Brrr With Fur: Keeping Warm With Fur Accessories

Written by Ashlyn Sorrells

Photography by Rishita Nannapaneni

Modeled by Ashton Diercks, Anna Berkheimer, & Lily Templeton

For many who live in areas with frigid winters, we long for an exciting selection of winter accessories. Yes, puffer coats and knitted beanies do the job, but some may be in search of more. What better to satisfy this craving than fur accessories? Although we can argue the timelessness of fur in fashion, we have seen a rise of these materials in recent years, but why?

The popularity of fur has fluctuated many times throughout the years, dating all the way back to the 1500s. In more recent decades, fur was most popular during the 1920s and 30s, then rose into popularity again during the 90s. Many hip-hop stars have fashioned fur throughout the years, notably within 90’s rap culture and into the 2000s. Stars like Snoop Dogg, Beyonce, Rick Ross, and Drake have worn fur pieces during album shoots and performances, further promoting the popularization of fur accessories. However many quit buying furs due to questions of ethicality. 

According to PETA, “Fur farmers use the cheapest and cruelest killing methods available, including suffocation, electrocution, gas, and poison.”

A large majority of U.S. sold furs are gathered in China, often coming from animals like dogs and cats. These furs are commonly mislabeled, meaning we really aren't sure what animal these furs are coming from. Animals trapped in fur farms are kept in filthy, confined cages and are left uncared for. 

The awareness of how these furs are collected left a bad taste in many buyers’ mouths, causing a decline in fur accessories being worn and bought. The beginnings of faux fur’s popularity succeeded this boycott of real furs and is more accessible than ever. Not only is this material more ethical, it is cheaper to produce, thus allowing all kinds of people to own ‘furs.’ Like most good things however, there is a catch: The synthetics made to use these faux furs are potentially damaging to the environment. This is why thrifting both real and faux fur pieces is so important. When buying fur second-hand, the money is going elsewhere rather than in the pockets of fur manufacturers. This also prevents the increase of both real and faux fur production, which benefits the animals who are harmed by fur farming and the environment itself. 

Fur pieces expand much further than just fur coats and jackets. Fur earmuffs, hats, and gloves are all popular fur items sported during the winter. Adding one or two fur accessories to a rather mundane winter outfit can elevate the look. Wearing skirts or dresses that you otherwise couldn’t wear, due to the cold weather, with fur accessories will allow you to stay both warm and fashionable. Opt out on wearing typical winter accessories and replace them with fur!