Fur terminology you should know

When you’re shopping for a new fur garment or doing your research online you may run into some terminology that you’re unfamiliar with. Here is a list of terms we’ve compiled that may help when it comes to researching and purchasing the perfect piece of fur:

Brightener added

• Fur luster and color can be enhanced using customized treatments

Dyeing

• There are endless possibilities when it comes to fur color
• Furs come in a wide range of natural colors but can also be dyed in many vibrant and beautiful hues
• Dyeing can be used to fix any imperfections within the furs natural tones and can help improve uniformity
• Sometimes the pelt is bleached white before it is dyed

Fur Layers: Underfur and Guard hairs

• Guard hair is the long, shiny hairs that are there to protect the underfur
• The underfur is extremely soft and what provides warmth and insulation
• Underfur is located beneath the guard hairs, close to the hide

Knitted Fur

• Knitted fur is a specific design method used for garments and decor
• It is created by using narrow strips of fur combined with silk or cotton yarn
• Knitted fur garments are often lighter

Leathering

• Strips of fur are alternated with leather, ribbon or cloth for a unique effect and lighter piece

Letting Out

• Cutting the pelt into diagonal strips and then re-sewing it, which allows for one to make the pelt longer and narrower
• The outcome is a supple and smooth flowing pelt
• Also referred to as “dropping out”

Mutation

• Natural furs of unique colors that are produced due to selective breeding

Plucking

• Guard hair is selectively plucked to emphasize the velvet underhair of the fur
  

Sculptured

• This technique is comprised of many small detailed pieces of sheared mink to give a garment the beautiful and ever-popular sculptured look

Sheared

• This technique is used to trim fur to a short pile, sometimes as low as 5 mm
• Used to reduce bulkiness and weight or to create intricate patterns in the fur.

Shearling

• Natural lamb pelts tanned with the wool in tact
• The leather side can be tanned a suede or napa finish

Skin-on-Skin

• Rectangular pelts that are sewn together to create a box effect
• This is an alternative to the letting out process.

Special Effects

• Fur has become increasingly popular and designers are exploring the infinite possibilities when it comes producing garments
• Fur can be treated with the same creativity as fabric
• Fur can be draped, beaded, embroidered, laser cut, stenciled, embroidered and fringed

Tip-Dyeing

• Dye is applied only to the tip of the guard hairs to produce a two-tone look
• Also known as “blending”

Underfur

• This is the layer of the fur that acts as insulation and provides warmth
• The underhair is located beneath the guard hairs.