Fur Types

This is an introduction to the origin and characteristics of some of the most common furs used today. The common name of the fur is given together with its scientific Latin name.

North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) Large, semi-aquatic, wild animal from North America. Long guard hairs are very dark brown to reddish or "blonde". Often plucked or sheared by designers to show soft underfur and reduce weight. Used for trimmings and full fur garments.

Coyote (Canis latrans) Abundant North American wild furbearer. Produces long, dense fur ranging in colour from cream to dark grey. Fur used for full coats and trim.

Finnraccoon (Nyctereutes procyonoides) Today, predominantly farmed in Finland, but also known as Asiatic Raccoon. Thick and lustrous fur with a natural colour range from beige through to brown to reddish brown. Often used in trimmings and sports coats.

Silver Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Finlandis famous for its farmed foxes. The most precious of the fox furs is Silver Fox.  It is a long glossy lightweight fur with natural colours in black and white.  It is a handsome velvet-black colour with dense long guard hairs that mostly shade into silvery white towards the tips, thus giving the fur a beautiful silvery shimmer.  Silver fox is traditionally used for collars and cuffs, wraps and stoles.

Blue Fox (Alopex lagopus) Farmed blue foxes are dark to pale grey in colour. Can also produce almost white fur, known as white or shadow fox. Often dyed in many shades. Soft and thick hair is often used for collars , trimmings, jackets and full-length coats.

Karakul lamb (Ovis aries) One of the oldest breeds of domesticated sheep in the world. Also known as Persian lamb and Astrakhan. Pelt is distinctive for softness and lustrous wavy curls. Typically used for full fur garments such as coats and skirts, and as trimming. 

Canadian Marten (Martes americana) Wild furbearer found in Canada and parts of USA, cousin to the Russian sable. The marten exhibits particularly soft and lustrous guard hairs with dense silky underfur. Typically used for coats, jackets and trimming.

Mink (Mustela vision) Denmarkis a major producer of farmed mink. This is the most common farmed species, producing dense, lightweight fur. Wide range of natural colours from white to black, taking in pearl, violet and sapphire, demi-buff (medium brown) and "ranch" (very dark brown). The fur can be worked in many ways, including shorn, knitted and also dyed in many different colours. Used for coats, jackets and trimmings.

Musquash (Ondatra zibethica) Semi-aquatic mammal which is very prolific. Found wild throughout North American and Europe, the former Soviet Union and China. Thick, waterproof underfur with long, glossy overlayer of guard hairs. Colour varies from lightweight brown to black. Often used for coats, jackets and trimmings.

Sable (Martes zibellina) Wild fur-bearer found only in Russia, sable is the most expensive fur, highly valued for its rarity, lush dark colour and deep, silky pelt. Ranges in colour from dark brown (almost black) through brown to pale yellow/golden. Also farmed to a small extent. Used for garments, trimming and small pieces such as stoles.