What Exactly Are Faux Fur Blankets Made From?

Image by M W from Pixabay

You may be avoiding buying fur blankets because you’re thinking about the poor animal that was sacrificed for it. However, there are now faux fur blankets so you can enjoy a thick and cozy fur blanket without the guilt.

Let’s learn more about faux fur blankets so that you can decide if it’s something you may want to purchase in the future.

What Is Faux Fur?

By definition, the word ‘faux’ denotes something that is fake, artificial, synthetic, or an imitation. In the same vein, faux fur blankets replicate the texture and function of fur. They feel like real fur except they aren’t.

Faux fur blankets today have better quality and have a richer look and feel than earlier models. There are a variety of materials that you can choose from such as wool, plaid, and the fiber material used.

What Is a Faux Fur Blanket Made From?

Instead of animal hair, faux fur is made using synthetic polymeric fibers which are ultimately different types of plastic. These consist of a range of polyester, modacrylic, and acrylic fibers. Materials used in creating these polymers also include coal, limestone, petroleum, water, air, etc. In addition to polymers, organic fibers like cotton and silk are also used to make a faux fur blanket.

To obtain these polymers, the monomers like acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride undergo a polymerization process. This process involves the addition of monomers or condensation. The process chosen depends on the type of fur required. Monomers will go through a chemical treatment under elevated pressure and heat to which a secondary monomer gets added. This second monomer is added to give the final product the ability to absorb dyes, resist damage from heat and water and be lightweight. The process of heating and melting continues until a white powdery resin is formed which is then mixed with acetone. This makes the solution thicker.

After a filtering process, the thick polymer is bathed in water and further pushed through a spinneret to turn it into a continuous fiber. This end product is also called a tow.

The fiber-like polymer is then pulled, washed, dried and cut to the required length. Next, the fiber is dyed and woven through a backing, then cut and sheared to complete the process. The backing is usually made of organic material like cotton or wool.

The final product is now ready but has to undergo a series of heating, dying and chemical treatments. These are meant to be the final touches that will give the blanket a softer texture, durability, color and the luxury feel to imitate real fur.

Features of Faux Fur Blankets

Since it was introduced in 1929, faux fur has come a long way. Now, even the fashion industry approves of the product and recognizes its endless qualities. Below are a few of the features that make it better than not just real fur but other blankets too.

Ethical

The biggest benefit of faux fur is you can sleep more soundly knowing that you’re using a responsibly sourced and ethical product where no animals were harmed.

Durable

Faux fur uses synthetic materials that can hold its shape for a long time. You can use faux fur blankets for more than a decade. They’re also very easy to maintain.

Lightweight

Synthetic fibers are much lighter than the real stuff. Real animal products and the way they need to be processed result in a blanket that can be too heavy to carry. A faux fur blanket is much easier to carry around, store and can be used during more seasons.

Dries Easily

Faux fur blankets dry faster since polymers don’t absorb as much water.

Resistant

Faux fur blankets are safe against cold and hot temperatures and can even withstand sun exposure. They are also moth-resistant.

Affordable

Compared to real fur, faux fur is affordable and provides the same or more features. This is because the production of faux fur is much cheaper.

Machine Washable and Dryer Safe

Most faux fur blankets can be machine washed and dried without destroying the quality of the blanket.

Available In a Variety of Colors

Real fur comes from real animals so the colors are limited. Faux fur is available in different colors and can even have customized patterns and prints.

Doesn’t Shed or Shrink

Real fur problems like shedding and shrinking are easily avoided in faux fur. If you wash a faux fur blanket, it won’t shed or shrink.

Buying a Faux Fur Blanket

One of the few advantages that real fur has over fake fur is it’s much warmer. If you live in a climate that doesn’t experience harsh winters, it can be a viable option. Faux fur is a more economical, ethical, and cruelty-free way of enjoying what used to be a luxury purchase. With the variety of faux fur blankets available today, it’s no wonder that more people are using them. Why not give faux fur blankets a chance? Enjoy the feel and richness of fur but without the guilt.