let it be worn
a case for wearing what already exists—and the best secondhand faux fur brand
Considering the name of this newsletter (origin story here), I feel that I am overdue for a post about fur coats. Just to get this out of the way now… I am staunchly against any new fur coats being produced and bought. I am also against any new faux fur coats being manufactured (partly because they hold up so poorly.) But I am of the opinion that any fur that is out there already should be worn.
This comes from both a perspective of practicality and my ‘always secondhand if possible’ ethos. I believe that the main thing that encourages companies to continue selling new fur and faux fur coats is when people buy them. If everyone refused to buy new fur/faux fur, there would be no reason to produce it. But I would rather wear a well-constructed coat that has already stood the test of time than let it gather dust in someone’s eBay room. (Do people have eBay rooms? I imagine they do.1) So, with that out of the way…
As we’ve discussed, sometimes you just want to wear something other than a puffer. Fur, even faux, can be just as warm. And at the tail end of this particularly cold and snowy east coast winter, knowing I had a couple faux fur coats that could hold their own even on the chilliest days made it more exciting to get dressed. It’s given me a sense of variety at a moment when the only shoes I’ve been able to wear since The Big Storm are my one pair of chunky black boots. Fur does not have to give ‘mob wife’ unless you want it to—I think it looks great with a more casual outfit. I’ve even worn mine over leggings on the way to workout classes!
I’ve owned several thrifted fur and faux fur coats in my lifetime. One that has stood the test of time is a brown faux fur coat (composed of acrylic) from a brand called Tissavel. Tissavel, founded in France in 1953, was a pioneer in the faux fur world, creating a proprietary material with an almost eerie resemblance and comparable warmth to real fur. Tissavel acted as supplier and producer to many different brands, which is why you’ll often see their tag inside a coat alongside a label from another designer. When I decided I wanted another leopard print coat to replace one I’d had about ten years ago, I narrowed my search solely to Tissavel and had plenty to choose from. All of the ones I’ve found for you below are Tissavel. I’m sure there are other brands that are just as good—I just haven’t felt them with my bare hands.
Important tip (learn from my experience!): look for one with a closure. My original coat doesn’t fasten, and I’ve realized I reach for my leopard print one more often simply because it has hook-and-eye closures. Also, you do not have to pay an exorbitant amount for quality faux fur. Many of the options I’ve sourced are under $100, and all are under $200. (And remember, these are just the starting prices… offer as low as you dare!)
If you need some more inspiration, here are several other ways to style a fur coat (again, everything linked is secondhand):
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ebay+room
Hi Eleanor, Loved this story and you may have solved a mystery for me over 20 years ago I frequented a vintage store on the Upper West side owned by. French man. He had great things from France, many never worn, which he said were from warehouses. I bought the most beautiful faux fur coat which looked like raccoon or something like that. The cut, perfect, the fur looked absolutely real. Every time I wore it people stopped me. Sadly I no longer have it but I still think of it. Now I have a lead to maybe find it again!
I have mixed feelings about secondhand fur, but agree that displacing new fur is great and that we should use garments that already exist. Tysm for this intel about Tissavel - this is helpful to know if I’m ever in the market for vintage faux fur.