Skip to content

Since man first started killing animals and wearing their skins, furs have been all the rage. Beaver fur, ocelot fur, wolf fur, bear fur, if it had four legs and a fuzzy exterior, we were going to use it as this year’s latest fashion.

To be fair, in ages past fur was utterly necessary, the same thing that kept our prey animals warm during the winter was being borrowed to help our ancestors survive the same. But times have changed, and with electric heating and synthetic fibers, there’s no longer a need for fur.

But it sure looks fantastic, even hundreds of years of fiber development can’t change the fact that fur is a classic look that will never go out of style.

But along with the fiber industry, our sensibilities have changed as well, and slaughtering tasty animals for their furs is no longer looked upon favorably.

So what’s a lover of fuzzy clothes to do? Abandon it? Not at all! Faux Fur Friday is the answer to all of your animal hide needs, without the aching conscience.

History of Faux Fur Friday

The first fake furs started coming into the scene in the 1900s, with ‘fur’ being made from the wool of either newborn or unborn lambs.

Since that day fake furs have been expanding throughout the world and fashion industry. During the hey-day of fur fashion, fake furs were a way for those less financially enriched to get into the fur fashion.

Fur was considered to say a lot about the person wearing it, with Vogue Magazine stating that the fur you wear will reveal “the kind of woman you are and the kind of life you will lead.”

An expert in 1924 once told the Times that when a fur of any kind becomes fashionable, the (textile) trade will hunt for a substitute. Every girl wants to look like the fashionista’s and would pay for the opportunity to do so.

But what started as a way to produce realistic fake furs soon turned itself to a new pursuit, fake furs had the benefit of being able to be produced in any color and pattern, and thus bright purple leopard prints became viability, and soon turned to fashion.

How to Celebrate Faux Fur Friday

Need we say it? Spend the day decked out in Faux Furs! Get your best outfit together or invest in a new one, and show the world that Faux fur is still in.

You can even have a themed party where everyone shows up wearing their fuzzy best.

Faux Fur Friday is a great opportunity to bring back the 70’s when the Frankly Fake Furs were in their hey-day, or you can use Faux Fur to host a 1920’s themed party where everyone shows up at their most (faux) elegant!

Faux Fur Friday FAQs

How did the invention of faux fur affect the textile industry?

Faux fur revolutionized textiles by introducing new manufacturing techniques.

Early faux fur relied on alpaca hair, but the 1950s saw the rise of synthetic fibers like acrylic polymers.

This sparked innovation, leading to the creation of durable, soft, and colorful materials. It also allowed designers to experiment with textures that real fur couldn’t achieve, boosting creativity in fashion.

Why do some people think faux fur predates real fur in history?

Some assume faux fur came first because ancient people made garments from plant fibers or felted wool before hunting animals for pelts.

While this isn’t true, it highlights how resourcefulness has shaped fashion through time.

What is the most unusual faux fur celebration in the world?

In Tokyo, some faux fur enthusiasts dress as animals during local festivals.

These outfits, made from synthetic fur, showcase the artistry of cosplay and highlight ethical material choices. Faux Fur Friday sometimes overlaps with such events, blending fun with awareness.

Which technological breakthroughs have made faux fur more sustainable?

Recent advances include biodegradable faux fur made from recycled plastics or plant-based fibers.

Companies like Ecopel now produce eco-friendly faux fur, offering a cruelty-free and greener option for fashion lovers.

Did early Hollywood films use faux fur in their costumes?

Yes! Some early Hollywood studios used faux fur in costumes for cost-saving reasons.

For example, synthetic fur appeared in sci-fi films of the 1950s to create futuristic or alien looks, proving faux fur’s versatility beyond fashion.

How does faux fur tie into animal rights movements?

Animal rights groups like PETA heavily promoted faux fur in the 1990s.

They staged protests against real fur while showcasing synthetic alternatives, influencing designers to rethink their collections and sparking global conversations on ethical fashion.

Are there any ancient myths that connect to faux fur?

Though faux fur is modern, myths about animal disguises—like Norse legends of shape-shifting warriors in bear or wolf pelts—symbolically connect to the idea of ethical use of materials.

Faux fur allows a playful nod to these traditions without harming animals.

How do climate considerations influence faux fur choices?

In cold climates like Scandinavia, faux fur-lined clothing provides an ethical way to stay warm.

Innovations in insulation materials have even made faux fur as thermally effective as real fur, without contributing to animal cruelty.

What’s the most exotic pattern ever created with faux fur?

Faux fur’s synthetic nature allows for endless customization.

Designers have created vibrant neon leopard prints, holographic patterns, and even rainbow gradients, which are impossible with real animal pelts.

These bold designs cater to both fashion enthusiasts and costume lovers.

What’s a surprising use of faux fur outside of clothing?

Beyond fashion, faux fur appears in home décor, like rugs, throws, and furniture upholstery.

Some artists also use faux fur in sculptures, blending visual art with tactile experiences. It’s a material that transcends its traditional purposes.

 

See what else is happening…

There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!

Also on ...

View all holidays

National Bartender Day

These cocktail conjurers craft liquid symphonies, turning a simple drink into a flavorful, memorable experience with a flick of the wrist.

National Gazpacho Day

A taste of Spain with a chilled soup of ripe tomatoes, peppers, and garlic — perfect for beating the heat and tantalizing taste buds.

National Miners’ Day

Digging deep, they unearth treasures from the belly of the earth, a relentless pursuit of resources that fuels progress and innovation.

View all holidays

We think you may also like...

International Body Piercing Day

Get a little daring and finally get that body piercing you’ve always dreamed about. One quick poke, and you’re on your way to the hippest fashion statement.

National Polka Dot Day

Polka dots add a touch of fun and whimsy to any dress. They come in all sizes and colors, and never go out of style.

-

Plaidurday

Timeless fashion and even more timeless warmth, break out your plaid on Plaidurday for a fashionable, cozy day in one of the world’s most popular patterns.

Calendar

Join the community!

Password requirements

  • At least one capital letter
  • At least one lowercase letter
  • At least one number
  • 8 or more characters

Welcome back!

Log in to get personalized recommendations, follow events and topics you love, and never miss a day again!