The Best Mohair Sweaters For Men

Mohair is making a comeback. Made exclusively from the hair of the Angora goat, mohair has a silk-like texture that is most recognizable due to its fluffy composition and shiny appearance. On the runways the material never went away, with everyone from Versace to Calvin Klein regularly using mohair in their shows. However it has only been recently that the fabric has become commonplace on the rails of men’s stores across the globe. To help you understand this luxurious fabric a little bit better, we’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about mohair sweaters and which brands you should be buying it from.

What Is Mohair?

As mentioned earlier, unlike traditional wools and cashmeres which can come from various breeds of sheep or goat, mohair comes exclusively from the Angora goat. Originating in Turkey, the Angora goat is mostly recognizable for its sheep-like coat. Full, white and fluffy, the Angora goat’s hair is more substantial than its European or Asian counterparts who often have a straight fleece with a smooth texture. The Angora goat’s hair grows in ringlets and has a slightly rougher handle than many other breeds.

How is mohair made?

Angora goats are sheared twice a year meaning there is only a finite amount of mohair available. Once removed, the hair is then processed to remove any grease or dirt from the fleece and to give it a slightly straighter appearance. The yarns are then knitted in a traditional manner, similar to how manufacturers will process wools and cashmeres.

How To Wear a Mohair Sweater

When it comes to wearing mohair sweaters it is worth bearing in mind that the material behaves in a very similar way to cashmere. Not only will it keep you warm in winter, giving you some much needed insulation due to its density and hair-like texture, it also has great moisture wicking properties, making it ideal for summer. So while a mohair jumper may look thick and unwieldly, and almost definitely suited to winter, you shouldn’t shy away from it when the sun comes out. In terms of how to style a mohair jumper, you can wear it in the same way you would a normal sweater or cardigan. Just keep in mind that due to the material’s make-up mohair items can often appear boxy due to its unrefined edges, making it slightly more difficult for those of us carrying a few extra pounds. One of mohair’s best characteristics is the fact that even when dyed in very dark colors such as black or charcoal it is still capable of having an almost iridescent color palette. As you can see in the image above from Versace’s Fall 2016 show, the mohair jumper, even though it has been dyed baby blue, still carries an irregular coloring, with the material’s high-sheen giving the sweater flashes of white throughout. This variance in color means mohair jumpers pair very well with white clothing, whether that be a t-shirt, trousers or sneakers.