All about mohair wool: properties and uses

Summary

• What exactly is mohair wool
• Mohair's thermal properties and benefits
• Care and durability of mohair garments
• Frequently asked questions

Want to know more about mohair wool and its many uses? This article explores this exceptional natural fiber. It explains why its delicate structure gives it a unique silky appearance and lightness, and how it transforms every mohair garment or accessory into a refined luxury piece.

What exactly is mohair wool

Mohair comes from the fine hair of the Angora goat, one of the oldest known mohair fibers. Appreciated since antiquity, this natural fiber combines lightness, excellent thermal properties, and a silky sheen, qualities rarely found together in classic sheep's wool.

Origin and provenance of the Angora goat

Originally from the high plateaus of Tibet, breeding then developed in Ankara, where mohair wool became a symbol of luxury in the Middle Ages. Seduced by its silky appearance, artisans of the time already celebrated a material that was warm, fine, and resistant, capable of transforming every yarn into a true work of textile art.

Today, South Africa accounts for approximately 60% of world production, followed by the United States, Iran, Turkey, and China.

Unique physical characteristics of mohair

Directly from the shearing of Angora goats, the fiber is hollow and traps air, thus forming a natural insulator with exceptional thermal performance. This unique structure makes the material light, silky, and particularly warm, making it ideal for making warm clothes without heaviness.

• Natural shine: its intrinsic luster instantly offers a look of luxury, without any added chemicals.
• Remarkable lightness: about twice as light as sheep's wool, it guarantees lasting comfort.
• Softness comparable to cashmere: fine mohair fibers provide a delicate and pleasant sensation on the skin.

Mohair fibers hold their shape, resist pilling, and, when blended with a synthetic yarn like nylon, gain robustness while retaining their silky feel. Thus, each yarn preserves its thermal properties and is part of a fashion that is both responsible and elegant.

Difference between mohair and classic wool

Unlike traditional wool, mohair offers superior resistance, a lasting natural sheen, and a silky appearance that does not tarnish. Where some wools tend to pill, mohair fibers remain fine, stable, and retain their luxurious appearance, even after many washes.

While sheep's wool offers classic warmth, mohair combines efficient insulation and reduced weight, allowing for the creation of warm, light, and breathable garments. This blend of performance and aesthetics makes it the material of choice for high-end creations and highly sought-after mohair accessories in contemporary fashion.

Mohair's thermal properties and benefits

Mohair, this natural fiber obtained from the Angora goat, is particularly appreciated for its exceptional thermal properties. Its unique structure traps air, naturally regulates temperature, and remains incredibly light, thus offering optimal comfort whatever the season.

Exceptional thermal insulation and breathability

Its hollow fibers form tiny air pockets that capture body heat while allowing constant air circulation. Thanks to this natural regulation, the softness of mohair prevents overheating and provides a feeling of freshness even in mild weather.

• Natural thermoregulation: The fiber automatically adjusts to temperature changes for stable comfort.
• Lightness without thermal sacrifice: Benefit from intense warmth without the weight associated with other materials.
• Maintained breathability: Moisture is efficiently wicked away, eliminating any feeling of stuffiness.
• Extended comfort: Thermal performance remains intact even after many washes.

These qualities make mohair an ideal material for making sweaters, shawls, and other mohair creations intended for regular use. Unlike synthetic materials, it does not generate static electricity, which ensures comfortable wear throughout the day.

Mohair or cashmere: which fiber to choose

Cashmere, derived from the cashmere goat, is renowned for its extremely soft feel but can be less durable. For the same thickness, mohair and cashmere offer comparable insulation, although mohair exhibits slightly superior thermal properties.

In addition, its resistance to pilling and its generally more affordable price make it a high-quality option for those looking for a reliable yarn. For an excellent performance-to-price ratio, mohair thus surpasses most high-end alternatives.

Property	Mohair	Cashmere
Lightness	Very light	Light
Softness	Very soft	Extremely soft
Shine	Exceptional	Subtle
Durability	Superior	Moderate
Pilling resistance	Excellent	Low to moderate
Thermal insulation	Excellent	Very good
Price	Accessible	Premium

Resistance and durability over time

Compared to traditional wool, mohair proves to be more robust, thus significantly extending the lifespan of your knitwear. The fibers retain their original shape and shine despite repeated washes, avoiding any premature deformation.

Blended with a little nylon or wool, the yarn gains additional strength while maintaining its remarkable lightness. You thus obtain resistant and durable garments, designed to withstand daily wear.

Hypoallergenic and antibacterial benefits

Naturally hypoallergenic, this natural fiber reduces the risk of irritation and is perfectly suited for sensitive skin. Its protein nature also gives it natural antibacterial properties that limit odor formation, thus allowing for less frequent washing.

Thanks to this unique combination of softness, lightness, and lasting freshness, mohair is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a healthy, comfortable, and truly durable garment.

• Natural hypoallergenicity: No chemical additives are needed for this valuable asset.
• Intrinsic antibacterial: The fiber naturally prevents the proliferation of bacteria and preserves the freshness of the garment.
• Soothed skin: The softness of mohair prevents redness, even during a long day of wearing.

In summary, opting for mohair means investing in a high-quality mohair creation, combining incomparable performance with lasting comfort.

Care and durability of mohair garments

Preserving all the beauty of your mohair garment relies on simple, regular, and adapted care, to be practiced over time. Follow our mohair care tips to maintain its softness, silky feel, and light sheen over the years and wears.

Recommended washing methods for mohair

Hand washing in cold water, or machine washing on the "wool" or "delicate" program, helps preserve the integrity of the precious fibers and their natural thermoregulatory properties. Opt for a mild, enzyme-free detergent that cleans gently and prevents felting.

• Cold temperature: Always use cold water to protect the intrinsic qualities of the fiber.
• Wool/delicate cycle: Choose this machine program, disabling spinning.
• Specialized mild detergent: Enzyme-free formulations respect the delicate structure of mohair.

Protect the fibers by avoiding any mechanical spinning, which is often too aggressive for this naturally light and silky yarn. Gentle pressing in a thick towel absorbs excess water, prepares for drying, and contributes to the longevity of your garment.

Drying and ironing without damaging the fiber

For drying, always lay your piece flat on an absorbent towel, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the shape and shine of your mohair coat. This method prevents deformation and maintains the structure of the yarn while preserving its silky appearance.

If ironing is necessary, set your iron to a maximum temperature of 110°C to protect the delicate yarn and its natural luster. A light steam jet effectively smooths the fabric without risking marking or damaging the fibers, even on the most fragile parts.

For our high-end mohair creations, professional dry cleaning remains the safest and most respectful option. Entrusting your coat to a certified expert guarantees optimal preservation of the fiber, color, and original cut.

Our Patena Paris mohair and wool coat

Our women's mohair coat combines 20.9% mohair, 61.9% wool, and 17.2% nylon, for exceptional hold and robustness. Its oversized cut, embellished with a tailored collar and a double row of buttons, gives a chic, light, and timeless silhouette, ideal for autumn and winter.

Preservation and storage for maximum longevity

Store your garment on a suitable hanger or fold it carefully in a breathable cotton storage bag to preserve its shape. A dry place, away from light and at a stable temperature, prevents yellowing, limits humidity, and maintains the characteristic light sheen of mohair.

By avoiding prolonged exposure to light and humidity, your mohair creations will retain their soft, light, and silky properties over time. Regular inspection allows for the detection of any early wear and prompt intervention before it becomes irreversible.

When you purchase your high-end mohair coat from us, you will always receive a protective cover and a suitable hanger from our brand as a gift. All accompanied by a care brush for simple and effective cleaning of the outside of your coat.

Frequently asked questions

Which animal produces mohair wool and what are its origins?

Mohair wool comes exclusively from the Angora goat, a breed originating from Tibet that became known in Ankara during the Middle Ages. This natural fiber, of great lightness, is harvested twice a year according to rigorous ethical standards. Nearly 60% of world production comes from South Africa.

What is the difference between cashmere and mohair and which one to choose?

Cashmere is appreciated for its extremely soft touch, while mohair is recognized for its shine, lightness, and remarkable resistance. Less prone to pilling, mohair also offers better insulating power for the same weight, thanks to the unique properties of the natural fiber of the Angora goat. This mohair wool coat perfectly illustrates refined fashion, and the associated document details the compared properties of these two exceptional yarns.