How to Tell Rex Rabbit Fur from Mink Fur and What to Look for When Buying

Passing off rex rabbit fur as mink fur is a fairly common case of substituting inferior goods for genuine ones in the fur market, meaning that sellers market rex rabbit fur or products made from it as mink fur. Because the fur of both animals is fine, dense and soft, ordinary consumers find it very hard to tell them apart with the naked eye alone. This practice not only harms consumers' interests but also disrupts the normal order of the fur trade.

There are clear differences in quality between rex rabbit fur and mink fur. Rex rabbit fur is short and even, with inconspicuous guard hairs, giving an overall surface as smooth and dense as velvet; mink fur has upright, glossy guard hairs, a thick underfur, and a thick, tough hide, with the tips of the hairs carrying an obvious sheen. In terms of value, mink fur usually sells for far more than rex rabbit fur, which is the main reason counterfeiters take the risk.

When identifying fur, you can use a combination of looking, touching and blowing. First look at the fur surface: mink fur has glossy guard hair tips, while rex rabbit fur has almost no guard hairs and a level surface. Then feel it with your hand: mink fur feels smooth and crisp, while rex rabbit fur, though soft, lacks body and resilience. You can also blow gently against the direction of the fur to observe the density of the underfur and how the hair roots grow. If necessary, send a sample to a professional institution for testing to obtain an accurate conclusion.

When buying fur products, consumers should choose reputable sellers as far as possible, ask for purchase receipts, and check whether the material listed on the label is accurate. Be especially cautious about so-called mink products whose prices are obviously too low, and guard against low-price traps. If you suspect you have been cheated, keep the evidence and report it to the market supervision department to protect your rights in accordance with the law.