What is the Difference Between Angora and Mohair

The main difference between Angora and mohair is that angora wool comes from angora rabbits while mohair comes from angora goats.

Both Angora and mohair are two luxury fabrics or yarn. However, there is some confusion about these words since most people make the mistake of confusing angora wool and angora goats. It’s important to note that angora goats do not produce angora wool. The wool harvested from angora goats is called mohair.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Angora 
     – Definition, Features 
2. What is Mohair
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Angora and Mohair
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Angora and Mohair
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Angora, Mohair, Wool

What is Angora

Angora is a type of soft, fluffy wool that comes from Angora rabbits. Angora fibres have a very thin diameter. There is also a halo-like effect on the fur around each strand, creating a shimmery look. This halo is actually an indication of the wools’ fluffiness. Like cashmere and alpaca, Angora is a soft and luxurious product. It’s also warm, lightweight, and easily felted. Moreover, it is rigid; this is why it is sometimes mixed with stretchy fibres to obtain elasticity. Angora is used for knitting clothes and weaving luxurious fabrics. The wool is obtained from rabbits in captivity.

It’s also important to know the name Angora can also refer to Angora goats. But when we use the name Angora to talk about wool and yarn, it usually refers to the hair of Angora rabbits. These rabbits moult three or four times during a year, and the wool is gathered during these times. Harvesting the wool involves plucking or shearing the rabbits. Furthermore, Angora rabbits have to be groomed at least once a week to avoid matting and felting. The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes four breeds of Angora rabbits: Satin, Giant, English, and French. There are also other types in addition to these breeds. Each of these breeds produces hair with different textures and colours.

What is Mohair

Mohair is the wool or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goats. Like Angora, cashmere, and silk, it is a luxury fibre and is usually very expensive. Mohair has a notable lustre and sheen and is durable and resilient. It is also much softer than other sheep wool. Besides, it is much more elastic than most types of wool and is not very flammable. It is also compatible with most types of dyes. More important, mohair has exceptional insulating properties and is ideal for winter. Due to these numerous attributes, some people call mohair diamond fibre.

You may find this yarn in sweaters, hats, and other fluffy accessories. Sometimes, mohair is mixed with other materials to enhance attributes like durability and elasticity. Mohair is obtained from Angora goats. Most of the world’s mohair production comes from the US and South America.

Similarities Between Angora and Mohair

• Both are luxurious wools.
• They are warm, lightweight, and durable.
• They have a notable lustre and sheen.

Difference Between Angora and Mohair

Definition

Angora is a type of soft, fluffy wool that comes from Angora rabbits while mohair is the wool or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goats.

Wool vs Source

Angora wool comes from Angora rabbits while mohair wool comes from Angora goats.

Felting

Moreover, angora wool felts easily and quickly, while mohair is resistant to felting.

Conclusion

Angora wool comes from Angora rabbits while mohair wool comes from angora goats. Thus, this is the main difference between Angora and mohair.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Fabric Guide: What Is Angora Wool? – 2021.” MasterClass, 8 Nov. 2020, Available here.
2. “Fabric Guide: What Is Mohair? – 2021.” MasterClass, 8 Nov. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Valeria Di Roma Angora Red” By AnnaKika from Gothenburg, Sweden – ull mohair (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Ull mohair” By AnnaKika from Gothenburg, Sweden – ull mohair (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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