Which textile is made from the hair of the Angora goat?

Mohair is the textile made from the hair of the Angora goat.

Mohair is a natural animal fibre prized for its lustre, resilience and ability to take dye vividly. Although it is often discussed alongside wool, it is technically hair rather than conventional sheep’s wool. The fibre is composed largely of keratin, the same structural protein found in mammalian hair, wool, horns and skin.

The Angora goat is different from the Angora rabbit, a frequent source of confusion. Hair from the goat produces mohair; fibre from the rabbit is generally called angora. Mohair is also distinct from cashmere, which comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, and alpaca, which comes from alpacas.

Young goats produce finer and softer fibres, often used in scarves, shawls and clothing. Older goats produce thicker fibres suited to carpets, upholstery and heavier outerwear. Mohair fibres are typically about 25–45 micrometres in diameter, and their relatively smooth surface helps create the material’s characteristic sheen and elasticity.