Brightly colored and patterned faux fur coats become a street style staple over the past few seasons, seemingly out of nowhere. While the style might appear to be a more ethical alternative to real fur, the production of faux fur can still result in major environmental impact.

Unlike other fabrics, faux fur is almost always made from 100% synthetic materials. The use of such materials makes for easier manipulation — the product can easily be made to resemble real fur and takes well to other processes such as dyeing.

While designers like Stella McCartney have always used faux fur for ethical reasons, the style has trickled down to fast fashion, with brands like ASOS and H&M offering a wider selection of faux fur styles at lower prices. Selections from lower-priced stores are more likely to be discarded, unlike high end purchases.

As Qiulae Wong, head of marketing at the Ethical Fashion Forum points out, faux fur isn’t compatible with fast fashion.

“Over 60% of fibre currently being used in apparel is synthetic – so whether it is faux fur or other textiles, the fact is the majority of our clothing today is made out of plastic – which is extraordinarily damaging to the environment.”

“To shop more mindfully, consumers can look for and, more importantly, ask for more sustainable alternatives such as recycled polyester.”

According to one report, it takes approximately 10 barrels of oil to make one fur coat, and such an item may not biodegrade for at least 1,000 years.

There’s also the ongoing issue of questionable labor practices that have plagued the garment trade internationally for decades.

While purchasing faux fur made from recycled materials is one option, fashion lovers should also consider a high-end purchase, if possible. “Fur” coats from brands like Stella McCartney are less likely to show wear and tear over time present better options for resale. Purchasing better quality vintage faux fur coats from brands like Donnybrook is another way to get your faux fur fix. Rihanna made the brand a must-have when she stepped out in a vintage style last winter, but coats from the brand can be snatched up for as little as $45.00 on sites like Ebay.

The faux fur conundrum stands as another example of how ethics in fashion and clothing production can be pretty complicated. Overall, choosing quality over quantity is definitely a step in the right direction.