Mohair

Definition and Overview

Mohair is an animal fiber obtained from Angora goats. It is a different material from wool, and its defining features are a hairy look, natural luster that reflects light, and resilient texture. It is used alone as well as blended with wool and other fibers.

Mohair-blend woven fabrics used for suiting and similar items are generally easy to give a crisp hand and a cool feel, while knit fabrics that make use of the hairiness create a light and elegant appearance. The properties vary greatly depending on yarn thickness, blend ratio, structure, and whether it is fuzzy or not.

Features

Mohair has a relatively smooth fiber surface and is a material that easily delivers luster and rich color. It has elasticity, allowing woven fabrics to achieve a tailored crispness and knits to express a light, airy loft.

On the other hand, depending on the product design, fuzz may shed or the nap may become disordered due to friction. In particular, materials with pronounced hairiness require attention to fuzz transfer to other garments and to changes in appearance caused by friction with bags, cuffs, and similar items.

• It has luster and easily brings out depth and brightness in color.
• It has elasticity and a resilient feel, and tends to help retain shape.
• Depending on the blend and the woven or knitted design, it can express anything from a dry cool feel to a voluminous hairy texture.

Main Applications

Woven fabrics that make use of crispness and luster are used for jackets, suits, pants, coats, and more. Relatively lightweight mohair-blend woven fabrics with breathability in mind are also suitable for tailored items for spring and summer.

Mohair-blend knits that make use of hairiness and volume are used for sweaters, cardigans, vests, scarves, and more. Because the warmth and sheerness vary depending on the blended materials and knitting gauge, the wearing season should be judged together with the fabric or knit specification.

Selection and Handling Notes

Depending on the application, check not only the blend ratio but also industry weight, density, hair length, structure, and finish. Crisp woven fabrics are suitable for neat jackets and suits, while knits that make use of hairiness and lightness are suitable for soft sweaters. It is important to check luster, sheerness, fuzz shedding, and surface changes after friction with samples.

Washing methods vary depending on the blended materials and product specifications, so follow the care label. Because shrinkage and changes in texture may occur with water washing, confirm whether home washing is possible through prior testing. In sewing, materials with hairiness can cause seams to become buried easily, so also consider cutting scraps and fuzz adhesion.

• Before mass production, check dimensional changes and appearance changes after washing.
• For materials with hairiness, perform friction tests and check for fuzz transfer.
• When ironing, use a pressing cloth and adjust temperature and pressure so as not to crush the hairiness.

Differences from Similar Terms

Wool is a general term mainly referring to sheep fiber, while mohair refers to Angora goat fiber. Compared with wool, mohair is generally used for expressions that take advantage of luster and resilience, but the actual texture varies depending on the blend ratio and processing.

Cashmere is the fiber of cashmere goats and is characterized by a fine, soft, smooth feel. Unlike cashmere, mohair is a material characterized by stronger luster, crispness, and hairiness. Also, "mohair" in hook and loop fasteners may refer to the loop side, and it is treated separately from the fiber material mohair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can mohair be used for summer suiting fabrics?

Yes. Lightweight mohair-blend woven fabrics are used for spring and summer suiting fabrics, taking advantage of their crispness and dry touch. However, coolness is not determined by the mohair blend ratio alone; industry weight, density, weave structure, and lining specifications also need to be checked.

Are mohair and angora the same material?

No, they are not the same. Mohair is the fiber of Angora goats, while angora generally refers to rabbit fiber. Although the names are similar, the source animals are different, and the fineness, hairiness, and texture of the fibers also differ.

Can mohair-blend materials be washed at home?

Whether home washing is possible depends on the mohair blend ratio, the blending fiber, the structure of the knit or woven fabric, and the finish. Water washing may cause shrinkage, fuzzing, and hardening due to felting, so always check the product care label.