Mohair is the long, lustrous fiber shorn from Angora goats (not to be confused with Angora rabbits, which produce angora). Naturally white, silky, and strong, it takes dye brilliantly and is prized for sweaters, suits, upholstery pile fabrics, and warm winter knits with a signature fuzzy halo.
What Makes Mohair
Mohair fibers are longer and smoother-scaled than wool, which gives them exceptional luster - the "diamond fiber" nickname - and makes them resist felting and soiling. The fiber is warm, lightweight, and naturally elastic. Kid mohair, from young goats' first shearings, is the finest and softest grade; adult mohair is coarser and goes into sturdier fabrics like suitings and velour upholstery.
Mohair Through History
Angora goats are named for Ankara (ancient Angora) in Turkey, where the fiber was a guarded regional specialty for centuries. Production spread to South Africa - still the world's leading producer - and Texas in the 1800s. Mohair has had fashion moments from 1960s mod suits ("mohair suits" were the sharp-dressed standard) to the fuzzy sweaters of every winter since.
Mohair Today
Modern mohair appears in luxury knitwear (often blended with wool or silk for softness), high-end suiting with a subtle sheen, and plush upholstery velvets. It blends beautifully - mohair/wool suiting drapes with a distinctive glow. Shoppers should expect some shedding from brushed mohair knits; it comes with the halo.
FAQs
- Is mohair the same as angora?
- No. Mohair comes from Angora goats; angora comes from Angora rabbits. Different animals, different fibers - though both are soft and fuzzy.
- Why is mohair so shiny?
- Its fibers have smooth, flat scales that reflect light, giving mohair its characteristic luster - brighter than wool.
- Does mohair shed?
- Brushed and fuzzy mohair knits can shed, especially when new. Tighter weaves and blends shed less.
- Is mohair warm?
- Very - it insulates well while staying lightweight, which is why it suits both winter sweaters and year-round suiting blends.
Glossary: see the full fashion glossary for more apparel industry terms.