Mohair (Angora Goat)
category
Mohair is the lustrous fibre obtained from the Angora goat (Capra hircus aegagrus), characterized by smooth scale structure, high luster, strength, and resilience. Global production ~4,500 tonnes annually (greasy basis) with South Africa (50%), USA-Texas (20%), and Turkey (10%) as major producers. Diameter ranges 25-40 μm depending on age (kid mohair <25 μm, adult 30-40 μm).
Role
A specialty luxury fibre prized for exceptional luster ('diamond fibre'), durability, drapability, and dye affinity used in suiting, knitwear, upholstery, dolls' hair, and specialty applications where luster and resilience command premium pricing $12-25/kg for kid mohair, $6-12/kg adult.
Subtopics
- Mohair Production and Quality Grades Mohair grades by age/shearing: Kid mohair (first two shearings, <25 μm, 60-120 mm length, finest, so…
- Mohair Fibre Structure and Properties Mohair structure: α-keratin composition similar to wool but smooth elliptical scales (half the heigh…
- Mohair Dyeing and Processing Dyeing: excellent affinity for acid dyes (same as wool), achieving deeper, more brilliant colors due…
- Mohair in Apparel and Fashion Fashion applications: luxury knitwear (kid mohair sweaters, cardigans—light, lustrous, 25-30% mohair…
- Mohair in Home Textiles and Upholstery Home textile applications (40-50% of mohair use): upholstery fabrics (mohair velvets, cut pile—durab…
- Mohair Specialty and Technical Applications Specialty uses: dolls' hair and wigs (mohair's luster, texture, dye affinity ideal for doll manufact…
- Mohair Blends and Combinations Strategic blends: mohair/wool (most common, 20-55% mohair—combines mohair luster/strength with wool …
- Mohair Sustainability and Animal Welfare Sustainability aspects: Angora goats browse (eat variety of vegetation) vs. graze (grass only) reduc…
- Mohair Processing Innovations Processing innovations: enzyme treatments (proteases for controlled surface modification improving s…
- Mohair Market Challenges and Future Market challenges: declining production (peak 25,000 tonnes 1960s vs. 4,500 tonnes current—competiti…