Angora is one of the finest, lightest natural fibers used in textiles — and one of the most mixed up with its soundalike cousin, mohair. Here's the real story.
Where does angora fiber come from?
Angora comes from the coat of Angora rabbits — not to be confused with mohair, which comes from Angora goats. It's often compared to cashmere for softness, but with an even fluffier halo effect.
Why is angora so warm for how light it is?
Because the fiber is hollow at its core, angora traps an exceptional amount of warm air relative to its weight, making it remarkably insulating without feeling heavy. It's typically blended with wool or other fibers for added strength, since on its own it can be delicate.
We don't currently carry angora pieces, but we wanted this guide to exist because it comes up constantly when people ask us about natural fibers in general. See how it compares to the fibers we do carry — linen, organic cotton, hemp, cashmere, and alpaca — in the Natural Fibers 101 guide, and if you want the washing and storage specifics for a piece you already own, the interactive fiber care guide covers it too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is angora the same as mohair?
No — angora comes from Angora rabbits, while mohair comes from Angora goats. Different animals, different fiber.
Why is angora usually blended with other fibers?
Pure angora fiber is quite delicate and prone to shedding on its own, so it's typically blended with wool or another sturdier fiber for added strength and structure.
Is angora warmer than wool?
Yes, often — angora's hollow fiber structure traps more warm air relative to its weight than typical sheep's wool.
