Mohair
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mohair usually refers to a silk-like fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat. Like sheep's wool, mohair is shorn from the goat without harming the animal.
Mohair is one of the oldest textile fibers in use. It is both durable and resilient. It is notable for its high luster and sheen, and is often used in fiber blends to add these qualities to a textile. Mohair also takes dye exceptionally well. Mohair fiber is found in carpets, wall fabrics, craft yarns, and many other fabrics, and may be used as a substitute for fur.
Mohair increases its diameter with the age of the goat, growing along with the animal. This means hair from younger animals is used for finer applications such as clothing, and the thicker hair from older animals is more often used for carpets and heavy fabrics intended for outerwear.
The word was adopted into English before 1570 from the Arabic mukhayyar, a type of haircloth, literally 'choice', from khayyara, 'he chose'.
Mohair should not be confused with the fur from the angora rabbit, which is called angora.
During World War II, U.S. soldiers wore uniforms made of wool. Worried that domestic producers could not supply enough for future wars, Congress enacted loan and price support programs for wool and mohair in 1954. Despite these programs, wool and mohair production declined. Nevertheless, the U.S. government continued to provide subsidies to mohair producers until 1994. As of 2002, mohair producers were still able to receive special assistance loans from the U.S. Government.
The term mohair is sometimes used to describe a type of material used for the folding roof on convertible cars. In this instance, mohair refers to a form of denim-like canvas.
In Poland, mohair berets, which are particularly popular with elderly women, have become a symbol of bigotry and are usually associated with the ultra-Catholic Radio Maryja.
Mohair is also used in 'climbing skins' for randonnee skiing. The mohair is used in a carpet allowing the skier an appropriate ascension method without sliding downhill.
