Mohair comes from the Angora goat, not the Angora rabbit. Its fibres are naturally lustrous, resilient and smoother on the surface than many sheep wools. Depending on the animal’s age and the way the yarn is spun, mohair can be fine and cloudlike or strong enough for structured cloth. It is often blended with wool, silk or synthetics to balance softness, stability and price.
Feel and appearance
Look at the garment in side light. A good mohair halo should appear even rather than forming isolated fuzzy clumps. Stroke it gently in one direction: the pile should settle without exposing bare tracks. A long, brushed surface looks dramatic but catches more friction and may shed at first. In tailoring, a small amount of mohair can make wool feel crisper and help trousers or jackets recover from creases.
Test comfort at the neck or inner wrist, not only with the palm. Fine fibres may still tickle sensitive skin, and a blend’s hand depends on every component. Check underarms, cuffs, bag-contact areas and seat for matting or pills. Mohair is resilient, but repeated rubbing can compress its halo and change how the colour reflects light.
Care
Air between wears and store with room around the pile. Brush only with a tool intended for delicate wool and never pull loose fibres. Follow the label: structured pieces usually need professional cleaning; washable knitwear requires cool water, wool detergent and minimal agitation. Support the wet garment, dry it flat and restore the surface with gentle steam from a distance. Avoid heat, tumble drying and adhesive lint rollers.
Choose mohair for light warmth, spring and subtle shine. The best version is not simply the hairiest one, but the cloth whose fibre, blend and finish suit the garment’s purpose.
