Mohair - strong & sheen natural fibres

The hue and cry of sustainability and natural fabrics is why designers and manufacturers are employing biodegradable fibers and processes. There are varieties of animal and plant fibers that provide an array of fabrics. One such fiber is "mohair." The recently autumn/winter 2014-15 collections saw the use of the fiber for creating spectacular pieces for winter wear.

Renowned designer Stella McCartney showcased a luxurious mohair blanket coat with fringes, the Italian high-end label Gucci unveiled the collection featuring a mohair tuxedo, and ZZegna displayed a blurry tartan mohair overcoat in the recently concluded fall/winter collection. The mohair fibers have been used by prominent labels and have restored their place as a luxury and quality raw material for developing fine fabrics and garments.

Known to be one of the oldest forms of fibers used in making fabric, mohair is obtained from the Angora goats and was produced only in Turkey for thousands of years. However, the Angora goats are said to be of Tibetan origin, who later found their way into Turkey. The Mohair of the Turkish fleece was of the most refined quality and was exported everywhere around the globe. During the 19th century, the breed was introduced in South Africa and the United States. The goats are shorn two times in a year and give a yield of three to five kilograms. There are now Angora goat farms in New Zealand too, those yield two to three kilograms per fleece.

Mohair, derived from the Arabic name of the goat "mukhayyar," is the warmest of natural fibers and has a natural shine which is why it makes it into the list of luxurious fibers in textiles. The fiber adapts to all kinds of dyes very well and hence is preferred to make textiles compared to wool and alpaca. The unique feature of this fiber is that it keeps the wearer warm even while the fabric is wet. The fiber is also famous for its anti-pilling, anti-matting, and anti-crushing qualities.

The fabrics and textile products made from Mohair last longer and are extremely durable because of its high tensile strength, which is even higher than Merino wool. Soft to the touch and feel because of its thin surface scales, the fabric is extremely comfortable to wear. The crease-resistant, moisture-wicking, and flame-retarding features of Mohair make it an ideal fabric for making upholsteries and home textiles. The breathability of the fabrics made out of Mohair makes them lightweight, and hence it is used to make beautiful blankets and warm clothes.