Men’s designer furs and faux furs
Furs and faux furs have made an appearance in men’s wardrobes as exclusive garments for the elegant man who does not want to go unnoticed. In fact, it is a style that demands attention and makes for a refined outfit. Just think of the furs worn by the great rulers from times passed, from Roman Emperors, to the British throne and the Sun King, always dressed in prestigious cloaks decorated with leather and fur details. Today, the furry coat is a high statement piece in one’s wardrobe, in neutral and pastel colours, but also in lively and bright colours for the most unique outfits.
Let's go back in time to discover the origins of fur in men's fashion and the journey through the ages, in a compelling story among fashion and customs. In addition, we will introduce you to some of the latest and most glamorous options out there.
Furs for him throughout history
Since prehistoric times, fur was a part of a man’s wardrobe as a functional piece, to protect from the cold and bad weather. During the course of the centuries, wearing furs became a symbol of royalty, just think of the stoles made with ermine and prestigious fleeces, also diffused among the men of the Church. Over time, fur started becoming more common among women, but it has remained one of the most sought-after garments in men's fashion with its power to elevate an outfit for a special occasion. For instance, in the early 2000s many musicians began wearing fluffy and large furs for concerts and social events, sometimes combined with shiny jewellery, watches and pendants, classic bling bling. Take Puff Daddy, for instance, or the late Notorious Biggie Small, but even Jay Z who, together with his wife Beyoncé, is the who’s who when it comes to glamorous fashion. This jet set of rappers inspired famous fashion designers to create men’s designer coats that have become real collectibles. In fact, coats and furry jackets can be found in various sizes and lengths: short, long, flared or tight fitting. The colours, too, are multi-faceted, ranging from the neutral shades of natural wolf and mink furs, to brighter cool and fluorescent colours. In any case, it's of utmost importance that the quality and the finishing details of the fur are top-notch, one can’t risk looking cheap and being an eyesore. The trend towards ecological and cruelty-free garments is ever-growing, giving rise to a new market, the faux fur market. Although these are mostly composed of synthetic fibres, they are created together with natural ones, such as cotton. The use of the right colours and the proper workmanship makes for realistic looking furs. In fact, a quality fur coat does not necessarily have to be made out of animal fur; it is the weaving work and the hand-sewn finishes that turn it into a luxurious item.
Furs and faux furs today, which to choose?
There are numerous types of furs and faux furs, let's take a look at some of the most requested and trendy versions. If the furry coat is reserved for those who want the wow factor, the market also has more versatile and casual styles to offer: jackets, coats, bomber jackets and jackets with a fur hood with casual and sporty silhouettes that are part of the finest and most exclusive deluxe streetwear. Among the brands that love creating furry coats, a special mention goes to Gucci, who loves playing with different styles. In fact, they don’t limit themselves to outerwear alone, in 2016 they created a pair of fur loafers that became iconic. This look is very popular among VIPs and celebrities, who are inspired by the outfits of Alain Delon and French feature films, as well as that dandy and bohemian mood that brings to mind the likes of Verlaine and Oscar Wilde.
