of the Season

On a sunny day, gently pat the fur to remove dust and debris from the entire surface. If there is any dirt, wipe it down with a well-wrung towel. Afterward, hang it on a hanger to air out in the shade for a few hours, then lightly brush to smooth the fur. If you're concerned about stains, check the care label and have it properly cleaned at a specialty store. With real fur, the texture is likely to change if handled improperly, so if you're worried, it's best to leave it to a professional cleaner. With faux fur, home care with a detergent designed for delicate garments may be possible in some cases.

Storage Method

Before storing fur products, make sure they are completely dry and free of moisture. For clothing, it's best to hang items on a hanger and cover them with a non-woven fabric cover. When storing interior items or bags, be careful not to stack them with other items, as this can crush the fur or cause it to flatten and mat down. The same applies to fur rugs used regularly; brushing with a dedicated brush can help restore fur that has become flattened or tangled. Some shedding may occur during brushing, but it's recommended to care for and store the item carefully. Choose a storage location that is well-ventilated and low in humidity whenever possible. Placing a dehumidifier nearby (without letting it touch the product directly) or periodically taking the item outside to air it out can help prevent mold.

When You're Not Sure What to Do

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◆The mouton fur on my chair has become matted and clumped together

Use a commercially available fur brush or a brush designed for animal fibers, and brush gently. Letting fresh air into the fur will help restore its original texture. If the brush doesn't glide through easily, lightly misting the fur with a spray bottle first can make it easier to brush through. Afterward, let it air out in a well-ventilated, shaded spot. Be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.

◆When It Gets Wet in the Rain

If you get caught in sudden rain while out, quickly blot away the moisture with a highly absorbent towel or cloth, then let the item dry in the shade for a few hours. Fur is sensitive to high heat, so avoid trying to dry it quickly with a heater or direct sunlight, as this can cause discoloration or damage to the fibers. The backskin (suede) side also dries slowly, so be sure to let the underside dry thoroughly before storing the item away.

◆When Food Has Been Spilled

For water-soluble stains, such as spilled drinks or pet-related marks, dampen a towel or sponge with a diluted neutral detergent, hair shampoo, or wool-wash detergent, and gently pat the fur to lift the stain—do not rub. Afterward, wipe away the detergent with a towel dampened with water and wrung out, and once clean, let the item air-dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.

How to Care for Fur (Fur Products)

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◆Caring for Fur with a Commercially Available Special Brush

【If the Mouton Fur Becomes Matted】

Brushing the fur regularly during the season can help prevent tangling. Even if the fur has become flattened or matted into clumps, it can be restored with a commercially available special brush.

A special brush for mouton with fine metal bristles is best, as it is less likely to damage the fur or the leather. When removing fur caught in the brush, use a toothpick or similar tool, and be careful not to injure your fingers.

Brush slowly and gently, working little by little against the direction of the fur so that it gradually becomes fuller and stands up. In areas where the fur is flattened or tangled, dampen it slightly with a moist towel before gently brushing it out.

List of Fur Product Brands

Owen Barry (Owen Barry)

This brand was born from a family company that has been involved in sheepskin and leather tanning for five generations. What began as the production of indoor slippers and gloves gradually expanded into handbags and interior goods, and today the brand offers a wide range of products, including high-quality sheepskin clothing, accessories, leather gloves, and cushions. Owen Barry has earned trust around the world for its refined design, reliable quality, and beautiful finishing.

HELEN MOORE (Helen Moore)

HELEN MOORE was founded in 1982 in the town of Devon in northern England. Drawing on the 30-year career of Helen Moore, a fashion designer, along with her passion for fashion and British manufacturing, the brand creates fashion items—including pieces made with faux fur—as well as home accessories such as cushions and rugs.

COSY (Cosy)

Founded in 2002 by Chilean Luciano Radrigan, COSY is a brand that specializes in the production of fur accessories and wear using baby alpaca wool native to South America. With the aim of bringing South America's unique and traditional designs to the UK and countries around the world, the brand continues to create fur accessories and wear made from alpaca—a material prized for its soft texture, lightness, and warmth.

 FLOKATI (Flokati)

FLOKATI is a wool specialist manufacturer based in Lithuania, a country south of Finland, known for its high-quality and safe wool products. Surrounded by forests and lakes, Lithuania is a major textile-producing region in Europe and has recently become known in Japan as a source of especially fine linen as well. With a wish to make people healthier and help them live more comfortable lives through the simple, natural beauty and pleasant feel of wool, FLOKATI continues to create appealing products every day.