Mohair usually refers to a
silk-like
fabric or
yarn made from the
hair of the
Angora goat.
[1] The word "mohair" was adopted into English before
1570 from the
Arabic mukhayyar,
[1] a type of haircloth, literally 'choice', from
khayyara, 'he chose'.
[2] Mohair fiber is approximately 25-45
µ in
diameter.
[3] It is one of the oldest textile fibers in use. It is both durable and resilient. It is notable for its high luster and sheen,
[2] and is often used in fiber blends to add these qualities to a textile. Mohair also takes dye exceptionally well. Mohair is also warm as it has great insulating properties. It is durable, moisture-wicking, stretch and flame resistant, and crease resistant.
Mohair is composed mostly of keratin, a protein found in the hair, wool, horns and skin of all mammals. While it has scales like wool, the scales are not fully developed, merely indicated.[2] Thus, mohair does not felt like wool does.
Mohair increases its diameter with the age of the goat, growing along with the animal. This means fine hair from younger animals is used for finer applications such as clothing, and the thicker hair from older animals is more often used for carpets and heavy fabrics intended for outerwear.
The term mohair is sometimes used to describe a type of material used for the folding roof on convertible cars. In this instance, mohair refers to a form of denim-like canvas. Also, in Poland, mohair berets, which are particularly popular with elderly women, have become a symbol of bigotry and are usually associated with the ultra-Catholic Radio Maryja. Mohair should not be confused with the fur from the angora rabbit, which is called angora wool.
