Faux Fur, Denim, and Snakeskin: The Ultimate Guide to Trending Fabrics and Their Care

Recent collections, like the one designed by A$AP Rocky for Puma, highlight a powerful interplay of textures. Opulent faux fur sits alongside raw, rugged denim, while bold patterns like snakeskin add a wild touch. Beyond their visual impact, these materials have unique characteristics that influence their durability and appearance over time. Knowing how to identify and care for them is essential to preserve the beauty of your pieces. Here's a breakdown of these three key fabrics of the season.

Faux Fur: Opulence and Softness

A conscious and stylish alternative to real fur, faux fur has become a winter wardrobe essential. It can be made from various synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester.

• Recognizing Quality: High-quality faux fur is dense, soft, and has a certain luster. The "hairs" should not fall out easily when you gently pull on them. Run your hand over it: it should feel supple and not coarse or plasticky. A good-quality piece will also have a well-made lining that adds to its structure and comfort.

• Faux Fur Care Tips: This is a delicate material. Professional dry cleaning is often the safest option, especially for large coats. If the label permits, you can hand-wash it in cold water with a mild detergent. Gently squeeze out the water (never wring it) and let it air dry flat or on a sturdy hanger, away from heat or direct sunlight. Never put it in the dryer, as the heat can melt the synthetic fibers.

Raw Denim: Rugged and Timeless

Unlike pre-washed jeans, raw denim is unwashed, untreated, and has a deep, uniform indigo color. It's a living material that fades and molds to your body over time, creating a unique patina.

• Recognizing Quality: Good raw denim is typically made of 100% cotton and feels stiff and substantial at first. The weight of the fabric (measured in ounces) is a good indicator: a weight between 12 and 16 oz is a sign of a durable, quality canvas. Check the stitching, especially on the seams and pockets; it should be tight and regular.

• Care Tips: The golden rule for raw denim is to wash it as little as possible to allow for beautiful, natural fades. When you must wash it, turn it inside out and use a cold cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. Hang it to dry. To freshen it up between washes, you can air it out or put it in the freezer in a plastic bag for 24 hours to kill bacteria and odors.

Snakeskin Texture: Wild and Versatile

The snakeskin pattern adds an exotic and sophisticated touch. It can be found on real leather, faux leather (polyurethane or PU), or printed on various fabrics like cotton or silk.

• Recognizing Quality: On genuine leather, the pattern will have unique irregularities and depth. On synthetic materials (PU or "faux leather"), a good imitation is recognizable by the fineness of the print and the presence of a slight relief mimicking scales. The material should be supple and not crack when you bend it.

• Care Tips: Care depends on the base material. For genuine leather, use products specifically for exotic leathers. For faux leather, a soft, damp cloth with a little mild soap is usually enough to clean stains. Never use solvents or abrasive products. For printed fabrics, follow the label's instructions, opting for a delicate cold wash.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Faux Fur: Look for density and softness. Opt for dry cleaning or a very delicate hand wash in cold water. Proper faux fur care is crucial. • Denim: Prioritize a 100% cotton canvas, which is stiffer at first but more durable. Wash it inside out, in cold water, and as infrequently as possible. • Snakeskin: Quality lies in the fineness of the print and texture. Care depends on the base material (leather, faux leather, fabric). • The Common Thread: All three materials require gentle care to preserve their appearance and structure over the long term.

📎 Sources: A$AP Rocky : “Je veux créer des vêtements que les gens voudront porter toute leur vie” - Numéro Magazine - https://numero.com/fr/mode/asap-rocky-interview-collaboration-puma-collection-f1-rihanna