Furlab Fur Guide
Learn before you buy — build better suits.
CHOOSING FUR FOR FURSUIT HEADS
Recommended pile length, shaving performance and common beginner mistakes when building heads…
SHAVING & DENSITY GUIDE
What “density” really means — how different furs shave and which ones work best for heads, bodies & paws…
COLOR MATCHING & SAMPLES
When to order samples, how to combine colors correctly, and how to avoid expensive color mistakes…
CARING FOR FAUX FUR
Brushing, washing, drying & storage — keep your faux fur soft and fluffy for years…
Choosing Fur for Fursuit Heads
For most fursuit heads, we recommend medium-long faux fur that shaves smoothly without exposing the backing. Fabrics that are too thin or too short can look patchy after shaving, while very thick fur can be difficult to control around small details. Test on a scrap first before working on the final head.
Shaving & Density Guide
Density describes how much fiber is packed into the backing. Higher-density fur usually shaves cleaner and gives smoother gradients, while lower-density fur can reveal the backing more easily. Choose higher density for faces and detail work, and lighter density for larger body areas.
Color Matching & Samples
Screen colors can look different from real fabrics because of lighting and monitor settings. Ordering samples first is the safest choice — you can test color, softness and shaving performance before committing to a full order.
Caring for Faux Fur
Brush your fur gently before and after sewing to keep fibers smooth. Avoid high heat when washing or drying, as heat can permanently damage the pile. Store finished parts loosely so they don’t get flattened over time.
Furlab Faux Fur Guide
Click any fur type to see real photos, best uses, and quick tips.
Puffy Fur (Fluffy Type)
Long pile with a loose, airy structure and a very fluffy look.
Best for:
- Cartoon-style suits
- Large body areas
- Soft, cute characters
Keywords: cartoony, squishy, cute
Velvet / Short Pile
Very short pile (around 3 mm) with a flat, velvety surface.
Best for:
- Noses
- Paw pads
- Tongues
- Fine decorative details
Note: This fabric generally cannot be shaved.
Keywords: clean, detailed
Silky Fox (Medium-short, Silky)
Longer than true short pile, but still soft and natural with a silky handfeel.
Best for:
- Faces
- Arms and belly
- Semi-realistic animal characters
Can be lightly trimmed and does not easily show the backing.
Keywords: realistic, smooth
Curly / Pattern Plush
Not straight pile – the surface has curls, waves, or sculpted patterns.
Best for:
- Body fur
- Plush toys
- Soft, gentle characters
Keywords: warm, textured, friendly
Thickened Fox (5 cm)
Extra-thick pile with a dense, firm structure and strong volume.
Best for:
- Chest ruffs
- Neck areas
- Any part that needs to "stand up" and keep its shape
Keywords: thick, structured, dimensional
Flex Fabric (4-way Stretch Lining)
A 4-way stretch fabric used together with faux fur. This is not fur itself.
Best for:
- Suit linings
- Base for the bridge of the nose
- Foundations for face shapes
Keywords: support, contour, lightweight
12mm Bunny Fur (Shave-friendly)
Short, very dense pile that is excellent for sculpting and shaving.
Best for:
- Faces
- Fine details
- Markings and patterns
Easy to shave and holds carved shapes very well.
Keywords: detailed, sculptable
Wave Fur (Blue-tone Long Pile)
Long pile with a smooth, slightly wavy flow and a cool blue tone.
Best for:
- Body fur
- Tails
- Transition zones like cheeks and neck
The cooler color palette works especially well for realistic or cool-tone characters.
Keywords: sleek, versatile, natural
Flow Fur (Extra-long 9 cm)
Very long, soft pile that falls and flows like a mane.
Best for:
- Huge tails
- Dramatic manes
- Long-haired characters
Only light trimming is recommended. Not ideal for heavy or deep shaving.
Keywords: dramatic, ultra-fluffy
POOF Fur (5–6 cm Fluffy)
5–6 cm long pile that is soft, fluffy and naturally puffy without being over-the-top.
Features:
- Soft, plush handfeel
- Easy to brush and control
- Keeps volume but does not completely bury details
- Friendly for both beginners and advanced makers
Best for:
- Chest fluff and manes
- Cheek floof
- Designs that should puff up but stay readable
- Cute, rounded characters
Light trimming is possible, but it usually looks best at its natural length.
Keywords: 5–6 cm, fluffy, easy to style, keeps details visible
Fox Faux Fur (Mid-long)
Approx. 4–6 cm mid-long pile that is soft but has enough body to stay upright.
Best for:
- Chest ruffs
- Body fur
- Natural animal-style characters
Can be lightly shaved and blends smoothly at the edges.
Keywords: natural, durable, easy to control

