It is one of the most expensive cloth fabrics just like cashmere wool. The experience of using mohair is more standardized than ordinary wool fabric. It is generally used in making carpets and warm clothes for winters like coats, cardigans, shawls, etc. The thicker hairs of the angora goat are used to make selective handloom items while softer hairs of younger goats are used in making winter apparel.
Is Mohair Ethical?
Usage of mohair which is extracted from Angora Goat’s sheer is not at all ethical. It involves injuring and killing goats which are against the laws. Major extraction of Mohair is from South Africa which is highly responsible for animal cruelty. The workers focus on major extraction of wool in kilograms without concerning the goats if they are wounded or not. Most tortures are made to six months old goats whose sheering leaves them in suffering for many days. The bath of goats in a caustic solution leaves them in immense pain of skin irritation which is done for removing impurities from animals’ surfaces. They are threatened from life without their outer protective layer of fur which makes them exposed to cold.
The life expectancy of Angora Goat is found about 10 years but sheering and its effect made them live for hardly 4-5 years. They are used for mohair manufacturing until they have the potential and afterward, they are sent to the slaughterhouse when they are not productive.
Drawbacks of Mohair
Mohair has an abundance of benefits but it includes some disadvantages too. The original form of fabric is available at a high price while the blended form is availed at comparatively limited prices though it doesn’t serve the same traits. Another disappointment from Mohair fabric is the itchiness that attacks the animal-sensitive skin people. It also hits a person with certain allergies like redness in the eyes, continuous sneezes, watering eyes, and many other relatable issues. To resist the itchiness from fabric, it is suggested to rinse mohair apparel from a mixture of cold water and vinegar.
Although Mohair is a luxurious fabric, it provides a high level of comfort and its side-effects vary from person to person. The allergy from mohair is not struck to each user.
Subsidies for Mohair production in the US
There was an immense need for wool during World War II as fighting soldiers required more warm clothes for their protection in cold climates. To this Congress fulfilled the deviations between demand and supply of wool by raising loans from the National Wool Act of 1954. The subsidies were provided by the US but soldiers started using synthetic fiber clothes. The subsidiary from the US continued to favor even after the war. An amendment was passed to resist the subsidy of wool after 2002.
Animal Cruelty
The act of goat rearing is an act of cruelty that is resisted by today’s leading woolen-selling brands like Gap, Topshop, Zara, H&M, Lacoste, and many others. All these brands have suppressed mohair clothing to stop violence against animals.
Mohair is defined as the finest fabric that is used to make specified items of handlooms and winter clothes/ accessories. The fabric has optimal uses but its extraction has cruel actions upon animals. The torture made to Angora Goat for mohair extraction was against laws and several renowned brands resisted mohair clothing intending less harm to animals. The fabric was enormously needed by soldiers at the time of World War II due to which Congress asked for subsidies from the US.
Despite its several uses and fineness, the fabric seems to be allergen-free for the skin of some sensitive people. Also, its cost makes it hard to purchase. It is important to mark the fabric made from the original Mohair as the marketing of false fabric with the claim of originality gives rise to misguides and fraudulent sales.
Where are the majority of Angora Goats found for Mohair Extraction?
Ans. In hilly areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Angora Goats are found for Mohair Extraction.
How can one judge the original Mohair?
Ans. The finest quality of mohair comes in white color which doesn’t have any stains or dullness.
What is mohair yarn finest for?
Ans. Due to its flexibility, durability, and vague texture, the fabric is most suitable for subtle lacework for the luxurious look of the stuff.
How can mohair be extracted ethically?
Ans. Adequate health care of Angora Goats and special treatment after shearing can reduce animal cruelty. Other ethical laws should also be regulated while obtaining mohair from sheep’s hair.
