The Truth About Wearing Fur: Can It Actually Be Ethical?
“The girls who get it, get it and the girls who don’t, don’t… cheetah print is a neutral.” The TikTok fashion girlies are re-opening an age-old debate, perhaps echoing a broader sentiment that fur, too, has earned its place as a neutral in today's fashion landscape. With discussions of Mob Wife and Indie Sleaze dominating internet aesthetic discourse, alongside the enduring popularity of early 20th-century fashion aesthetics, the concept of fur as a "neutral" or commonplace practice is becoming increasingly evident. Conversations regarding the ethics and sustainability of wearing fur are just as hot as cheetah print.
Wearing real fur sets off ethical alarms connected to animal rights while choosing fake fur raises concerns regarding microplastic pollution. Both approaches are entwined with the broader issues of the fast fashion industry. If fur truly holds a "neutral" status, its presence isn't likely to wane anytime soon. The challenge now is finding ways to participate in styles incorporating fur without compromising our commitment to ethics surrounding sustainability and animal rights.
A Brief History of Fur in Fashion
The use of fur spans centuries, initially rooted in practicality and serving as a resource to keep people warm during the colder months. Indigenous communities in colder climates relied on hunted animals not only to use their fur for protection from harsh weather but also the rest of the animal’s body in crafting clothing, shelter, tools, and food. These hunting and harvesting methods exemplify interdependence and balance between people and animals. But as time progressed, the fur trade evolved into a full-blown industry (shoutout aristocracy and the Industrial Revolution). Fur became viewed as a luxury clothing item and the fashion industry, fueled by demand, began mass-producing both real and faux fur garments.
Vintage & Secondhand
Opting for secondhand or vintage real fur is widely regarded as the most sustainable and ethical way to wear fur because it allows us to enjoy the aesthetic appeal without directly supporting the practices of fur farming or animal skinning. By choosing preloved fur, we contribute to a circular fashion economy, reduce the demand for new fur production, and minimize the environmental impact of the fur industry.
So, now that we have the context, what’s a cheetah-print-obsessed susty baddie to do? While some advocate for eliminating fur from fashion as the only ethical and sustainable option, we, at Sustainable Baddie, recognize the need to avoid absolutism. Instead, we’re exploring what we believe to be the most ethical and sustainable ways to wear fur.
Go Faux (The Susty Way)
If you choose to purchase faux fur, seek out non-plastic, vegan fur alternatives or opt for recycled materials to help mitigate the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of synthetic fur. There are amazing sustainable brands out there doing the work to make faux fur more sustainable; Stella McCartney, APPARIS, and House of Fluff are just a few of our favorites!
Choose Sustainable and Ethical Brands
For those who opt for new, real fur, support brands with transparent traceability regarding the sourcing of their fur (and preferably indigenous-owned!). This ensures that you as a consumer are informed about the ethical practices and origins of the fur you choose to wear. Choose to support brands that endorse humane fur farming practices and align themselves with organizations dedicated to animal rights advocacy.
Ultimately, the ethicality and sustainability of wearing fur depends largely on your beliefs. That is not to suggest that you can put an ethical spin on your 101-Dalmatian coat…
Engage in an honest conversation with yourself and perhaps with friends who share an interest in fashion and sustainability. Come to your own conclusions that prioritize the well-being of the Earth and all its creatures rather than centering the desire to wear fur.
What are your thoughts on the ethics and sustainability of fur in fashion?