tiger faux fur
Ultimate Guide to Tiger Faux Fur Fabric by Fabric Base Inc.
Tiger faux fur fabric evokes a sense of untamed luxury and creative expression. From bold home décor statements to high-fashion accents and lifelike costume work, this fabric has become a sought-after choice for designers, event planners, and crafters alike. Fabric Base Inc., a leading fabric wholesaler and manufacturer based in Los Angeles, offers an exceptional collection of tiger faux fur options in minky, plush, and velboa varieties. This guide explores everything you need to know about tiger faux fur fabric—from definitions and types to pile comparisons, care instructions, DIY uses, and costume creation tips. Whether you're sourcing wholesale for retail or production or crafting a custom project, our comprehensive overview will help you make informed and inspired choices.
What Is Tiger Faux Fur Fabric?
Tiger faux fur fabric is a synthetic textile designed to mimic the look and feel of real tiger fur, often characterized by rich orange-brown undertones, stark black stripes, and a soft, textured surface. Unlike real fur, faux fur is made using synthetic fibers such as acrylic, modacrylic, and polyester, making it cruelty-free and more affordable. This textile is popular across the fashion industry, in home décor, in theatrical and cosplay settings, and for mascot and costume design. Tiger faux fur replicates the exotic, dynamic aesthetic of a tiger's coat while offering durability, washability, and versatility.
Types of Tiger Faux Fur Fabric
At Fabric Base Inc., tiger faux fur is available in several distinct types, each with unique properties that lend themselves to different applications:
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Minky Tiger Faux Fur: Known for its ultra-soft feel and slight sheen, minky tiger faux fur features a low to medium pile and is perfect for cozy apparel, accent blankets, and fashion accessories. Its smooth finish makes it easy to work with and luxurious to touch.
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Plush Tiger Faux Fur: This type offers a thick, high pile and a denser composition, closely resembling real fur in weight and loft. Plush tiger faux fur is ideal for show-stopping statement pieces like jackets, theatrical costumes, and elaborate upholstery accents.
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Velboa Tiger Faux Fur: Lightweight and short-pile, velboa tiger faux fur is a more structured fabric often used in decorative elements, children’s costume design (without using the word "children"), accessories, and mascot work. It provides a flat finish and holds shape well, making it perfect for panel-based projects or applique work.
Minky vs. Plush vs. Velboa – A Worded Comparison
Minky tiger faux fur has a silky hand feel and is known for its comfort-focused applications. It works well for projects like blankets and apparel linings, offering a light drape and easy manageability during sewing. Plush tiger faux fur, on the other hand, is thick, fluffy, and more dramatic in both appearance and texture. It’s the best option when aiming for visual impact or replicating the true depth of animal fur. Velboa, by contrast, is sleek and flat. It has little to no stretch and a suede-like stability that gives it great control for shaped items like structured headgear, cosplay armor, or high-precision detail pieces.
In essence, choose minky for comfort and elegance, plush for realism and flair, and velboa for detail and control.
Pile Lengths: Long Pile vs. Short Pile vs. Medium Pile
The length of the fur—referred to as pile—plays a major role in determining both the aesthetic and functional applications of tiger faux fur fabric.
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Short Pile Tiger Faux Fur: Ranging from 2mm to 5mm, short pile tiger faux fur gives a clean, low-profile look. This pile length is excellent for precision-driven projects like headgear, detailed costumes, pillows, or panels that need to maintain a rigid silhouette.
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Medium Pile Tiger Faux Fur: Measuring between 6mm to 15mm, this pile offers a balance between softness and shape. Medium pile tiger fur is versatile—perfect for wearable garments, accessories, mascots, and fashion-forward outerwear.
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Long Pile Tiger Faux Fur: Typically over 16mm, long pile tiger faux fur exudes drama and softness. It delivers the fullest texture, ideal for elaborate coats, throws, capes, and standout costume work where volume is part of the design.
Care Instructions for Tiger Faux Fur Fabric
Proper maintenance ensures that your tiger faux fur retains its vibrancy, softness, and shape. Here are the best practices:
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Washing: Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
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Drying: Air dry flat or hang to dry. Never use a tumble dryer as high heat can damage the synthetic fibers and warp the pile.
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Brushing: Use a wide-tooth comb or pet slicker brush to gently brush the pile after washing. This helps restore volume and untangle any matting.
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Storage: Store in a breathable bag or on a hanger in a cool, dry place. Avoid crushing under heavy objects.
DIY Ideas for Tiger Faux Fur Fabric
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Throw Pillows: Add a wild statement to your living space by crafting bold tiger faux fur pillow covers. Use velboa for a firm, structured look, or plush for an oversized accent.
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Tiger Faux Fur Blanket: A minky or medium pile blanket offers warmth, softness, and fierce style. Line with satin or fleece for a finished backing.
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Tiger Tote Bags: Use velboa for a compact, structured tote with animal print flair, or combine with denim and canvas for added durability.
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Costume Accents: Craft tiger ears, tails, wristbands, or boot covers using short pile velboa or minky for comfort and control.
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Wall Panels: Long pile tiger faux fur can be stretched over frames for stunning textile art installations.
Creating a Tiger Faux Fur Costume
Costume creation using tiger faux fur requires planning, pile awareness, and thoughtful sewing. Start with a pattern designed for plush or faux fur fabrics. For bodysuits or mascot costumes, opt for medium to long pile plush to give fullness and drama. Use velboa for headgear or detail work—like claws, ears, or stripes—since it holds structure well.
Cut pieces with the pile direction in mind. Always sew with a walking foot and use longer stitch lengths to prevent puckering. Leave extra seam allowance so you can trim and blend the pile at seams for a polished finish.
Add breathable lining inside costumes and make sure closures (zippers, Velcro, etc.) are reinforced. Use light padding or foam structure if building a mascot-style look.
Making a Mascot with Tiger Faux Fur
Mascot suits made from tiger faux fur often require multiple fabric types. Plush is great for body structure due to its rich volume. Use velboa for the headpiece for more control, especially around facial features. Reinforce key stress points like knees, elbows, and closures with interfacing or double layers.
Design air-vents in the back or underarms, and consider cooling packs or fans if the costume will be worn for long periods. Foam forms can be layered inside to bulk out shapes or exaggerate features.
Fashion Applications for Tiger Faux Fur
In fashion, tiger faux fur makes a bold, seasonal statement. It’s often used for:
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Outerwear like bomber jackets, overcoats, and vests
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Statement trims on hoods, cuffs, or collars
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Tiger-print handbags and backpacks
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Panel inserts in jeans or skirts
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Hats and ear warmers for cold weather accessories
Designers can layer minky or plush tiger fur over contrasting fabrics like leather, denim, or velvet for dramatic texture contrasts. Use short pile versions for cleaner silhouettes or accessories.
Home Décor Projects Using Tiger Faux Fur
Beyond fashion, tiger faux fur is ideal for adding tactile and visual flair to home interiors:
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Accent Pillows: Choose velboa or minky for structured, comfortable cushions.
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Throws and Blankets: Use plush for thick, high-end covers that also serve as focal décor elements.
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Furniture Upholstery: Cover stools or ottomans in tiger faux fur for a touch of maximalist elegance.
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Wall Panels and Tapestries: Stretch tiger faux fur over wooden frames or use as accent panels behind beds or couches.
Why Choose Fabric Base Inc. for Tiger Faux Fur Fabric?
Fabric Base Inc. is a leading wholesale supplier and manufacturer of high-quality faux fur fabrics in Los Angeles. With extensive stock, competitive pricing, and custom production capabilities, our tiger faux fur selection is unmatched. We offer:
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Variety in pile length, weight, and color tone
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Reliable wholesale pricing for bulk orders
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Prompt shipping and customer support
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Over 20 years of experience in the fabric industry
Our in-house team is also able to assist with specialty fabric sourcing and dye lot consistency, making us a trusted partner for large-scale design and retail needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is tiger faux fur safe for upholstery use?
A: Yes, especially velboa and short pile minky varieties, which are durable and easy to clean.
Q: How do I cut faux fur without making a mess?
A: Use a razor blade or craft knife to cut only the backing, avoiding the pile. This keeps edges clean and minimizes shedding.
Q: What kind of needle should I use when sewing tiger faux fur?
A: A heavy-duty needle like 90/14 or 100/16 is best. Also, use polyester thread for strength.
Q: Can tiger faux fur be used for hot climates?
A: Yes, but best for evening wear, accessories, or air-conditioned environments. Velboa is most breathable.
Q: Is tiger faux fur washable?
A: Yes, hand or machine wash cold and air dry. Do not tumble dry or iron.
Q: How do I prevent matting over time?
A: Regular brushing and gentle cleaning keep the pile fluffy and resilient.
Contact Information
Website: www.fabricbases.com
Phone: (213) 745-7688 or (213) 745-7918
Email: info@fabricbases.com
Address: 773 E 14th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Fabric Base Inc. offers industry-leading options for tiger faux fur fabric across minky, velboa, and plush varieties. Whether you're designing for fashion, interior design, theatrical production, or DIY craft, our range supports creative vision with consistent quality. Explore our tiger faux fur collection today and bring a bold, textural spirit to your next project.