The Story of Mohair

Mohair is the lustrous, long and strong hair of the Angora goat which is believed to have originated in the Himalayas. They were domesticated in Turkey where the name Angora was derived from Ankara, the province where the goats thrived. Angoras were highly regarded and jealously protected from being exported until the second half of the 1800s when the goats were imported into the United States and South Africa. They originally came to the UK in 1881 when 6 animals were imported from South Africa by the Duke of Wellington. This herd was only kept until 1885 and there was no further activity until there were new imports in the 1980s which formed the basis of the present herd.

The distinctive properties of mohair, giving soft luxurious handle combined with great durability, make it desirable for use in quality products from clothing to furnishings. With its affinity for dyes, mohair reproduces colours that have an unmatched clarity. Fabrics of smooth mohair don’t crush, mat or pill; dust and dirt are easily shaken or brushed off; bacteria and thence smells cannot become trapped in the smooth scales.

Used alone or in blends, mohair imparts its unique signature to a great variety of fabric textures, from tweeds and knits to men’s suiting fabrics.  It is a naturally soft fibre which may be enhanced by current expertise and modern processing techniques. As a decorating fabric, mohair is valued for its flame-resistance, and high sound absorbency. It is ideal for public places such as concert halls, theatres, hotel lobbies and offices, as well as for homes. In addition, mohair curtains are effective insulators, keeping heat in during cold weather and serving as a barrier against outside hot temperatures in summer. Mohair’s properties are further exploited in accessories like hats, scarves, socks; throws and blankets; carpeting and rugs; wigs and switches; paint rollers and ink transfer pads; and children’s toys – where would teddy bears be without mohair?