In short
- Mohair comes from the Angora goat: lustre, strength, vivid colour.
- Angora comes from a rabbit: extremely fluffy but sheds and is delicate.
- Alpaca comes from the alpaca: warm, lanolin-free, heavier and stretches more.
- Cashmere is the undercoat of cashmere goats: the softest and priciest, but prone to pilling.
- For a light cardigan that keeps its shape and colour, kid mohair with silk is the sweet spot.
The names are confusing: the Angora goat gives mohair, while angora is a rabbit. Alpaca and cashmere are fluffy too, but behave quite differently. Here is a quick comparison.
Comparison table
| Fibre | Source | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohair (kid) | Angora goat | lightness, lustre, strength, colour | needs gentle washing |
| Angora | Angora rabbit | extreme fluff and warmth | sheds a lot, fragile |
| Alpaca | alpaca | warmth, lanolin-free | heavier, stretches |
| Cashmere | cashmere goat | softest to the touch | expensive, pills quickly |
| Merino | merino sheep | warmth, temperature regulation, no itch | less fluffy |
Mohair
The most lustrous animal fibre. Its long, smooth fibre reflects light, so mohair seems to glow. It is springy, holds its shape and takes vivid dye. The softest grade is kid mohair.
Angora
Rabbit fibre is very fine and warm, with a signature fuzzy halo. But angora sheds noticeably, mats easily and needs extremely careful handling. Animal welfare in production is also worth checking.
Alpaca
Alpaca fibres are partly hollow, so it is very warm. It contains no lanolin, which can suit people sensitive to wool. The trade-offs are weight and a tendency to stretch.
Cashmere
The benchmark for softness, but its short fine fibres pill easily, and good cashmere is expensive.
Shop the edit
“Rosie” Baby Mohair & Merino Cardigan, Fuchsia · $212.50
Kid Mohair & Silk Cardigan, Sky Blue · $175
Fluffy Baby Mohair & Merino Cardigan, Graphite · $212.50Which to choose for a cardigan
- Light and airy, for every day: kid mohair with silk.
- A warm oversized winter knit: mohair with merino.
- Maximum softness for lounging: cashmere or alpaca.
At AuraHome we chose mohair: for hand knitting it balances lightness, colour and durability best.
FAQ
Are angora and mohair the same?
No. Mohair comes from the Angora goat; angora comes from the Angora rabbit.
Which is warmer, mohair or alpaca?
Both are very warm. Alpaca is denser and heavier; mohair gives warmth at a lower weight thanks to its airy halo.
Which is least itchy?
Cashmere, extra-fine merino and kid mohair with silk are the softest options for sensitive skin.
