In the last 10 years there has been an increasing demand for fur coats made from rex rabbit fur. Unlike the common rabbit, the rex is an entirely new species. It is a cross breed between chinchilla and rabbit. This genetic mix produces a coat with a set of surprising properties. The common rabbit has earned a bad reputation in the fur world due to its poor durability and the fact that it sheds from day one. Many consumers are also skeptical when it comes to rex. Like any material, rex rabbit fur coats have both negative and positive aspects, one should consider before making their investment.
Positive aspects
- Flexibility: Chinchilla has been recognized for this unique property and has surely passed it on to the rex rabbit. A rex fur coat made the list of the three softest furs, along with chinchilla and sheared beaver.
- Durability: It is a high quality material and has a useful life of 5-10 years. It won’t tear, at least no more than a beaver pelt or a fox pelt.
- Ecology: Rex rabbits can be eaten for their meat. This gives them a great advantage over other types of fur.
- Alternative: Modern techniques can reproduce the colors of a chinchilla. A chinchilla-style colored rex rabbit is a real treat to behold. It looks so much like a chinchilla, in terms of color and texture, that many experienced buyers had fallen victim to fraud in the early days. They couldn’t tell the difference between a rex and a chinchilla and ended up paying fortunes. Fortunately, the market is better informed today.
- Price: Rex rabbits are cheap but they are not cheap, they replicate very quickly and this makes the skins available in sufficient quantity.
negative aspects
- Durability: Although a rex will not shed less hair than a regular rabbit, it will still shed quite a bit. This will not create a problem, like baldness. However, you will experience hair on your clothes. Buying a cut one will drastically lessen the impact of this hazard.
- Warmth: Its insulation index is high. Higher than a leather jacket, but can’t beat a fox or beaver fur coat. You should consider using it in the warmer winter months.
In conclusion, rex rabbit fur coats are here to stay. As consumers learn more and more, their confidence in this relatively new leather type increases. Skin designers love it and promote it. Their competitive prices and excellent attributes make them an attractive purchase.
