|
Mohair
Fibre ...
Mohair is a wool-like textile fibre produced as a "simple"
fleece on Angora Goats. The Angora breed originated
in what is now Turkey. It was exported (with some difficulty)
to many countries from the 1840's and this resulted
in substantial mohair producing industries developing
in South Africa and Texas (USA). Australia and Argentina
also established industries but they failed to prosper
in those times.
Mohair is a protein fibre like wool. It has a smooth
cuticular scale pattern on the surface imparting lustre
and low felting capacity. It grows rapidly at about
2cm per month and is shorn every six months. The fibre
ranges from about 23 microns in mean diameter at the
first shearing, to as much as 38 microns in older animals.
This large increase in fibre diameter as the animals
age results in a large range of uses for the fibre.
"Kid" mohair is used in knitwear, intermediate
diameter mohair (often referred to as "Young Goat")
is used in suiting materials while the stronger "Adult"
or "Fine Hair" types are used in coating and
rug manufacture.
Steeped in history, forever in tune with
a changing world, the mohair fibre exemplifies the everlasting
appeal of beauty and quality. Mohair, the lustrous,
long and strong hair of the Angora goat, enhances modern
fabrics of today as it did the robes of biblical wise
man.
What started out as fashionable trends have become lifestyle
choices. Health awareness, natural foods and natural
fibres are some of the basic new ideals set forth in
the past two decades. The distinctive properties of
mohair have made it a highly desired fibre through the
centuries for both clothing and home furnishings. Its
soft luxurious hand and rich lustre combine with great
durability for a long lasting product.
With its high affinity for dyes, mohair produces colours
that have an unmatched clarity and halo-like glow. Fabrics
containing lively, smooth mohair don't have a tendency
to be easily crushed or matted.
Mohair is an all-season fashion fibre, in wonderfully
warm knits and woven for cold weather, and in airy,
lightweight structures that breathe with the body for
warm days. Used alone or in blends, mohair imparts its
unique signature to an infinite variety of fabric textures,
from lofty fleeces, rich tweeds and frothy knits, to
crisp men's suiting fabrics. As a fake fur fabric, mohair
creates and environmentally friendly alternative to
real fur. Mohair is a naturally soft fibre which is
enhanced by current expertise and modern processing
techniques.
As a decorating fabric, mohair is valued for its flame-resistance,
and high sound absorbency. It is ideal for public places
such as symphony halls, theatres, hotel lobbies, offices
as well as for homes. In addition, mohair drapes are
effective insulators, keeping heat in during cold weather
and serving as a barrier against outside hot temperatures
in summer.
Mohair can be used in many items; accessories of hats,
scarves, lounging boots and slippers; throws and blankets;
carpeting and rugs; wigs; paint rollers and ink transfer
pads; and children's toys. Through the ages the appeal
of mohair has continued, adapting to the times with
new and exciting fabric and style interpretations.

Please contact us for more information
|