Mohair wool, often called mohair, isn’t wool at all. It’s a luxurious natural fiber derived from Angora goats, known for its silky texture and shimmering luster.Mohair’s versatility shines in applications like carpets, outerwear, and accessories. Its durability and vibrant colors make it a favorite in fashion and home furnishings, showcasing its broad range of uses.
Key Takeaway
- Angora Goat Fiber: Mohair is derived from the fleece of Angora goats, not to be confused with Angora wool from rabbits.
- Silky And Lustrous: Known for its silky, lustrous appearance, mohair has a distinct sheen that sets it apart from other wool types.
- Natural Insulation: Mohair fibers possess excellent insulation properties, providing warmth in cold weather while remaining breathable.
- Durable And Resilient: Mohair is renowned for its durability, resilience, and resistance to wrinkles, making it a long-lasting choice.
- Versatile Use: Commonly used in textiles, garments, and upholstery, mohair’s versatility extends to various fashion and home decor applications.
Mohair is a unique textile fiber derived from the hair of Angora goats, which are native to the mountainous regions of Turkey and have been utilized for centuries. This natural fiber has gained widespread popularity due to its distinct characteristics, which set it apart from other animal-derived textiles such as sheep’s wool.
Understanding the properties of mohair, how it is produced, and its various applications can help you make informed decisions when selecting fabrics for your wardrobe or home furnishings.
In recent years, mohair has found its place in the fashion industry, prized for its versatility, silky texture, and ability to hold color. However, there are also significant economic and environmental considerations to bear in mind, along with potential controversies associated with mohair production.
By learning more about this fascinating fiber, you can make better choices when incorporating mohair products into your lifestyle.
What Is Mohair?
Mohair is a luxurious and refined natural fiber obtained from the hair of Angora goats. Originating from the mountainous regions of Turkey, these goats are now raised in various parts of the world, including the United States, South Africa, and Australia.
The term “mohair” is derived from “mukhayyar,” an Arabic word meaning “the fabric of goat hair”.
You might find mohair often compared to wool, as both are fibers obtained from animals. However, mohair is distinct from wool due to its unique properties. It is a highly lustrous, silky, and resilient fiber, which makes it a popular choice for creating various textiles and yarns.
The keratin structure of mohair fibers is different from that of wool fibers. The fiber diameter for mohair is smaller and has fewer scales on its surface.
This results in a more smooth and lustrous fabric compared to wool. Mohair yarn, obtained from these fibers, comes in all colors of the rainbow and is known for its soft halo and solid core.
Young Angora goats produce the finest and softest mohair, sometimes called “mohair wool,” even though it is not wool. The natural white color of mohair can be dyed easily, adding to its versatility in textile applications.
Similar to cashmere and wool, mohair is a biodegradable and sustainable textile. Its ability to resist wrinkles, conserve heat, and allow breathability make it an ideal choice for luxury garments and high-quality home textiles.
How Is Mohair Produced?
Mohair production starts with shearing Angora goats, typically occurring twice a year. During the shearing process, the goats are carefully immobilized to avoid injury.
Special scissors are used to cut the hair without causing harm to the animals. Angora goats are primarily raised in countries like Turkey, South Africa, and the United States for their precious fleece.
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Once the shearing is complete, the raw mohair is cleaned thoroughly. This process removes dirt, debris, natural grease, and vegetable matter from the fibers. After cleaning, the mohair is carefully sorted to form uniform locks, which helps maintain the quality and consistency of the final product.
It is essential to differentiate between mohair, which comes from Angora goats, and Angora wool, produced from Angora rabbits. Mohair is known for its luster, elasticity, and durability, making it ideal for crafting various outerwear garments, such as scarves, sweaters, and coats.
In addition to adult Angora goat hair, kid mohair is a finer, softer fiber produced from the goats’ first shearing. Kid mohair is highly sought for its exceptional softness and is often used in luxurious garments and accessories.
Why Is Mohair Valued In The Fashion Industry?
Mohair, sheared from the Angora goat, is a precious textile fiber in the fashion industry. Its unique qualities make it ideal for crafting garments, including sweaters, coats, and accessories like scarves, shawls, and winter hats.
You will find mohair clothing to have a beautiful sheen due to its natural luster, enhancing the visual appeal of your attire. With its high moisture-wicking properties, mohair ensures garments are lightweight and comfortable.
This characteristic makes mohair an excellent choice for fall and winter clothing, as it provides insulation while remaining breathable.
Regarding durability, mohair fibers are more robust and softer than regular wool, such as from sheep. This trait allows the production of long-lasting garments and accessories that can withstand daily wear. Mohair is also naturally dirt-resistant and easy to clean, adding to its practicality in your wardrobe.
When it comes to dyeing mohair, you will discover that it holds dye remarkably well, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors for your clothing. This feature further contributes to the versatility of mohair in the fashion market.
In addition to its visual appeal and functional properties, mohair can be blended with other natural fibers like silk and alpaca to create an even more luxurious feel. This combination highlights the best qualities of both materials and adds diversity to the textile industry’s options.
Alongside its widespread use in clothing, mohair’s characteristics make it a popular choice for crafting various other textile products. For knitting and crocheting enthusiasts, you can find mohair in items such as blankets, socks, and even craft yarns.
Overall, mohair’s combination of sheen, strength, softness, and versatility makes it a prominent and highly valued textile fiber in the fashion industry. From elegant suits to cozy accessories, mohair is a unique and luxurious choice for your clothing needs.
What Is The Economic Impact Of Mohair?
Mohair is a luxurious textile fiber derived from the hair of the Angora goat. It holds significant value in the global market, providing economic benefits to various regions, including Australia, Texas, England, Germany, and New Zealand. As a mohair producer, South Africa accounts for over 50% of the world’s mohair production 1.
In the 16th century, the demand for mohair grew, making it a sought-after commodity among the upper class. Over time, it became popular in high-quality home furnishing and fashion items.
Countries such as Australia, Texas, and New Zealand saw the potential in the industry and started breeding Angora goats to meet this demand.
The mohair market directly impacts the livelihoods of those involved in its production, from farmers to textile workers. As a natural fiber, mohair competes with other textile fibers like wool and synthetic alternatives.
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However, its unique characteristics, such as luster, softness, and durability, give mohair a distinct advantage in specific applications.
As the global market evolves, mohair producers must adapt to changes in demand, technological advancements, and competition from synthetic fibers.
Innovation and high standards of quality will be crucial for sustaining the industry’s growth, and it’s in your best interest as a producer or consumer to stay informed on the latest trends and developments.
Mohair And Environmental Sustainability
Mohair is a type of textile derived from the hair of Angora goats, primarily raised in South Africa, Turkey, and Australia.
As you explore the environmental sustainability of mohair, it’s essential to consider various factors such as its biodegradability, ethical concerns, and the impact of its production processes on the environment.
One positive aspect of mohair is that it’s biodegradable. When mohair products eventually wear out and are discarded, they will break down naturally and return to the earth as valuable nutrients.
This biodegradability sets mohair apart from synthetic fibers, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and significantly contribute to pollution.
However, the livestock required for mohair production can have a considerable environmental impact. Ruminant animals such as Angora goats emit high carbon emissions and contaminate air, water, and soil due to the overwhelming strain on natural resources.
These factors contribute to the overall environmental consequences associated with mohair production. The use of chemicals during mohair processing can also pose environmental challenges.
Although much of the vegetable matter can be removed from the fibers without harsh chemicals, certain chemicals might be used for dyeing and finishing the final products. It’s essential to choose mohair products that meet environmental standards and minimize the use of harmful chemicals.
Ethical considerations are also vital when discussing mohair sustainability. The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is a voluntary standard that addresses animal welfare and environmental responsibility in Mohair supply chains.
As a consumer, you have the power to support ethical and sustainable mohair production by purchasing products from producers who adhere to these standards.
Controversies Associated With Mohair Production
Mohair wool comes from Angora goats primarily raised in South Africa, the largest mohair producer worldwide. Although the fibers are known for their luxurious properties, the mohair industry has recently been marred with controversies, primarily related to animal cruelty.
A PETA Asia eyewitness investigation found rampant abuse on 12 Angora goat farms in South Africa. The workers were seen dragging goats by their horns and legs, throwing them across the floor, mutilating them, and even cutting the throats of fully conscious animals.
This exposé sent shockwaves through the mohair industry, leading to several top international brands acting against cruelly obtained mohair.
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Following talks with PETA UK, Arcadia Group – which owns Topshop – halted all production of mohair items and adopted an immediate ban on the material. Other brands such as H&M, Gap, and Lacoste also pledged to stop using mohair in their products in response to animal cruelty concerns.
Historically, mohair has been considered an essential part of Lesotho’s wool and mohair industry. However, even this country faced issues when a controversial deal with a Chinese businessman, Guohui Shi, led to protests and a parliamentary fistfight.
The government eventually ended the deal due to public backlash and its negative impacts on the industry.
What Are The Varieties Of Mohair And Their Uses?
Mohair is a versatile and luxurious fiber used for various applications. Sourced from the Angora goat, it’s known for its durability, softness, and natural resistance to dirt. Some common uses for mohair include carpets, rugs, upholstery, outerwear, garments, hats, scarves, socks, and suits.
You might find mohair in various colors, such as brown and black, and it’s usually not itchy like some other fibers. This feature makes mohair popular for garments and accessories worn close to the skin.
Carpets and rugs made from mohair are known for their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. Additionally, mohair’s natural dirt resistance ensures they remain clean and vibrant for an extended period.
Upholstery applications also benefit from mohair’s resilience and luxurious feel. As a robust fabric, it’s often chosen for sofas, chairs, and other furniture to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
Outerwear and garments made from mohair provide exceptional warmth without being heavy. Its natural fibers create a lightweight material suitable for various clothing items such as jackets, coats, and sweaters.
Hats, scarves, and other mohair accessories can offer style and function. The softness and warmth provide comfort while remaining fashion-forward in appearance. Similarly, mohair socks are famous for their durability and coziness.
Suits and other tailored garments can be crafted from mohair, creating a polished and professional appearance. The lightweight nature of the fabric allows for comfortable wear throughout the day.
In-home furnishings, mohair is a popular choice for lightweight blankets, providing warmth and comfort without the bulk. Its durability and softness make it a cozy addition to any living space.
Lastly, a lesser-known use for mohair is in creating doll wigs. The delicate and silky texture of the fiber closely resembles human hair, making it an ideal choice for crafting realistic wigs for collectible dolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mohair Warmer Than Wool?
Mohair has excellent insulating properties and can keep you warm in colder temperatures. However, it is warmer than wool, which has a more closely packed fiber structure that retains heat better.
What Are The Differences Between Mohair And Cashmere?
Mohair and cashmere are derived from goats but come from different breeds. Mohair comes from Angora goats, while Cashmere goats produce cashmere. Mohair fibers are typically more lustrous and resilient, while cashmere fibers are softer and finer.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Using Mohair?
Mohair is known for its durability and resilience, but it may not suit people with sensitive skin. Some individuals may find mohair irritating or itchy, especially when worn close to the skin. Additionally, mohair can be more expensive than other fabrics due to its production process.
How Does Mohair Feel Compared To Other Fabrics?
Mohair has a silky and lustrous feel with some level of softness. Mohair may feel less soft and plush than other fabrics, like cashmere or merino wool. However, the unique qualities of mohair, like its durability and resilience, make it still desirable for many applications.
What Factors Affect The Price Of Mohair?
The price of mohair is affected by factors such as the fibers’ quality, the raw material’s rarity, and the production process. High-quality mohair is often more expensive, as the fiber diameter and softness significantly determine its value. Additionally, the production process can affect the price, requiring skilled labor to shear, sort, and process the fibers.
How Is Mohair Produced?
Mohair is produced by shearing the hair from Angora goats. The goats are typically sheared twice yearly, producing fibers cleaned, carded, and spun into yarn. This yarn can be woven or knitted into various textiles, including clothing, accessories, and home furnishings.
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