Mohair: The Silk-Like Wonder from Angora Goats

Of all the textile fibers of animal origin, mohair is the one with characteristics most similar to those of silk. This extraordinary fiber is obtained by processing the hair of the famous Angora goat — an animal whose name and fiber have become synonymous with luxury and luster in the textile world.

Origins in Turkey

The Angora goat takes its name from the area of Turkey from which it originates — the province of Ankara (historically called Angora). For centuries, these goats have been bred in the high, dry plateaus of central Turkey, where the climate produces a fleece of remarkable quality.

Today, Angora goats are also raised in South Africa, the United States (particularly Texas), and other regions, but the Turkish heritage remains central to mohair's identity and reputation.

The Unique Properties of Mohair

Mohair wool possesses beautiful qualities that distinguish it from all other animal fibers:

Luster and Sheen

Mohair's most recognizable feature is its exceptional luster — a natural sheen that catches light beautifully. This luster comes from the smooth surface of the fiber and is one reason mohair is compared to silk. No other animal fiber reflects light in quite the same way.

Length and Strength

Mohair fibers are long and strong, which makes them excellent for mixed processing with other types of wool. This length and strength give rise to yarns with an extraordinary brushed effect — the signature halo that mohair is famous for in knitwear.

Excellent Dyeing Properties

Another strong point of mohair yarn is its excellent ability to be dyed. The color is well absorbed by the fibers with a long-lasting and uniform effect. This means mohair yarns are available in an extraordinary range of vibrant, deep colors that maintain their intensity through wear and washing.

Durability

Mohair is one of the most durable natural fibers. It resists: - Abrasion and wear - Wrinkling and creasing - Soil and staining - Flame (naturally fire-resistant)

Kid Mohair: The Premium Grade

The diameter of the mohair fiber varies between 24 and 60 microns, depending on the age of the animal from which it is taken. This is a critical quality distinction:

• Kid Mohair (first and second shearing, under 27 microns) — the finest, softest grade, used for the highest quality products
• Young Goat Mohair (third to sixth shearing, 27-33 microns) — excellent quality with good softness
• Adult Mohair (over 33 microns) — stronger and more lustrous, excellent for upholstery and outerwear

Particular care is taken during shearing to avoid causing injury to the animal, and the process takes into account characteristics including age. In fact, the properties of the fleece change with aging — younger animals produce finer, softer fiber while older animals produce stronger, more lustrous fiber.

Young animal wool — Kid Mohair — is used for the highest quality products, and this is the grade most prized for luxury knitwear and fashion garments.

Applications of Mohair

Mohair's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:

Fashion and Knitwear

- Brushed mohair sweaters — the iconic halo effect that mohair creates in knitwear - Scarves and shawls — lightweight warmth with beautiful drape - Suits and jackets — often blended with wool for lustrous, resilient fabric - Hand knitting — popular for its dramatic visual effect and warmth

Interiors

Often pure mohair or mixed composition is preferred for making prestigious curtains and upholstery. The fiber's natural resistance to flame, soil, and crushing makes it ideal for high-end interior applications.

Men's Tailoring

Mohair has a long tradition in men's suiting, particularly for summer-weight suits. The fiber's natural luster and crease-resistance create a sharp, professional appearance.

Mohair Blends

Mohair is frequently blended with other fibers to create yarns with unique characteristics:

• Mohair-Silk — combining two lustrous fibers for maximum sheen
• Mohair-Wool — adding mohair's luster and halo to wool's warmth and elasticity
• Mohair-Cashmere — luxury meets luxury, softness with sheen
• Mohair-Polyamide — for strength in fine-gauge knitting (the "invisible" mohair blend)

Mohair in Our Collection

In our warehouse, you will find both pure Kid Mohair and mohair blend yarns from Italian producers. These yarns create the distinctive brushed, halo-effect garments that fashion designers and hand knitters love — the kind of pieces that stand out for their texture and light-catching beauty.

Working with Mohair: Tips for Knitters and Manufacturers

Mohair yarn has some unique characteristics that are worth understanding:

For Hand Knitters

- Use larger needles than the yarn weight might suggest — mohair blooms after washing, filling in any gaps - The halo develops over time — a freshly knitted mohair piece will become more fluffy with wear and gentle brushing - Mohair is very warm — a thin mohair garment provides more warmth than you might expect - Holding with another yarn — many knitters hold fine mohair together with a silk or wool strand for added structure and color depth - Frogging is difficult — mohair fibers grip each other, so plan your project carefully before starting

Caring for Mohair

- Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent - Never wring — press water out gently - Dry flat and reshape while damp - Store carefully — protect from moths, as mohair is particularly susceptible - To restore the halo — steam gently or use a soft brush

The Mohair Market Today

Mohair has experienced a renaissance in recent years, driven by fashion's rediscovery of textured, artisanal knitting. The brushed mohair sweater — once a staple of 1980s fashion — has returned as a modern luxury statement. Designers value mohair for its ability to create garments that are visually striking yet incredibly lightweight.

For manufacturers, mohair offers a unique value proposition: relatively affordable compared to cashmere, yet unmistakable in its visual and tactile impact.

Mohair in Our Collection

In our warehouse, you will find both pure Kid Mohair and mohair blend yarns from Italian producers. These yarns create the distinctive brushed, halo-effect garments that fashion designers and hand knitters love — the kind of pieces that stand out for their texture and light-catching beauty.

Browse our catalog to discover our current mohair selection, available at stock prices that make this luxury fiber accessible for projects of any scale.