The Ultimate Guide to Faux Fur Coats

Faux fur coats are the ultimate winter investment piece—luxurious, warm, and completely guilt-free, offering all the glamour of real fur without any ethical concerns. I bought my first proper faux fur coat five years ago (a gorgeous oversized teddy number from Whistles) and genuinely haven't looked back. It's still going strong, gets compliments every time I wear it, and has single-handedly elevated my entire winter wardrobe from "trying to stay warm" to "actually looking chic whilst staying warm."

The faux fur market has absolutely exploded in recent years, and honestly? The quality is now so good that most people can't tell the difference. But with so many options out there—from budget high street finds to luxury designer pieces—knowing what to look for and where to shop can feel overwhelming. I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know.

What Makes a Good Faux Fur Coat?

Not all faux fur is created equal, and I've definitely learned this the hard way. My first attempt at faux fur was a cheap online purchase that looked incredible in photos but arrived looking like a disheveled teddy bear after one wash. Here's what actually matters:

Pile density: The fur should be thick and plush, not sparse or patchy
Backing quality: Check the reverse side—a sturdy, well-made backing means the coat will hold its shape
Weight: Good faux fur has substance. If it feels too lightweight, it'll likely look cheap
Texture variation: The best pieces have varied fur lengths and textures, mimicking real fur's natural appearance
Lining: A proper lining makes all the difference for durability and comfort

The High Street Champions for Faux Fur

Right now, Zara is absolutely smashing it with faux fur. Their teddy coats are legendary—I've seen them all over Instagram, and for good reason. They nail that oversized, slouchy fit that looks effortlessly cool, and the price point (usually around £80-120) is brilliant for the quality. Just size up if you want to layer chunky knits underneath.

Mango is another hero brand for faux fur. Their coats have a more sophisticated, European edge—think sleek silhouettes rather than the fluffy teddy aesthetic. I particularly love their cropped faux fur jackets for transitional weather. The quality is genuinely impressive, with dense pile that doesn't shed everywhere.

For classic, timeless pieces, M&S is surprisingly excellent. Their faux fur coats might not be the trendiest, but they're beautifully made and will last for years. I bought my mum their long black faux fur coat two Christmases ago and she practically lives in it. Perfect if you want something elegant rather than statement.

Massimo Dutti offers refined, luxe-looking faux fur that punches well above its price point. Their cuts are flattering and grown-up, with attention to detail you'd expect from more expensive brands. I've got my eye on their belted faux fur coat for next winter—it's giving serious 1970s glamour.

If you're after something more directional, All Saints does edgy, oversized faux fur that works brilliantly with their signature rock-and-roll aesthetic. The pile is incredibly soft, and the slightly disheveled look is intentional (and very cool). Great for layering over band tees and leather trousers.

Next is brilliant for budget-friendly options without compromising on style. Their faux fur coats start around £50, and whilst they might not last quite as long as pricier versions, they're perfect if you want to experiment with colour or trend-led shapes without breaking the bank.

H&M has really upped its game with faux fur, particularly in their Conscious collection. The sustainability angle is a bonus, but more importantly, the quality has improved massively. Their long faux fur coats in neutral tones are wardrobe staples, and the price point makes them accessible for everyone.

For that sweet spot between high street and premium, Whistles remains unbeaten. Yes, you'll pay more (think £250-400), but the quality justifies every penny. Their faux fur has proper weight and substance, the cuts are impeccable, and these are coats you'll wear for a decade. My teddy coat from them still looks brand new.

How to Style Your Faux Fur Coat

The beauty of faux fur is its versatility. I've worn mine with everything from jeans and trainers to silk slip dresses and heels. Here's what actually works:

The casual weekend look: Oversized teddy coat over a chunky knit, straight-leg jeans, and Chelsea boots. This is my go-to for Saturday morning coffee runs and looks far more pulled-together than it actually is.

Evening glamour: A sleek, fitted faux fur jacket over a little black dress with heeled boots. Very 1960s, very chic, works for everything from dinner dates to winter weddings.

Office-appropriate: A tailored faux fur coat in a neutral tone (think camel, grey, or navy) over smart trousers and a crisp shirt. The key is keeping the silhouette structured rather than overly fluffy.

Statement dressing: Go bold with coloured faux fur—burgundy, emerald green, or even pink. Keep everything else simple and let the coat be the hero piece.

Premium Pieces Worth Saving For

When you're ready to invest properly, Reiss delivers exceptional faux fur coats with designer-quality construction. Their pieces lean sophisticated rather than trendy, which means they'll never date. I'm saving for their cream longline faux fur—it's an absolute dream.

Hobbs offers beautifully tailored faux fur with that quintessentially British elegance. Their coats fit like they're bespoke, with nipped waists and flattering proportions. Perfect for more formal occasions when you want to look polished.

Independent Brands Making Waves

If you want something truly special, Stand Studio is the independent brand everyone's talking about. They're Swedish, they're sustainable, and their faux fur is absolutely incredible—thick, luxurious, and available in the most gorgeous colours. Expect to pay around £300-500, but you're getting a museum-quality piece.

Another gem is Shrimps, a London-based brand that's made its name with playful, colourful faux fur. Their coats are statement pieces in the best way—fun, beautifully made, and worn by fashion insiders worldwide. They're not cheap (£400-700), but they're investment pieces that'll never go out of style.

Luxury Options for Special Occasions

At the luxury end, brands like Max Mara and Sandro offer faux fur coats with impeccable craftsmanship. Max Mara's teddy coats are iconic for good reason—they're the ultimate in understated luxury, with quality that'll last a lifetime.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

Here's the thing about faux fur coats—sizing can be tricky because of the bulk. Some brands account for this by sizing up slightly, whilst others stay true to size. This is where Tellar.co.uk becomes an absolute game-changer.

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly. Instead of guessing whether you need a 10 or 12 in that gorgeous Mango faux fur, you simply measure once (bust, waist, hips) or input your existing size from a brand that fits well. Then use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—Zara, Whistles, Stand Studio, you name it.

It's completely free, works in your browser (no downloads needed), and you never have to look at a confusing size guide again. Given that faux fur coats are an investment purchase, getting the size right first time is crucial.

The Tellar Fashion Hub is equally brilliant—it's a library stacked with free posts from top stylists covering every fashion query. Honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free. Their Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide breaks down everything about measurements, whilst their Ultimate Guide to Jackets helps you find outerwear that genuinely suits your shape.

If you're building a capsule winter wardrobe, check out their best jeans trends for 2026 to pair with your new faux fur, or their Ultimate Guide to Dresses for styling inspiration underneath.

Care and Maintenance Tips

A good faux fur coat deserves proper care. Here's what I've learned:

Always check the label—some are machine washable (game-changer!), others need dry cleaning
Shake it out after wearing to remove dust and keep the pile fluffy
Use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle matted areas
Store on a padded hanger to maintain the shape
Keep away from heat sources as synthetic fibres can melt

The Bottom Line

Faux fur coats have evolved from cheap imitations to genuine luxury pieces that rival their real fur counterparts. Whether you're spending £50 at Next or £500 at Stand Studio, the key is choosing quality construction, a flattering fit, and a style that works with your existing wardrobe.

My advice? Start with a classic neutral if it's your first faux fur coat—think camel, grey, or cream. You'll wear it constantly and it'll never date. Once you've got that wardrobe staple sorted, then experiment with colours, textures, and more directional shapes.

And please, use tools like Tellar to get your sizing right first time. There's nothing worse than falling in love with a coat online, ordering your "usual size," and having it arrive completely wrong. Take the guesswork out, get your measurements matched properly, and invest in pieces that'll make you feel incredible every time you put them on.

Trust me, a brilliant faux fur coat isn't just about staying warm—it's about feeling like the most glamorous version of yourself, even when you're just popping to the shops. And that's worth every penny.