Angora Fiber

Mohair is the hair shorn from the Angora goat. The word mohair is derived from an Arabic word meaning “choice” or “select”. The earliest recorded use of Mohair was in 1554 when a Flemish diplomat brought two Angora Goats to King Charles V of Spain. Mohair from the Angora goat is harvested twice a year with an average growth of 1 inch per month making the average yield 6 to 10 lbs. each shearing for does and as much as 20 pounds each shearing in big bucks and wethers.

Mohair is famous for its strength, durability and shine. It is stronger and warmer than wool and is not subject to shrinking or wrinkling. Most of us are generally unaware of the qualities of mohair and have limited contact or knowledge with products containing the fiber. It is quite the versatile fiber with the grades of hair ranging from Super Fine Kid thru the Coarser Adult. Mohair has been more popular in stores for high fashion luxury suits and in sweaters and scarves. But, because of the varying grades of mohair and its long wearing qualities and resistance to soil, mohair was once a major upholstery fabric in this country, and was the seat cover material in many cars. Now with the return of interest in natural fibers mohair may well be considered again for a variety of fiber uses, especially because of the mohair’s resistance to fire.

Why is Mohair Called the Diamond Fiber?

Mohair is one of the most versatile textile fibers. Its characteristics are similar to wool, except that it does not have the scales that can irritate the skin. Mohair has several unique properties that are not found in any other animal fiber

• Insulating capacity - mohair's hollow fibers do not conduct heat; like wool, mohair provides good insulation, even when wet.
• Durability - mohair can be twisted and bent without damage to the fiber; it is the most durable animal fiber.
• Comfort - the smooth fibers of mohair do not irritate the skin, even for people who are sensitive to wool.
• Strength - mohair is stronger than steel of the same diameter
• Shrink resistance - because its smooth fibers do not felt, mohair fabrics shrink much less than wool.
• Elasticity - mohair is very elastic; it can be stretched up to 30%, and will spring back to shape; mohair garments resist wrinkling, stretching, or sagging.
• Moisture transfer - mohair easily absorbs and releases moisture, moving perspiration away from the skin; it is comfortable to wear in cold and hot weather.
• Luster - one of mohair's most important qualities is its ability to take dye and to display brilliant colors that resist fading by time or hard wear.
• Lightweight - mohair's smooth fibers can be made into fabrics that have a cooling effect; it is ideal for summer garments.
• Non-flammability - mohair will not burn unless it is exposed to a direct flame.