How To Care For Mohair
Is mohair good for summer?
You can certainly wear your mohair in the summer as it’s naturally moisture-wicking and much more lightweight than other wools. It’s also going to withstand being out and about, as it’s actually stronger than steel, pound for pound. Bear in mind, though, that mohair is also a warm fabric so save it for those cooler summer days.
Product: Launching for AW23
Where does mohair come from?
Mohair comes from Angora goats, and it’s been used in clothing for millenia. Where do Angora goats come from? Ankara, Turkey. Except they don’t. They’re originally from the mountains of Tibet but they made their way to Turkey sometime in the 1500s, which is pretty mind-blowing considering it’s about three-and-a-half-thousand miles from Tibet to Turkey as the crow flies — considerably more as the goat walks. In fact, Google reckons it’s a 2,923-hour walk via China, Myanmar, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Apparently they were trekked there by Suleyman Shah — grandfather of the guy who founded the Ottoman Empire — when he was fleeing Genghis Khan in the 13th Century. Regardless, they were discovered in Ankara by a Dutchman in the 1500s, he called them Angora goats — a bastardisation of Ankara — and, to cut this long story short, now the whole world has mohair.
How is mohair fabric made?
Angora goats are sheared twice a year — in the spring and the autumn — except for in Turkey where they’re only shorn once per year in order to produce longer fibres. Then the mohair is cleaned to get rid of any dirt and natural grease. Spin that shiny clean wool into a yarn and you’re in business.
Product: Launching for AW23
How to wash mohair?
1. Fill a basin with tepid water – NOT hot water
2. Gently wash your mohair in the tepid water. NEVER wash it in a machine.
3. Lay your mohair on a flat surface to dry naturally. Avoid hanging it up to avoid stretching. DO NOT dry in a tumble dryer. Some sources will tell you you can gently tumble dry your mohair in a pillowcase but, honestly, it’s just not worth it.
4. Fold your mohair and keep it on a shelf as opposed to on a hanger.
Product: Launching for AW23
How to wash mohair jumper?
Can you wash mohair in the washing machine?
You can if you’re very careful, but don’t. It’s not worth it. Mohair is luxurious and deserves your care and attention. It may be stronger than steel but you wouldn’t put steel in your washing machine either, would you?
Can you hand wash mohair?
Yes, you can, and we encourage you to do so. Hand washing will prolong your mohair’s life and keep it looking fresh and shiny. Just don’t stretch or pull it — squeeze it gently, don’t wring it, lest your mohair become misshapen.
Is mohair itchy?
Nope. Mohair fibres are as soft as silk. Mohair isn’t like normal sheep’s wool — it’s far smoother and softer and more luxurious. Itching is not going to be a problem so you can forget all about it.
Product: Launching for AW23
How to stop mohair from shedding?
Mohair is going to shed a little bit. It’s a natural fibre, and that’s just how it goes. You can find plenty of weird and wonderful advice online to stop your mohair from shedding but, honestly, most of these tips just hasten the shedding process at home so that it doesn’t shed when you’re out and about. They also often involve sleeping in a mohair sweater (don’t do that), spraying your mohair with hairspray (don’t do that), or putting your mohair in the freezer (don’t do that). A lint roller will remove any excess shedding before you leave the house. You’re better off accepting that your mohair is going to shed a little on the first wear or two — just run the hoover over your floor at the end of the day and you’ll be fine.