Shoppers are being duped into buying real animal fur when they think it is faux fur, according to a report.
Tests on garments claiming to be made from synthetic fabrics by the Humane Society International UK found that they were actually made from mink, fox or rabbit.
Claire Bass, director of the charity, said: “Fur is tragically so cheap. It can be produced for the same or less than the cost of fake fur.
“We know the vast majority of British people don’t want to buy fur ethically and morally, but we are seeing an increase in it on our streets.”
In one case, a label in a £26.99 hat said “mixed wool” but lab tests pointed to real fur, most likely from fox. In another case a £15 scarf, which was described as 100 per cent viscose on the label, had pom-poms made of rabbit fur.
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Most high street shops do not sell fur but some is appearing on clothes sold by independent retailers and online.
Ms Bass said that often the sellers had no idea the products contained real fur, which they assumed would be more expensive. Her charity wants a ban on all fur imports and accurate labelling.
Mike Moser, of the British Fur Trade Association, told the BBC: “It’s a bit curious that anyone would want to hide the fact that they are using this beautiful product [animal fur], that adds luxury and value.”