About
Mohair is the hair of the Angora goat, which may be shorn twice each year. The best quality comes from Texas, South Africa, and Turkey. The white hairs are long, lightly curled, have a silky luster, and do not felt easily. Mohair is often used for outerwear. Kid mohair comes from the younger and better bred goats, and is noticeably thinner and softer than adult mohair.
Characteristics
Mohair is similar to wool, but it possess many superior qualities to other natural fibers which is why it is labeled as a luxury fiber. It has a natural luster and takes dye exceptionally well. This leads to longer lasting vibrant colors that cannot be matched with for example wool or alpaca. Mohair is a great insulator and doesn't conduct heat like wool which ensure great warming qualities. It is a non-pilling fiber and is among the most durable quality in the world - garments made from mohair last for years.
Good to know
This fiber is, as most other wool fibers, almost no-flammable. When placed under or near an open flame it tends to shrivel into a bed of ashes. Once removed from the flame it immediately stops burning. Mohair will stretch on average 30% over its length and then will be able to spring back into shape. Due to this property, mohair garments resist wrinkling, stretching, or sagging during wear. Store your mohair garments as you would with your wool garments.
Blends
Due to its high luster and sheen it is often used in fiber blends to add these qualities to a textile. Mohair is not a soft yarn, when compared to alpaca or cashmere, but it is valued for its unique characteristic; its warmer than other fibers, even to lightweight garments, and for this reason it is often blended with wool.
Aftercare
Mohair garments do not have to be washed between each wear, it is a smooth fiber so a good shake will dislodge most dust and dirt particles. Simply hang it out in fresh air or in a damp bathroom to remove any odors - mohair is a natural fiber that clean itself to some extent. Wash with care; hand wash or machine wash in cold water or on a special wool program. We suggest you use a mild cleaning product, such as The Laundress Wool & Cashmere detergent. Do not bleach. Iron on medium heat with damp or on a damp cloth on the garment. Can be dry cleaned. Dripping wet garments should be dried flat to avoid stretching, do not tumble dry.
* Sources: “Clothing Technology 3rd Edition” by Eberle, Hermeling, Hornberger, Menzer and Ring