Mohair sweaters, constructed from the fur of angora goats, represent all that’s great about premier cold-weather wardrobe essentials: warmth, softness, and chic style.
After PETA released video footage showing how wool shearing occurs, many consumers have begun avoiding its products.
Warmth
Mohair fabric comes from the angora goat, but like all animal-derived textiles, it should only ever come from ethical and sustainable production sources. Mohair shearing involves immobilization and slaughter; therefore, if you choose to wear this luxurious material, it should only ever come from ethical producers.
Mohair fibers are softer than standard sheep wool and possess a distinctive luster, making them highly sought after for yarn and fabric production. Furthermore, Mohair is nonflammable and crease resistant, taking dye exceptionally well, creating vibrant colors with long-lasting hues.
Sheared hair is washed, carded (combined into strands ready to be spun into yarn), and combined with wool or silk yarn as it gives it more luster and warmth while adding some shine and warmth.
Mohair fibers are frequently found in winter clothing such as sweaters and coats for their insulation properties. Kid mohair from young angora goats is especially soft and lightweight; as these animals age their fibers become coarser making clothing less suitable.
Softness
Made from the luxurious hair of an angora goat, mohair is an ultra-luxurious material used to add wire-y textures to sweaters. Extremely warm yet not itchy like sheep wool, its natural luster and shine have earned textile enthusiasts the moniker “Diamond Fiber,” while it takes dye well too.
Mohair fabric generally doesn’t itch, but some individuals may experience sensitivities to it. If this occurs to you, try soaking your garment in cold water with fabric softener prior to donning it; alternatively, waiting a few minutes may help the fibers adjust to body heat temperature more easily and reduce itchiness.
Midnatssol, a budget-friendly blend of alpaca, Tencel, and merino wool yarns is an economical solution that works beautifully with most mohair patterns and supports environmental and ethical initiatives thanks to renewable energy powering its mill. With great stitch definition and impressive stitch formation abilities suited for mohair patterns alike.
Aesthetics
Mohair fabric adds an air of luxury and lightness when knitted into fabric projects, holding dye extremely well and being lightweight yet strong and shiny. Perfect for knitting projects requiring texture or strength enhancement. Ideal as a knit-in part or mixed into other yarns for additional texture or strength benefits. Mohair can add an element of shimmering softness.
Life is Cozy has designed this mohair sweater to knit quickly from top down in an effortless raglan with a large roll neck and giant balloon sleeves covered with intertwined cables and nupps, creating a light-catching statement piece to wear with high-waisted jeans or midi skirts.
As temperatures cool off, linen blouses and dresses make way for tweed jackets, cashmere hoodies, and suede overcoats – but often overlooked is a mohair sweater – knitted from the hair of angora goats, this cozy piece represents everything about premier winter wardrobe essentials.
Care
Mohair is a luxurious fiber, so proper care must be taken when washing it. Washing by hand is ideal, although some prefer washing their sweater in the washing machine instead. If this option appeals to you, be sure to set the machine on low temperature with a gentle cycle for best results. Avoid placing in the dryer as this could shrink and damage its yarn fibers.
Always lay your mohair sweater flat to dry – this will prevent stretching and allow the yarn to reknit itself as it dries, as well as allow for gentle combing using a hairbrush.
Fold and store your mohair sweater in an airy closet when not in use, keeping it away from light to prevent fading. A lavender-filled sachet may also help repel insects like moths. For any queries on caring for this garment, don’t hesitate to contact its manufacturer or a reputable dry cleaner.
