BEST FAKE FUR COATS AND THE BRANDS THAT MAKE THEM

woman wearing faux fur coat and sunglasses


Fur coats are in and you need one! Well, technically, they’ve always been in ... but buying one of the best fake fur coats in 2025 says A LOT about you. Whether you choose to buy real fur or faux fur speaks volumes about your ethics and how much you care about animal welfare. And with real fur sales now banned in many major cities, the world is finally moving toward cruelty-free fashion (yay, animals!). If you’re ready to upgrade your look with something bold, luxurious, and 100% animal-friendly, explore our Women’s Faux Fur Collared Coats and Women’s Faux Fur Hooded Coats for cozy, stylish, and sustainable options that turn heads wherever you go.


With the ban on real fur, so many of our furry friends’ lives will be saved. And we thank all the beautiful humans out there doing the work of angels. Thank you.


But besides style and ethics, there are many factors to consider when shopping for the purrrfect fur coat to add to your wardrobe! We’ll go over some of the reasons to choose one over the other-from quality concerns to environmental impact.


WHY DO PEOPLE BUY REAL FUR?


Supporters of real fur (also referred to as “genuine fur”) often claim that it offers higher quality and is better for the environment than artificial fibers. This might sound plausible on the surface, but as we dig deeper, we begin to see this claim unravel.


The truth is, genuine fur coats have become pretty frowned upon in popular culture (kind of like driving a gas-guzzler in San Francisco) - and for good reason. With so many people embracing the best faux fur coats instead, it’s clear that compassion and style can go hand in hand. Killing majestic foxes, minks, or any other wild creature just for a fashionable night out isn’t exactly a compassionate or sustainable choice.


At SpiritHoods, we believe you can look stunning and stay true to your values. Our vegan and cruelty-free faux fur coats offer the same luxurious texture and timeless style without harming a single animal. Rather than exploiting the planet, we celebrate it through sustainable fashion and eco-friendly materials that help protect the wild creatures that inspire our designs.


Vanity is ever-present (and even an essential aspect of life), but harming innocent animals solely to feed it? That’s a bizarre practice that needs to end. And thankfully, more people than ever agree.



A SpiritHoods sale banner.

Expressing Yourself in Faux Fur


Don’t get us wrong … we’re all for self-expression. In fact, self-expression is literally a pillar of our company culture here at SpiritHoods, where we design some of the best fake fur coats for those who want to look bold, feel cozy, and live compassionately.

And while self-expression may have been a bit limited in the past, today, you can fully express yourself, help save the lives of innocent animals, enjoy exquisite quality and craftsmanship, and be flyer than ever - all without harming a soul.


It wasn’t always this way, though. To be entirely honest, faux fur used to be second-rate at best. But thanks to the incredible advancements in technology and sustainable fabric innovation, faux fur is now arguably better in appearance, texture, and durability than real fur (not to mention a long list of other benefits). With so many high-quality vegan faux furs on the market today, it’s often hard to tell the difference - which is why some unethical companies have even mislabeled real fur as “faux” due to recent bans on real fur sales.


In fact, luxury fashion houses like Versace, Gucci, and Prada - and ethical boutique brands like House of Fluff, Faz, and SpiritHoods - are proudly 100% fur-free, proving that the best faux fur coats can be every bit as luxurious, stylish, and high quality as the real thing. As we move into 2025, cruelty-free outerwear isn’t just a trend; it’s the new standard for conscious style and authentic self-expression.


What exactly is Faux Fur?


Faux fur - also known as fake fur, imitation fur, man-made fur, synthetic fur, or fun fur (our personal favorite) - is a plush pile fabric made from synthetic materials engineered to mimic the look, warmth, and texture of real fur.


Originally introduced to the public in the early 20th century as a more affordable alternative to real fur, manufacturers experimented with cotton and other fabrics to create the illusion of fur. In the 1920s, alpaca hair was even used as a substitute, but the real breakthrough came with the invention of synthetic fibers like nylon and polymer-based materials.


By the 1940s, advances in textile manufacturing significantly improved the quality of faux furs, and by the 1950s, acrylic polymers had fully replaced alpaca hair - ushering in the era of fully synthetic fur coats. In 1958, Tissavel was developed in Halluin, a town in northern France, and quickly became a benchmark for luxury faux fur thanks to its plush feel, realistic look, and exceptional durability.


Today, brands leading the way in the best fake fur coats, including SpiritHoods, carry that legacy forward through sustainable innovation and cruelty-free craftsmanship. Our Women’s Faux Fur Collared Coats and Women’s Faux Fur Hooded Coats collections feature modern, high-quality vegan materials that rival the softness and style of traditional fur without harming a single animal.

Faux fur is typically made from a blend of materials such as:

  • Polyester – The most common base for faux fur, known for its soft, plush texture and excellent insulation.

  • Acrylic – Often blended with other fibers to create natural-looking patterns and textures found in some of the best fake fur coats today.

  • Modacrylic – The crème de la crème of synthetic fibers, known for its flame resistance, silkiness, and ability to mimic real fur like chinchilla - all while remaining 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Tissavel, widely considered the gold standard in faux fur, is crafted from modacrylic and continues to inspire modern ethical fashion brands like SpiritHoods, one of the leaders in creating the best faux fur coats that blend sustainability, softness, and timeless design. 

Properties of Faux Fur Fabric: A Quick Overview


Besides being animal-friendly, there are so many advantages to using faux fur in fashion and home décor. In fact, the best fake fur coats - like those from SpiritHoods - combine all of these qualities in one cruelty-free, stylish, and ultra-cozy package.

  1. Cruelty-Free
    You can feel great knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of faux fur. It’s the ethical alternative to genuine fur - and that definitely leaves us smiling.
  2. Aesthetic Versatility
    Faux fur comes in a variety of textures, from long-pile to short-hair, offering endless styling possibilities. High-quality vegan furs made from modern polymers can also hold color beautifully, even after repeated washes, allowing designers to create stunning, vibrant looks like our Women’s Faux Fur Hooded Coats.
  3. Warmth
    Faux fur is incredibly warm and will keep you cozy even in freezing temperatures. Some fabrics, such as Tissavel, are designed specifically for insulation, making them ideal for cold-weather wear - including subzero conditions.
  4. Cost-Effective
    Faux fur is typically more affordable than real fur, making it a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing style, comfort, or quality.
  5. Low Maintenance
    Unlike real fur, faux fur doesn’t require cold storage to prevent deterioration. Many faux furs are machine-washable (just remember to use cold water and a mild detergent) and respond beautifully to gentle spot cleaning. When properly cared for, faux fur can last a lifetime - one more reason the best faux fur coats are worth the investment.
  6. Environmental Considerations
    While faux fur is often made from non-biodegradable synthetic fibers, the fashion industry is rapidly evolving. Sustainable innovation is leading to more eco-conscious materials, and with ongoing advancements in textile technology, 100% biodegradable and sustainable faux fur is on the horizon.

A Little More About That...


The faux fur garment industry is thriving - expected to grow by an impressive 16.41% by 2029. This surge reflects a major shift toward ethical, eco-conscious fashion. As one of the brands leading the charge, SpiritHoods continues to innovate sustainable materials and designs that define the best fake fur coats in the market today.


Right now, the entire industry is racing to produce eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to real fur. Technology is advancing rapidly, and manufacturers are experimenting with exciting new solutions, including:

  1. Recycled Materials - A highly sustainable approach uses recycled sources like plastic bottles and other synthetics to create the fibers found in faux fur. Many of our Women’s Faux Fur Collared Coats already incorporate similar eco-conscious design principles.

  2. Bio-Based or Plant-Based Materials - Many companies are testing bio-based or plant-derived materials to craft next-generation faux furs. These fibers often come from renewable sources such as corn, soy, or other sustainable crops.

  3. Closed-Loop Production - Another innovative step is the closed-loop manufacturing process, where materials used to create faux fur products are designed to be recycled or repurposed at the end of their life cycle - minimizing environmental impact and moving us closer to a zero-waste future.


A woman wears the classic black wolf faux fur coat by SpiritHoods.
The Women's Classic Black Wolf Faux Fur Coat by SpiritHoods

REAL FUR VS. FAUX FUR: WHICH IS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WHY?


When it comes to environmental impact, the truth is that everything leaves some sort of footprint. Even Tesla - one of the most celebrated green companies - manufactures electric car batteries that affect the environment. Is it a perfect solution? Of course not. Is it a terrible one? We wouldn’t say that either. Tesla, like many conscious brands today, is using modern technology to bring us closer to a carbon-neutral future. And as advancements continue, we’ll see that footprint shrink even further.


The same goes for the world of fashion. No material is flawless, but we can make choices that move us in the right direction. At SpiritHoods, we’re proud to be part of that progress - creating cruelty-free, eco-conscious outerwear that redefines what sustainable fashion can look and feel like. Our commitment to crafting the best faux fur coats helps reduce harm to animals and minimize waste, all while keeping you warm, cozy, and stylish.


Honestly, this is one of the most important aspects to consider. We know nothing is perfect, but the key question remains: Are we making progress in the right direction?


How Are Real Fur Coats Made? 


The making of real fur coats comes at an enormous cost to animals and our planet. Genuine fur is made from the pelts of living, breathing, and undeniably beautiful animals - each one losing its life for fashion.


To preserve the carcass and maintain that so-called “luxurious” look and feel, real fur must be treated with a cocktail of harsh chemicals to prevent biodegradation. These toxic preservatives are devastating to both the environment and the workers who handle them. Even after purchase, maintaining real fur requires additional chemical cleaning treatments - further compounding its environmental toll.


The production of real fur also raises major ecological concerns that most people never hear about: water pollution from fur processing, land use for animal farming, and the enormous waste produced by the industry. Depending on the farm, practices can range from horrific to extremely horrific, with massive greenhouse gas emissions generated from raising animals purely for their coats.


All things considered, the “natural” aspect of genuine fur products is anything but natural. Farming countless animals in cramped cages creates toxic by-products that poison soil and waterways. The result is spiritual, environmental, and emotional devastation for animals, humans, and the planet alike.


That’s why brands like SpiritHoods are proving that compassion and style can coexist. Our Women’s Faux Fur Hooded Coats represent what the best fake fur coats can achieve - luxury, warmth, and beauty without a single life lost.


The Argument Against Faux Fur 


As for faux fur? The most common argument against it claims that, because it’s made from plastic-based materials, it contributes to microplastics polluting our oceans. Technically, that argument doesn’t hold up and here’s why: roughly 65% of all clothing (underwear, shirts, sweaters, leggings, you name it) is made of some type of plastic fiber, most of which are machine washable. It’s actually the constant washing of these everyday garments that releases microplastics into the water supply.


Faux fur, on the other hand, isn’t machine washed regularly - nor should it be. Hand washing or eco-friendly dry cleaning significantly reduces fiber shedding and keeps your coat looking beautiful for years. The truth is, no one’s tossing their faux fur coat - or any coat, for that matter - into the washer once a week. Coats simply don’t absorb the same sweat and body oils as daily wear garments. Most people only clean them a few times per year (if that!), and many brands, including SpiritHoods, recommend green dry cleaning for longevity.


So before you start giving your favorite faux fur the side-eye for supposedly releasing microplastics, remember: the real culprit is your washing machine, not your coat.


The faux fur market makes up less than 0.1% of the 80 billion garments produced annually. Faux furs are considered investment pieces - high-quality, durable, and built to last. Many people keep them for life, resell them, or donate them to others, which means they rarely end up in landfills. This longevity is one of the many reasons the best fake fur coats (like our Women’s Faux Fur Collared Coats) remain both stylish and sustainable year after year.


How to Keep Your Faux Fur Out of Landfills


There are several simple ways to ensure your faux fur never ends up in a landfill - and that your investment stays beautiful for years to come:

  1. Invest in high-quality faux fur.
    Know the company you’re purchasing from and make sure they’re transparent about their manufacturing practices. A well-made faux fur should last a lifetime. At SpiritHoods, our commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability ensures that the best fake fur coats not only look stunning but stand the test of time.
  2. Rehome or donate your coat.
    If you find yourself no longer wanting your faux fur, consider giving it a second life by donating it to charity, reselling it, or gifting it to someone who will love it as much as you once did.
  3. Take care of your faux furs.
    Spot-clean when needed, and always keep them away from direct sunlight or high heat. If repair is ever needed, bring your piece to a reputable sewist experienced in working with faux fur. (Our Women’s Faux Fur Hooded Coats are built to last - but even the best garments appreciate a little TLC.)
  4. Wash with care.
    If you need to wash your faux fur garment, always use cold water and a gentle detergent on a delicate cycle. And never, ever, put faux fur in the dryer. Hang it to air dry, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the fibers and maintain that soft, luxurious feel.

Thankfully, there’s even a solution to help reduce microplastic pollution when machine washing garments: the Guppyfriend Washing Bag. This innovative wash bag helps prevent microplastic fibers from escaping your washing machine and entering the ocean. You can use it for clothes made with plastic fibers like polyester or even for faux fur coats (assuming your faux fur is machine washable, which most are not).


And voila! Just like that, your environmental impact gets a little smaller. Next question, please.


IS GENUINE FUR BETTER QUALITY OR NOT? 


Before we answer that question, let’s take a look at a few key factors you should consider when comparing fur quality:

  • Longevity

  • Look and Feel

  • Sustainability

LONGEVITY

First up? Longevity. How long a product lasts is essential when you’re spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a fur coat. Ironically, faux fur actually lasts longer than genuine fur because it’s synthetic and doesn’t decay like organic animal pelts.


Big-ticket items (like fur coats) aren’t meant to be consumed and tossed away like fast fashion. They’re statement pieces meant to stay in your wardrobe for years to come. That’s why investing in one of the best fake fur coats - especially those made by transparent, ethical brands like SpiritHoods - is not just a stylish choice, but a sustainable one too.


LOOK AND FEEL

Next up: the product’s look and feel. With so many technological advancements in faux fur manufacturing, it’s become nearly impossible to tell the difference between high-end faux fur and the real thing.

Materials such as TISSAVEL are so rich, dense, and opulent that you’ll have to touch them to believe they’re faux. As mentioned earlier, some unethical retailers have been caught labeling real fur as faux - so if you’re ever unsure, double-check with the manufacturer. Transparency matters.

At SpiritHoods, we pride ourselves on being 100% transparent: everything we make is faux fur, cruelty-free, and unbelievably soft. From our plush robes and cozy blankets to our Women’s Faux Fur Hooded Coats and collared styles, you can find the best faux fur coats to rival any genuine fur garment - usually at a fraction of the cost, and without harming a single furry soul.

Get the look. Skip the cruelty.


SUSTAINABILITY

Finally, we have to talk about sustainability. Are we moving toward a more harmonious, ethical future -or repeating the mistakes of the past?


Animal cruelty, toxic chemical use, and fur farming will never be humane, eco-friendly, or ethical. To live in alignment with our planet, we must prioritize sustainable materials and responsible production. Thankfully, with technology where it is today, the faux fur industry is paving the way for major change.


Just like electric and solar-powered vehicles revolutionized the auto industry, faux fur lays the groundwork for animal-friendly, planet-conscious fashion. It’s not purrrfect, but it’s progress. And progress matters.


At SpiritHoods, our vendor partners have invested millions of dollars in research and development to create more sustainable, biodegradable faux furs. While it’s still an evolving process, we’re committed to innovation that benefits both people and the planet. None of this would be possible without the continued support of the faux fur industry and compassionate consumers like you.


So remember: every purchase is a vote. Support ethical brands doing the right thing and helping to create a more beautiful, cruelty-free world. 


woman wearing grey wolf faux fur coat by spirithoods.
The Grey Wolf Women's Hooded Faux Fur Coat by SpiritHoods 

Our Faves for Best Fake Fur Coats 


Finally, we want to share some of the top-rated brands making faux fur coats today! These labels are helping redefine what sustainable, cruelty-free luxury looks like.


We’ve divided our favorites into two lists:
1. The best brands wholly dedicated to faux fur fashion
2. Iconic fashion houses that have transitioned from real to faux fur


Top Faux Fur Brands Leading the Way

  • House of Fluff – Known for its Earth-friendly outerwear that still feels luxuriously soft. Coats and jackets range from $450–$1,300.
  • Stella McCartney – A pioneer in cruelty-free design. Stella’s collections have set the global standard for ethical luxury, with coats ranging from $1,000–$6,000.
  • Miranda Dunn – Offers fully customizable coats—color, length, and size—starting around $550.
  • Shrimps – A bold British label by Hannah Welland, offering playful faux fur outerwear starting at about $700.
  • Maison Atia – Known for traditional fur craftsmanship applied masterfully to faux fur. Prices begin around $1,000.
  • Faz – Handcrafted in a small Parisian atelier, with coats starting around $800.


Luxury Fashion Houses That Ditched Real Fur


The shift away from animal fur is now mainstream - and many legendary designers are leading the charge.

  • Calvin Klein – Fur-free since 1994, emphasizing compassion over cruelty.

  • Giorgio Armani – Publicly stated that technology makes animal fur “unnecessary.”

  • Stella McCartney – A lifelong vegetarian and outspoken advocate for animal welfare.

  • Michael Kors – Transitioned to faux fur with new luxury textile innovations.

  • Ralph Lauren – Officially dropped fur, aligning with its modern design ethos.

  • Tommy Hilfiger – Removed fur trims, spotlighting cruelty-free alternatives.

  • Kate Spade – Went fur-free decades ago and banned angora after learning about animal cruelty.

  • Hugo Boss – Eliminated rabbit fur and all animal-derived trims from collections.

  • Versace – Donatella herself declared, “I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion.”

  • Furla – Ceased using animal fur, citing consumer demand for ethical products.

  • Lacoste – Discontinued angora fibers and embraced sustainable practices.

  • Gucci – Officially announced, “There’s just no need for fur anymore.”

  • The Kooples – Dropped all fur after learning of animal cruelty through PETA.

  • Tom Ford – Adopted veganism and eliminated fur from his designs.

  • Vivienne Westwood – Went fur-free in 2007; donated old fur handbags to comfort orphaned animals.

  • Prada – Removed fur after dialogue with the Humane Society and Fur Free Alliance.

  • Maison Margiela – Declared that “true luxury is authenticity, not animal suffering.”

  • DKNY – Officially went fur-free in 2019.

  • Coach – Banned fur in 2018, calling it a “meaningful milestone.”

  • Jean Paul Gaultier – Denounced fur on live French television, calling its use “absolutely deplorable.”

  • Burberry – CEO Marco Gobbetti stated, “Modern luxury means being socially and environmentally responsible.”


The SpiritHoods Commitment to a Fur-Free Future


Since 2009, SpiritHoods has proudly donated 10% of net profits to endangered species organizations while remaining 100% cruelty-free. Our mission is to protect wildlife, inspire self-expression, and create sustainable, fashion-forward designs that honor the animal kingdom.


Our entire Faux Fur Collection embraces this philosophy - delivering bold, luxurious, and ethical fashion for all. From cozy hoods and long coats to robes and accessories, our pieces embody compassion, craftsmanship, and puuurrrfection.


While we’re (admittedly) biased and think the world of our own faux fur products, we genuinely celebrate every brand contributing to a #FurFreeFuture. Together, we’re changing the world - one stunning, sustainable coat at a time.

 

 



Meet the best faux fur coats redefining luxury - eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and irresistibly soft.

What makes faux fur better than real fur?

Faux fur delivers the same luxurious warmth and look without harming animals or polluting the environment with toxic preservation chemicals.

Are faux fur coats warm enough for winter?

Yes! High-quality faux furs like Tissavel are engineered for insulation and perform beautifully in cold and even sub-zero temperatures.

How do I care for my faux fur coat?

Spot clean when possible, use cold water and mild detergent for gentle washing, and always air dry—never tumble dry.

Which brands make the best faux fur coats?

Top brands include SpiritHoods, Stella McCartney, House of Fluff, and Maison Atia—each offering sustainable, cruelty-free fashion.

Is faux fur environmentally friendly?

Faux fur is improving rapidly through recycled and bio-based materials, making it a more sustainable alternative to animal fur.

From Stella McCartney to SpiritHoods, explore the best fake fur coats combining warmth, ethics, and high-end style.

Kimberly Aboltin
Kimberly Aboltin

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