mohair

Mohair is a natural textile fiber obtained from the hair of the Angora goat (Capra aegagrus hircus). It is valued for its luster, warmth, and strength, with fibers that are long, resilient, and elastic. Mohair fabrics have a smooth hand and excellent drape, and the fiber can range from very fine to coarser grades. The natural sheen of mohair also helps dyes take up deeply and evenly, contributing to vibrant color in finished textiles. Mohair is relatively resistant to wrinkling and holds up well in a variety of weaves and knits.

Production and processing involve shearing Angora goats—typically once or twice a year—followed by cleaning (scouring), combing, and spinning into yarns. Pure mohair yarns can be used directly, while many mohair fibers are blended with wool, cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers to adjust softness, warmth, durability, and cost. Mohair is commonly graded by fiber fineness (micron count) and length, and a portion of the supply comes from kid mohair, which is finer and softer.

Historically associated with Turkey, mohair production has become global. Today, major producing regions include Turkey, South Africa, and China, with other countries contributing to the supply. Mohair is used in a wide range of products, including lightweight suiting and knitwear, luxury fabrics, scarves, and home furnishings such as throws and upholstery.

Care and handling vary with the product and any blends. Mohair fabrics are often dry-cleaned, though some blends may be machine-washed on gentle cycles. To minimize shedding and pilling, avoiding high heat and abrasion is advised, and care should follow the recommendations on the textile label. Blended mohair fabrics balance warmth, durability, and softness for diverse applications.