Mohair is a textile fibre obtained from which animal?

Mohair is a textile fibre obtained from the Angora goat. The fibre is the goat’s long, lustrous hair, which is shorn rather than combed from an undercoat. Angora goats originated in the Ankara region of Turkey, and the name “mohair” is connected with historical Arabic and Turkish terms for fine or choice hair.

Mohair is prized for its sheen, strength, elasticity and ability to absorb vivid dyes. It is used in sweaters, scarves, suits, coats, carpets, upholstery and blended yarns. Fibre from young goats is softer and is commonly used in clothing, while coarser adult fibre is useful for rugs and heavier fabrics.

A frequent mix-up is between mohair and angora fibre. Mohair comes from an Angora goat; angora wool traditionally comes from the fur of an Angora rabbit. Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, while alpaca fibre comes from alpacas. Angora goats are usually shorn twice a year, and their fleece can measure roughly 25–45 micrometres in diameter.