| Fabric name | Mohair wool |
| Fabric also known as | The "diamond fiber" |
| Fabric composition | Hair fibers from Angora goats |
| Fabric breathabilityn | Reasonably breathable |
| Moisture-wicking abilities | Medium |
| Heat retention abilities | High |
| Stretchability (give) | High |
| Prone to pilling/bubbling | Medium |
| Country where fabric was first produced | Turkey |
| Biggest exporting/producing country today | South Africa |
| Recommended washing temperatures | Hand wash cold |
| Commonly used in | Sweaters, suits, scarves, winter hats, coats, socks, carpets, home furnishings |
Mohair Wool
What Is Mohair Wool?
Mohair wool is a type of textile derived from the hair of the Angora goat. Unlike other goats, this type of goat is covered with shaggy hair. It is believed that the Angora goat developed this unique coat due to the environmental conditions where it evolved, and this type of goat is now prized for the silky and multipurpose wool that it produces.
It is believed that Angora goats evolved into their current form in Tibet, and they gradually migrated to Turkey. For centuries, these types of goats were only raised in Turkey, but records of mohair wool in England date back to the eighth century, which indicates that this type of fabric has been widely traded throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for thousands of years.
Ganni - The Julliard Mohair Knitted Yellow Pullover
Compared to sheep wool, mohair is much softer, and it also has a notable sheen and luster. These attributes have led some textile enthusiasts to dub mohair as the "diamond fiber," and this fabric is all the more popular due to its high compatibility with most types of dyes. Mohair is also much more elastic than most types of wool, it is not very flammable, and it is crease-resistant.
Because of the unique attributes of this type of wool, mohair is considered to be a luxury textile, and garments made entirely from this substance can be quite expensive. However, it's much more common to find mohair that has been mixed with other fabrics; even when this fiber is only used in small quantities, it makes any fabric of which it is a part much more elastic, shiny, and durable.
One of mohair's other notable qualities is this type of wool's resistance to felting. Most types of wool contain scales, and when these types of wool are washed at the wrong temperature, these scales fuse together to make an unsightly mess. The scales on mohair wool, however, are not fully developed, which means that garments made from this type of wool do not felt even if they are washed incorrectly.
As Angora goats age, the thickness of their hair fibers increases, and the wool of older Angora goats is not considered to be as desirable as the wool from younger goats. The younger an Angora goat is when it is sheared, the shinier and silkier the resulting wool will be.
1960s Pauline Trigere Plum Mohair Wool Cape Coat
On most Angora goat farms, shearing takes place twice a year in the spring and the fall. Each Angora goat produces about 15 pounds of mohair per year, and the shearing process is performed very carefully to ensure that no contaminants end up in the final product.
Mohair wool from Angora goats is not to be confused with Angora wool, which is actually derived from Angora rabbits. In addition, the term "mohair" is also sometimes used to describe a type of material that is used to make the roofs of convertible cars, but this fabric is actually a type of canvas, and it is not derived from Angora goats.
Buy high-quality, low-priced mohair fabric here. If you are UK based, you can buy it here.
How Is Mohair Wool Made?
The production of mohair wool has evolved greatly over the years. It's likely that the nomadic peoples of Tibet made wool from these shaggy goats, and records indicate that this type of wool was made in Turkey thousands of years ago. When mohair became popular in England in the early 19th century, however, this fabric's production process became much more industrialized and widespread.
At the height of the British Empire, mohair was in such great demand that production of this type of wool spread to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. A small number of Angora goats were also sent to the United States, and this type of fabric is still produced in America to some degree.
The process of creating mohair begins with the shearing of an Angora goat. These goats grow hair rapidly, which means that they are ready for shearing twice per year. The shearing process is accomplished with large scissors, and the goats must be totally immobilized during the process to ensure that they won't be hurt.
Wool & Mohair Wrap
Some animal rights organizations, such as PETA, have noted that the methods used during the shearing of Angora goats are inhumane. While practices among farms differ, the staff of some South African Angora farms have been caught treating their goats roughly and causing them serious physical harm. It is not necessary to subject Angora goats to this treatment to derive mohair wool, but some farms do so to save money.
Once mohair is shorn from Angora goats, it is carefully washed to remove any impurities. Since the hair from this type of goat is uniform in length, it is easy to card, which is the process by which chunks of this wool are made into strands. These strands are then spun into yarn, and in most cases, automated machines or treadle spinners are used to make this twisted cord.
After a final washing process, the mohair yarn is ready to be woven into clothing. In most cases, this yarn is sold to a textile manufacturer that will perform this final process, but some Angora goat farms produce their own finished textile products.
Shop a wide variety of mohair fabrics here for US and rest of world here and here if you are UK based.
How Is Mohair Wool Used?
Because of its unique attributes, mohair is prized for a variety of different consumer applications. This fabric is commonly used in a number of different types of garments, and it is also present in various home furnishings and other general textiles.
Like other types of wool, mohair wool is a highly popular fabric for sweaters, coats, hats, and other forms of insulative winter gear. This textile is also used to make socks, scarves, and suits. One special kind of suit can only be made with mohair wool; the two-tone suit became highly popular in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, and the popularity of this garment rapidly spread among musicians in America and worldwide. Due to the unique attributes of mohair, two-tone suits display different colors when you view them from different angles or in different lighting.
Beyond the world of consumer apparel, mohair is also used to create craft yarns, doll wigs, and wall hangings. During the 1970s, mohair wool enjoyed a brief burst of popularity as a carpet material; this silky, thick substance is still used to make carpets, but these types of rugs are now significantly less popular.
Where Is Mohair Wool Produced?
Approximately half of the world's mohair fabric is produced in South Africa, which makes this country the biggest producer of this textile. A significant amount of this wool is also produced in Texas, and in recent years, companies in China have done their best to catch up to South Africa and the United States in terms of mohair wool production.
Even though the majority of the world's mohair is produced in South Africa, most of this wool is exported raw or semi-processed to other countries in Europe or Asia to be made into finished textile products. Overall, however, the production of mohair wool is in decline.
Mohair/wool blend fabric Wide lapels Dropped shoulder seam Long sleeve
The production of this type of wool reached a peak in the 1990s, but as organizations like PETA began to raise awareness of unethical practices that were used in the harvesting of this type of wool, consumers were conditioned away from using this fabric out of fear of social repercussions or contributing to the problem. In the early 1990s, around 25,000 tons of mohair fabric were produced per year, but as of 2009, this number has been reduced to about 5,000 tons per year.
A variety of brands, such as H&M, Gap, and Lacoste have signaled their commitment to animal rights to their customers by refusing to market products made by mohair wool despite the fact that it's possible to harvest this fiber sustainably and without animal cruelty. The impression of mohair wool as being an unethical fabric has driven sales of this fiber down drastically, but it's highly unlikely that the industry will die out entirely. Ideally, the decreased popularity of this fabric will make it more of a high-end, niche item, which would benefit ethical producers of this textile while driving unethical producers out of business.
How Much Does Mohair Wool Cost?
Mohair is one of the most expensive types of wool. Alongside cashmere and Suri alpaca wool, this type of goat wool commands one of the highest prices on the market, but the cost of this fabric has remained mostly steady as both the supply and demand of mohair wool have decreased at around the same rate.
According to a mohair wool producer in Pennsylvania, this type of wool can fetch about $10 per pound. For comparison, sheep wool sells for around $0.40 per pound.
What Different Types of Mohair Wool Are There?
The only type of mohair wool in existence is that which is harvested from Angora goats, but there are a couple of pertinent variations of this type of animal fiber:
- Fibers from younger goats: The younger an Angora goat is, the finer the fibers it produces. Therefore, fibers from younger goats, which are called kids, are more desired than fibers from older goats. Most high-end mohair wool sweaters, for instance, are made from fibers derived from younger goats.
- Fibers from older goats: As Angora goats age, their hairs become thicker and rougher. This decreased fiber quality means that wool from older goats is more commonly used in household textiles, such as upholstery and rugs, rather than apparel.
How Does Mohair Wool Impact the Environment?
Like other animal-derived fibers, mohair doesn't have a notably negative impact on the environment. Unlike synthetic textiles, no carcinogenic, hormone-disrupting, or organ-damaging chemicals are used in the production of mohair, and the production of this type of wool does not introduce any toxins into the environment aside from certain types of dyes.
The main concern with mohair isn't its environmental impact but rather its impact on animals. PETA and other animal rights organizations rightfully point out that inhumane practices are commonplace in the mohair industry, and some of these practices may involve dehorning and castration without anesthesia, subpar living conditions, and rough handling that can induce a sometimes-fatal panic reaction.
GESTUZ CADENCE MOHAIR WOOL BLEND TURTLENECK SWEATER – NAVY
In addition, there is an agricultural impact of raising Angora goats for wool production. According to PETA, it takes 40-50 pounds of feed to produce one pound of mohair, which means that the production of this type of wool entails the putting aside of enormous tracts of farmland that could otherwise be used for other purposes.
It's important to point out, however, that PETA is a notoriously alarmist organization, and it's quite possible that the mohair industry is not as bad as this group claims. In fact, there are plenty of Angora goat farmers that adhere to strict ethical standards in the production of their wool. PETA commonly picks the worst cases of animal abuse to push its animal rights platform, and while the harm of goats in the production of mohair should always be condemned, it would be going too far to rush to conclusions and assume that the production of this fabric is inherently inhumane or environmentally unsustainable.
Mohair is an entirely biodegradable fabric, which means that garments or other textiles made from this substance break down in nature relatively rapidly and do not inherently contribute to pollution. Consumers that want to wear mohair without ethical or environmental concerns should pick garments made by certified cruelty-free wool producers.
Mohair Wool Certifications Available
A variety of organizations offer certification for mohair fiber. Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is the most prominent wool certification organization, and while RWS focuses mainly on ensuring the humane treatment of sheep, facilitating ethical mohair production is also a major goal of this group. If mohair fabric bears the RWS logo, you can rest assured that it was derived sustainably without harming animals.
The Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN) is another example of a certification organization that helps protect Angora goats from inhumane treatment. This organization certifies a wide variety of different types of products, and it rigorously inspects mohair production facilities to ensure that Angora goats are treated correctly.
FAQs
What is Mohair Wool Fabric: Properties, How its Made and Where? ›
Mohair is grown by Angora goats. Mohair is considered a luxury fiber and should not be confused with Angora fiber which comes from rabbits. Mohair is as warm as wool although it is much lighter in weight making it ideal for traveling. Mohair is also desirable due to its warmth, durability and beauty.
What are the properties of mohair wool? ›Mohair fibre is long, lustrous, strong, resilient, and durable. It absorbs and retains moisture much like wool and has good affinity for dyestuffs but is more sensitive to chemicals. It reacts much like wool when subjected to heat, sunlight, moth larvae, and aging.
How is mohair wool made? ›Mohair is a soft wool that comes from the hair of the Angora goat. Some call mohair the “diamond fiber,” as the wool is characterized by a distinct luster and sheen. When blended with other textiles, like alpaca or merino, mohair lends that luster to the fibers.
Where is mohair made? ›Most of the world's mohair originates in South Africa and the U.S. (particularly Texas). Angora goats are bred primarily for their soft inner coats, which are generally shorn twice a year, beginning as early as six months after birth.
What is the main disadvantage of mohair? ›of the drawbacks to mohair is that it is a fuzzy yarn that has a tendency to shed. For this reason, you should consider both the fabric blend and the color of your sofa. Smooth synthetic fabrics (like a polyester blend) will be less likely to show the shedding, as will colors that are similar to one another.
What makes mohair special? ›Mohair takes dye exceptionally well. It feels warm in winter as it has excellent insulating properties, while its moisture-wicking properties allow it to remain cool in summer. It is durable, naturally elastic, flame-resistant and crease-resistant.
Is mohair more expensive than wool? ›Mohair Wool
It is taken from angora goats and has a graceful and beautiful lustre and fineness. Some call mohair a diamond fibre, as fabric made from it is rich in sheen. Mohair is more expensive when compared to sheep wool, as it is considered a luxury fibre and often compared to Cashmere.
As the fibres have fewer scales on the external layer than sheep wool, mohair is extremely soft, which makes it perfect for people with sensitive skin or who find sheep wool a bit itchy.
Why is mohair better than wool? ›Mohair is a stronger fiber than wool, and is naturally softer as well. It has been used in the automotive and aeronautical industries due to its extreme fire retardant properties, and is well suited as a noise control barrier thanks to its sound absorbency.
What are the issues with mohair? ›The mohair industry has faced challenges in recent years due to changing fashion trends and concerns about animal welfare. Fashion retailers like Zara and H&M stopped using mohair in their garments after animal rights groups raised concerns about animals on South African farms.
Is mohair itchy to wear? ›
Skin irritations to mohair and wool are common, and after a bit of research I discovered that my reaction is not unusual either. In fact many people suffer quite severe problems from knitting mohair, cashmere and even wool. Common symptoms include wheezing, hives, sneezing and itchy eyes.
What is the best quality wool? ›Merino wool is the highest quality wool, sourced from a breed of sheep called Merino. These sheep produce finer wool than other breeds, which means that the vast majority of Australian wool is suited to the manufacturing of the world's highest quality apparel and high-end fashion garments.
Which state is known as the largest mohair producer in the US? ›Texas, with a herd of 1,800,000 goats, is the main mohair region of the United States, producing 96% of the total U.S. mohair.
How much is mohair worth? ›The price per pound of mohair decreased 80 cents in 2020 to $7.20. This brought the total value of the state's mohair production to 2.45 million dollars for 2020, 1,312 thousand dollars lower than 2019.
Can you put mohair in the washing machine? ›How to wash mohair. The answer to this question is quite simple—it's best if you wash your mohair sweater by hand. The fabric is very delicate and the washing machine can damage it. Remember to use warm water (not more than 90°F!) and a mild laundry detergent such as all® Free Clear Pure Liquid Bio Detergent.
Why is mohair banned? ›Mohair fleece is among the most expensive textiles in the world and is cherished for its softness and durability. But despite its many attractive qualities, mohair has been banned by many clothing brands due to the appalling animal cruelty that is often involved in its production.
Does mohair stretch or shrink? ›Mohair fabrics shrink much less than wool because mohair's smooth fibres do not felt. It can be stretched up to 30%, the inherent elasticity means your Mohair piece will spring back to shape.
Does mohair shrink easily? ›Mohair is a natural, luxurious fibre that dries well and resists shrinking. Unlike wool, Mohair has no scales. A vigorous shake will dislodge most dirt particles.
How can you tell if wool is mohair? ›While similar to wool in some ways, mohair has a very smooth surface with very thin undeveloped scales. This means that mohair will not felt as wool does. The smoothness of the fiber causes yarns with mohair to have a wonderful sheen.
Which is warmer cashmere or mohair? ›A cashmere wool has superior insulating qualities yet isn't bulky, which makes it perfect for any season. This natural fabric will keep you warm when it is cold and prevent overheating when temperatures rise.
What is the finest wool in the world? ›
Vicuña wool is the finest and rarest wool in the world. It comes from the vicuña, a small llama-like animal native to the Andes Mountains in Peru.
What is the warmest wool in the world? ›Angora wool is exceptionally soft and possess the highest heat retention of any natural fiber (two-and-a-half times warmer than sheep's wool).
What is the most expensive wool fabric in the world? ›Vicuña wool is the most expensive wool in the world. Vicuña yarn is incredibly soft and lightweight, making it perfect for high-end clothing items. Vicuña costs from $400 to $600 per kilo of unprocessed vicuna fiber, with coats made from vicuna wool can cost more than $20,000.
Is mohair too hot for summer? ›Mohair has a high warmth-to-weight ratio, meaning it can keep you warm in cooler weather without cooking you when it's hot outside. Breathability – Mohair material is very breathable, making it a good choice for men who sweat heavily as well as general hot weather wear.
What wool is similar to mohair? ›Brushed suri is a decent alternative if you can't use mohair for any reason. It has a similarly light and fluffy fiber, and a similar softness, but it doesn't irritate a lot of people who find mohair irritating.
How do you stop mohair from itching? ›Step 1: Turn the sweater inside out. Fill a basin with cold water and add two tablespoons of white vinegar. Step 2: Put the sweater in the water and let it soak for approximately 15 minutes. Step 3: Work hair conditioner into the sweater from top to bottom, front and back — and don't forget the sleeves.
What is the softest wool in the world? ›Virgin wool, also known as lambswool, is the softest type of wool available. It is taken from a sheep's first shearing, this being the softest coat a sheep will produce in its life.
Is alpaca or mohair better? ›Alpaca socks are softer than mohair and our everyday alpaca socks are so soft that they feel like a treat for the feet all day. We find they actually feel softer with a wash or two. Alpaca socks need a bit more TLC than mohair socks. Mohair socks are washable at 40℃ but alpaca need to be washed at 30℃.
Does mohair smell? ›Mohair is a unique fibre, it has antibacterial properties which means it doesn't smell.
Does mohair stretch out? ›Mohair Fiber Characteristics
- Elasticity: Mohair can stretch an average of 30% over its entire length before being able to spring back into shape. Because of this characteristic, mohair products do not wrinkle, stretch or sag during wearing. - Luster: The luster of mohair is one of the most important characteristics.
Is mohair hard to clean? ›
Mohair velvet can be notoriously difficult to clean. If you are in any doubt please contact a professional cleaner. You will probably get that recommendation from most fabric companies.
Is mohair better than Merino? ›Merino is famously gorgeous and can certainly be softer than mohair. It shares almost all the qualities of mohair but is not nearly as hardwearing so, even a coarser merino fibre will not last as long when knitted into a sock. The same is true of alpaca wool, another fibre which has broadly similar qualities to mohair.
Does mohair always shed? ›Does mohair yarn shed? Because it is a soft, smooth fiber without many scales to make it stick together, it can shed – especially if it's a brushed mohair that is lightly spun. A tightly spun yarn is less likely to shed.
What is the least itchy wool? ›Unlike other wools and synthetic material, merino wool doesn't itch at all – it is the softest of all wool.
Is mohair wrinkle resistant? ›Mohair is extremely durable and has a beautiful sheen to it, one that you don't find in wool of comparable quality. It's also known for its distinctive hand and wrinkle resistance.
How can you tell if wool is high quality? ›The fiber diameter of wool is the single most important factor that determines quality and price. Generally, merino wool is the highest quality wool because of its fineness which creates a very soft fiber. Simply put, the finer the wool is, the more valuable it is. Uniformity of the fiber diameter is another factor.
Which is the very expensive type of wool? ›Vicuna The most expensive of all specialty wools, vicuna sells for anywhere from $1,300 to $3,000 per yard. However, if you're lucky enough to afford it, you'll experience the softest and finest of fabrics. As the Peruvian government has strict guidelines on harvesting and exporting vicuna, it's also one of the rarest.
What is the most expensive fiber in the world? ›Vicuña wool is ultrafine and difficult to come by, which explains why it's the most expensive textile in the world. Because of conservation efforts, vicuñas cannot be domesticated, and herding communities in the Apolobamba mountain range can only shear them once every two years.
Which animal yields the softest wool in the world? ›More extraordinary than cashmere, the softest wool in the world comes from Vicuna, the national animal of Peru. A Vicuna is a more elegant relative of Llama, a 1.8 metre tall domesticated animal of South America.
Who are the top mohair producers in the world? ›South Africa is the biggest global producer of mohair, producing approximately 50% of the world's mohair.
Who produces the most mohair? ›
A large chunk of global mohair production can be traced to South Africa and the U.S. (particularly in Texas). The weather conditions in South Africa are very conducive for angora goats, which explains why the country is responsible for more than half the global mohair production.
How much is mohair wool per pound? ›Mohair production in the United States during 2022 was 520,000 pounds. Goats and kids clipped totaled 99,000 head. Average weight per clip was 5.3 pounds. Mohair price was $6.35 per pound with a value of 3.30 million dollars.
What are some fun facts about mohair? ›Mohair is an important hair-like fiber that grows over the Angora goat's body. This animal is the only one that produces it. The strands can grow up to 15 inches long, and farmers sheer the goats twice a year to collect it. Mohair is different from Angora wool, which comes from Angora rabbits.
What are the grades of mohair? ›Grades of mohair, together with their spinning counts equivalents, are: kid 1, d36's and 40's; kid 2, 30's and 32's; adult 1, 26's and 28's; adult 2, 22's and 24's; adult 3, 18's and 20's; adult 4, coarser than 18's. In addition, there are the usual off grades, such as burry, kempy, grey, cotted and stained.
Does mohair shrink in the dryer? ›In general, fabrics made from natural plant or animal fibers (wool, mohair, cotton, linen, silk, etc.) will be most likely to shrink, which will be exaggerated when a garment is washed and dried at high temperatures.
How often do you wash mohair? ›Mohair apparel does not need to be washed as often as clothes made from other fibers. Many times, a good airing out and/or spot cleaning will suffice since mohair and wool don't trap odours. Turn socks inside-out. Machine wash on gentle cycle in warm or cool water.
Should you brush mohair? ›Our top tip: Garments made from natural fibres like mohair can look a little different after washing, so we recommend gently brushing down your mohair jumper with a stiff bristle Clothes Brush to restore the original lustrous look to the jumper.
What distinguishes mohair from other wool? ›As the fibres have fewer scales on the external layer than sheep wool, mohair is extremely soft, which makes it perfect for people with sensitive skin or who find sheep wool a bit itchy. It is also insulating, without absorbing heat, so it regulates your body temperature.
Is mohair the warmest wool? ›Is mohair warm? Despite being a lightweight fabric, mohair is very insulating and can keep users quite warm. This is why it is often used for making outerwear, sweaters, or socks. Mohair is also able to absorb moisture to keep individuals from feeling too clammy.
Is mohair more expensive than cashmere? ›Cashmere is much softer than Mohair. Cashmere fibre has a diameter of 12-16 microns, while Mohair is thicker than this. Pure and original Cashmere is more expensive than Mohair due to its high quality, finesse and alluring look.
Is mohair a high quality material? ›
Known for its durability and high luster, it is among the most resilient and long-lasting variants of natural fibers. It is also considered eco-friendly given the scope for sustainability. Another crucial factor that makes mohair upholstery fabric an amazing option is its knack to absorb dyes.
Is mohair better than merino wool? ›Merino is famously gorgeous and can certainly be softer than mohair. It shares almost all the qualities of mohair but is not nearly as hardwearing so, even a coarser merino fibre will not last as long when knitted into a sock. The same is true of alpaca wool, another fibre which has broadly similar qualities to mohair.
What is the best wool in the world? ›Merino wool comes from Merino sheep – the breed of sheep offering the finest wool for luxury apparel and technical sportswear.
What is the most expensive wool in the world? ›Reputed as the softest and warmest wool of its kind, it is no wonder that it is considered the world's most expensive and exclusive wool. Civilizations have long-sought-after vicuñas, so much so that they have earned their status to be on the Peruvian coat of arms and Peru's national animal.
Which country produces the best wool in the world? ›This makes Australia the world's leading producer of wool, followed by China, Russia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, the UK and Uruguay.