Mohair comes from angora goats. Angora comes from angora rabbits.
- The angora goat is an ancient breed that originated near present day Ankara (formerly angora) Turkey. Bible references date the animal to 4000 BCE. The Arabic word mukhayyar (mohair) means select or choice, and specifically, the cloth of goat hair – indeed, this is the Sultan’s closely guarded secret! Angora goats were not allowed to be exported from Turkey until the mid nineteenth century. Today the largest herds of these animals are in South Africa, New Zealand and Texas.
- The fleece of the angora grows nearly an inch a month. Adult mohair is used for outerwear, upholstery and rugs. Kid mohair is best for fine garments.
- We have found that unlike sheep’s wool, mohair does not attract clothes moths as long as the garment is clean.