Pelzterminologie

When you’re shopping for a new fur garment or doing your research online, you may run into some terminology that you’re not familiar with. Here is a list of terms we’ve compiled that may help when it comes to researching and purchasing the perfect fur:

Terms	Meaning
Brightening	The process of enhancing a furs luster and brightness. Frequently used to make white toned fur a pure, true white.
Cased pelt	Also known as a closed pelt. It’s a completely intact pelt in a cylindrical shape. The fur is on the outside with the leather on the inside.
Crystalling	A process that is applied to silver or blue frost fox. The crystalling process adds red and blonde tones to the underfur, while retaining much of the silver and black tipping of the guard hairs. Creates very unique color pattern.
Dyeing	Furs come in a wide range of natural colors, but can also be dyed in many vibrant and beautiful hues that could not be achieved naturally. Dyeing can be used to improve any imperfections within the natural tones and can help improve uniformity. Sometimes pelts are bleached white before they dyed. With dye, there are endless possibilities when it comes to fur color.
Faux fur	Faux fur is an imitation of natural fur. It’s made of petroleum based synthetic fibers; this production is very harmful to the environment. Faux fur is not biodegradable. Does not possess the many benefits of real fur: warmth, soft feel, breathability, and beauty.
Full pelt	A full pelt refers to a full animal pelt that has not been cut into smaller pieces. Highest grade fur fashion and decor are constructed from full pelt. Full pelt products tend to be more expensive. Full pelt products have a smooth uninterrupted texture.
Guard hairs	Guard hairs are long, shiny hairs. They provide warmth as well as protect the skin and underfur.
Knitted fur	Knitted fur is a specific design method used to construct fur garments. It’s created by using narrow strips of fur combined with silk or cotton yarn. Produces a garment with fur on both sides - inside and out. Knitted fur garments are light and breathable.
Leathering	Strips of fur are alternated with leather, ribbon or cloth for a unique effect. This technique makes for a more lightweight product.
Letting out	Cutting the pelt into diagonal strips and then re-sewing it allows for one to make the pelt longer and narrower. The outcome is a supple and smooth flowing pelt. Also referred to as “dropping out”.
Mutation	Using selective breeding to create natural furs with unique color. Due to this process mink is available in an amazing array of natural colors.
Pieced fur	Pieced fur is created through combining smaller pieces to make one solid whole. An interesting pattern is created by this construction. This makes for a less expensive piece.
Plucked	Guard hair is selectively plucked to bring forward the velvety underhair of the fur. Much of the time the plucking process is accompanied by the shearing process to fully expose the ultra soft underfur.
Sculptured	This technique is comprised of many small detailed pieces of sheared mink to give a garment the beautiful and ever popular sculptured look.
Sheared	This technique is used to trim fur to a short pile, sometimes as low as 5 mm. The process exposes a naturally ultra soft under fur. Reduces bulkiness and weight. Usually paired with the plucking process to remove guard hairs before shearing. Can be used to create intricate sculpted patterns in the fur.
Tip-dyeing	Dye is applied to the tip of the guard hairs. Process creates a two tone design. Sometimes referred to as frosting.
Uncased pelt	Also known as an open pelt. The pelt is laid flat with fur on one side and leather on the other.
Underfur	The underfur has short, soft hairs that are closer to the skin. The layer of fur that acts as insulation and provides warmth. Covered and protected by long, durable guard hairs.