Fabric Glossary

Fabric Glossary

Fabric Glossary

This Fabric Glossary is designed to help you understand the different types of faux fur and fabrics available at Furlab Supply. Use the table of contents below to quickly jump to any fabric category.

Long Pile Fur

Long Pile Fur features a taller, fluffier pile that creates a very full and dramatic look. It is ideal when you want volume, movement, and a strongly “furry” appearance.

  • Look & Feel: Fluffy, voluminous, highly textured.
  • Typical Uses: Fursuit manes, tails, neck ruffs, long hair, plush creatures, dramatic trims.
  • Notes: Can often be trimmed or shaved down to create layered shapes and smooth transitions.

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Short Pile Fur

Short Pile Fur has a lower, smoother pile and a lighter overall feel. It is easier to control and is perfect for areas where you want a clean silhouette without too much bulk.

  • Look & Feel: Soft, neat, less bulky than long pile.
  • Typical Uses: Fursuit faces, paws, ears, body panels, plush toys, garment details.
  • Notes: Great choice for beginners and for projects that require a more defined shape.

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Luxury Fur

Luxury Fur fabrics are designed to offer a more premium look and feel. They may have extra density, special finishes, or unique textures that make them stand out for high-end projects.

  • Look & Feel: Rich, full, often very soft and refined.
  • Typical Uses: High-end fursuits, costumes, fashion pieces, showpieces, photo props.
  • Notes: Ideal when you want a professional, polished result with strong visual impact.

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Fox Fur (Faux)

Fox Fur refers to faux fur designed to mimic the look and flow of fox fur. It usually has a long, dense pile with a natural-style texture and is popular for more realistic or detailed designs.

  • Look & Feel: Dense, flowing, often with natural color patterns.
  • Typical Uses: Realistic tails, chest ruffs, manes, accents on fursuit heads and bodies.
  • Notes: Great for characters that need a realistic or semi-realistic fur effect.

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Minky Fabric

Minky Fabric is a very soft, short-pile plush fabric with a smooth surface. It is commonly used for plushies, linings, and any part that needs a gentle, skin-friendly touch.

  • Look & Feel: Ultra-soft, smooth, cozy, low pile.
  • Typical Uses: Plush toys, paw pads, linings, blankets, small accessories.
  • Notes: Beginner-friendly and easy to sew compared to very long-pile furs.

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Fleece Fabric

Fleece Fabric is a knit fabric with a soft, brushed surface. It is warm, comfortable, and has a bit of stretch, making it a versatile choice for clothing and soft components.

  • Look & Feel: Soft, warm, slightly stretchy.
  • Typical Uses: Hoodies, linings, casual wear, soft accessories, some costume parts.
  • Notes: Lighter and flatter than faux fur, often used together with fur in one project.

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Fabric Samples

Fabric Samples are small cuts of fabric that allow you to check color, texture, pile length, and shaving behavior before committing to a larger order.

  • Best For: Color matching, testing how the fabric behaves when trimmed or sewn, comparing options.
  • Notes: Highly recommended for custom projects, commissions, and when exact color matching is important.

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Color Swatches

Color Swatches are organized sets of small fabric pieces that show multiple colors from a fabric series in one card or pack.

  • Best For: Planning future projects, building a studio color library, or choosing a theme palette.
  • Notes: Help you see the real-life color under your own lighting, which can differ from screen images.

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Common Fabric Terms

These terms may appear in our product descriptions and can help you better understand how each fabric behaves.

Pile Length
The height of the fur from the base fabric to the tip of the fibers. Longer pile usually means more volume and fluffiness; shorter pile gives a smoother, cleaner look.
Backing
The woven or knitted base that holds the fibers. The backing affects stretch, durability, and how the fabric behaves when cut or shaved.
Density
How closely packed the fibers are. Higher density feels fuller and more premium, while lower density can feel lighter and easier to sew through.
Directional Fur
Fur that clearly lies in one direction. Pattern layout must follow the fur direction to get the best visual result.
Non-Directional Fur
Fur that looks similar from all directions. Easier to work with for small parts or complex shapes.
GSM / Weight
The fabric weight (grams per square meter). Heavier fabrics feel thicker and warmer; lighter fabrics are easier to wear and may drape more softly.
Swatch / Sample
A small piece of fabric used to test color, feel, and compatibility with your project before ordering a larger amount.