What Is Mohair Wool Fabric: Properties, How It’s Made, and Where It Comes From

Mohair wool is one of the most luxurious and sought-after natural fibers in the textile industry. Known for its distinctive sheen, incredible softness, and durability, mohair is often called the “diamond fiber.” It comes from the Angora goat: a breed prized for producing long, silky fibers that have been used in luxury wool fabrics for centuries. Globally, the annual production of virgin mohair fiber is estimated at around 4,570 tons as of 2023.

From high-end suits to designer sweaters and elegant scarves, mohair is a favorite choice for fashion designers and apparel startups that value both quality and sophistication. As a premium apparel manufacturer, Seam Apparel specializes in working with luxury fibers like mohair to create custom mohair garments and private label collections that meet international standards of quality and design excellence.

In this guide, we’ll explore the unique properties of mohair wool, how it’s made, where it’s produced, and why it remains a premium choice for designers and brands worldwide.

Properties of Mohair Fabric

Understanding Mohair Fabric Characteristics

Mohair’s appeal lies in its remarkable combination of softness, strength, and luster. Unlike regular wool, mohair has a natural sheen that reflects light beautifully, giving garments a luxurious appearance. Below are the key mohair properties that make it a standout luxury wool in the fashion world:

• Soft and Smooth Texture: Mohair is a soft wool fabric that feels silky against the skin. Kid mohair (from young Angora goats) is especially fine and smooth, making it ideal for high-end knitwear and accessories.
• Natural Luster: Its unique sheen gives mohair fabrics a radiant finish, often compared to silk. This lustrous wool quality enhances color vibrancy, making mohair garments visually appealing.
• Durability: Mohair fibers are exceptionally strong and elastic. They resist stretching and wrinkling, maintaining their shape even after long-term wear.
• Warm and Insulating: As a warm wool, mohair traps heat efficiently while remaining lightweight. It is perfect for winter coats and sweaters.
• Breathable and Moisture-Wicking: Despite its warmth, mohair allows air circulation, keeping the wearer comfortable.
• Hypoallergenic: Unlike many wools, mohair contains minimal lanolin, making it a hypoallergenic wool suitable for sensitive skin.

Applications for Luxury Apparel

Mohair’s versatility extends beyond traditional knitwear. It’s used in a variety of premium fabrics and garments, such as:

• Tailored suits and blazers
• Fine-knit cardigans and sweaters
• Scarves, shawls, and wraps
• Upholstery and drapery in interior design

Seam Apparel, a private label manufacturer, frequently collaborates with designers to create custom mohair garments that highlight these unique fabric characteristics while maintaining durability and comfort.

How Mohair Wool Is Made

From Angora Goat to Finished Fabric

The mohair production process requires expertise and care to preserve the fiber’s quality and natural sheen.
Here’s how mohair is typically made:

1. Shearing: Angora goats are shared twice a year, in spring and autumn, producing long, lustrous fibers. Kid mohair (from goats under one year) is finer and softer, while adult mohair is slightly coarser but more durable.
2. Sorting and Cleaning: After shearing, fibers are sorted by length and fineness. They’re then washed to remove impurities such as dirt and oils.
3. Carding and Combing: These steps align the fibers, ensuring smoothness and consistency.
4. Spinning: The processed fibers are spun into mohair yarn, known for its strength and flexibility.
5. Weaving or Knitting: Depending on the end use, the yarn is either woven into smooth fabrics or knitted into textured materials suitable for outerwear or accessories.

Ethical and Sustainable Production

Modern manufacturers emphasize ethical mohair sourcing. Countries like South Africa have introduced Responsible Mohair Standards (RMS) to ensure that goats are treated humanely and that the environment is protected.

Seam Apparel aligns with these values by collaborating only with suppliers who follow responsible wool and ethical sourcing practices, ensuring every mohair garment meets sustainability standards without compromising on quality.

Where Mohair Wool Is Produced

Global Mohair Production Regions

The production of mohair wool is concentrated in a few key regions where the climate and terrain are ideal for raising Angora goats. These goats thrive in dry, temperate areas with open grazing land, which helps maintain the quality and length of their silky fibers. While mohair is produced in several countries, a few regions dominate global supply and set the standards for quality and sustainability.

• South Africa

South Africa is the world’s largest producer of mohair, accounting for over 50% of global mohair output. The country’s Eastern Cape region is especially famous for its fine and silky South African mohair, known for consistent fiber length, softness, and sheen. The industry here is also a leader in ethical mohair sourcing, with many farms certified under the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS). South African mohair is often used in luxury wool fabrics and premium apparel worldwide.

• Türkiye

Türkiye holds a rich history in mohair production, dating back to the early origins of the Angora goat. Turkish mohair tends to be slightly coarser but exceptionally durable, making it perfect for upholstery, outerwear, and heavy-duty fabrics. The country’s traditional techniques continue to influence modern mohair weaving and mohair yarn processing across Europe.

• United States (Texas)

The US mohair industry, centered in Texas, produces some of the most consistent and ethically sourced mohair in the world. Texan ranchers are known for combining sustainable farming methods with advanced fiber-grading systems, ensuring top-tier quality. American mohair is favored by designers and manufacturers for its reliability, ethical traceability, and ability to blend seamlessly with other premium fabrics.

• China

China has become a growing contributor to global mohair supply, investing in modern processing technology and fiber development. While the volume is smaller compared to South Africa or the US, Chinese producers play an important role in supporting the global mohair market and meeting the rising demand for luxury wool fabrics.

Each region brings distinct strengths to the mohair industry, from South Africa’s silky luster to Texas’s ethical practices and Türkiye’s heritage craftsmanship. However, South African and US mohair remain the most sought-after by mohair clothing manufacturers and luxury brands, thanks to their superior quality, sustainability, and global certification standards.

Why Mohair Is a Premium Choice

Mohair vs. Other Luxury Fibers

Mohair competes with other luxury apparel fibers such as cashmere and merino wool, but it stands out for its combination of elegance, strength, and longevity.
Below is a brief comparison:

Unlike cashmere, mohair holds its shape over time and resists pilling. Its lustrous wool appearance and soft touch make it ideal for durable luxury wool garments that look refined and last longer.

Designer Preference

Many high-end designers and brands prefer premium mohair fabric for its unique drape, sheen, and ability to retain color. Its versatility allows it to be used in both winter and transitional collections, from elegant overcoats to lightweight knits.

Seam Apparel Expertise in Mohair & Luxury Fabrics

At Seam Apparel, we understand that working with mohair requires precision, skill, and respect for the fiber’s natural beauty. As a trusted mohair clothing manufacturer, we provide end-to-end solutions, from fabric sourcing to custom mohair garment production. Thus, ensuring every piece meets global quality standards.

Our Services Include:

• Private Label Mohair Production: Seam Apparel partners with brands to develop exclusive private label mohair collections tailored to their brand identity.
• Custom Design Manufacturing: Whether it’s luxury outerwear or premium knitwear, we produce custom mohair garments to your specifications.
• Sustainable Manufacturing: We prioritize ethical sourcing, sustainable processing, and eco-conscious production methods.

Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, Seam Apparel helps you turn your vision into reality with craftsmanship and consistency.

Modern Applications of Mohair in Fashion and Design

How Today’s Designers Use Mohair

Once reserved for traditional tailoring and classic outerwear, mohair fabric has evolved into a modern designer favorite, prized for its versatility and luxury feel. Today’s fashion and interior industries use mohair in a wide range of premium fabric applications, blending tradition with contemporary style.

• High-Fashion Apparel

Luxury fashion houses and independent designers use mohair wool to create sleek coats, oversized sweaters, and tailored blazers. Its natural sheen elevates minimalist designs, making even simple silhouettes appear sophisticated.

• Knitwear and Accessories

Kid mohair yarn is popular for soft, lightweight knitwear that provides both warmth and breathability. Designers often combine it with silk or nylon to enhance texture and resilience.

• Home Textiles and Interiors

Beyond clothing, mohair is used in upholstery and drapery fabrics, giving furniture and interiors a timeless, lustrous look. Its durability and resistance to crushing make it ideal for high-end furniture coverings.

• Blended Luxury Fabrics

Many premium apparel manufacturers now blend mohair with cashmere, merino, or synthetic fibers to achieve specific finishes, such as stretch, extra shine, or softness, depending on the garment type.

Why It Appeals to Modern Brands

For fashion designers and apparel startups, mohair offers the perfect balance of sustainability, durability, and visual elegance. Its ability to hold dye exceptionally well means it produces vivid colors that stay rich over time, a crucial factor in luxury retail presentation.

At Seam Apparel, we’ve seen rising interest from brands looking to include custom mohair garments in their collections, from sustainable outerwear lines to luxury knitwear. The fiber’s natural performance, aesthetic appeal, and eco-friendly reputation make it a smart and stylish investment for modern fashion businesses.

Look for more eco-friendly materials for clothing in our blog.

FAQs

1. Is Mohair sustainable?
   Yes. Many manufacturers follow ethical mohair sourcing standards such as the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS). Mohair is also biodegradable and renewable, making it a more sustainable choice compared to synthetic fibers.
2. Is mohair itchy?
   No. High-quality kid mohair is exceptionally soft and smooth, suitable even for sensitive skin. Adult mohair may have a slightly firmer texture but remains comfortable in most garments.
3. How does mohair compare to cashmere?
   While both are luxurious, mohair has a higher sheen and better durability. Cashmere feels softer but is more delicate, whereas mohair maintains its shape longer and adds a unique luster to clothing.
4. What are common mohair apparel uses?
   Mohair is widely used in coats, suits, sweaters, scarves, and upholstery fabrics. Its warmth, shine, and strength make it a top choice for luxury wool fabrics.
5. Is mohair breathable?
   Yes. Mohair’s natural structure allows for excellent air circulation, keeping the wearer warm in winter and cool in milder weather.

Get Custom Mohair Garments with Seam Apparel

If you’re a designer, fashion brand, or startup looking to develop custom mohair garments or explore private label production, Seam Apparel can help. Our team of experts ensures premium craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and exceptional quality in every piece.

Contact Seam Apparel today to discuss your next premium mohair manufacturing project and bring your luxury vision to life.