mohair
C1Formal/Technical (in fashion, textiles); Informal (in general descriptions of clothing).
Definition
Meaning
A luxurious, soft fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat.
Any garment, textile, or material made from this fiber, often noted for its silky texture and lustrous sheen; sometimes used to describe synthetic imitations.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the material itself rather than a finished garment. Often associated with luxury, warmth, and a characteristic fuzzy or fluffy texture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Associated with quality, warmth, and sometimes vintage or retro fashion in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within relevant contexts (fashion, textiles, crafting).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
made of mohairwoven from mohaira blend of wool and mohair100% mohairVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with 'mohair'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in textile manufacturing, fashion retail, and craft supply industries to specify material content and quality.
Academic
Appears in textile history, material science, and fashion design studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing clothing, knitting, or fabric choices, e.g., 'I love this mohair jumper.'
Technical
Precise term in fiber classification, textile engineering, and garment labeling.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She chose a lovely mohair blend for her new cardigan.
- The vintage suit had a distinct mohair finish.
American English
- He bought a mohair sweater for the ski trip.
- The upholstery was a stylish mohair fabric.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This scarf is very soft. It is mohair.
- I'm looking for a warm mohair jumper for the winter.
- The designer's latest collection features several pieces made from ethically sourced mohair.
- Despite its premium cost, mohair's durability and distinctive sheen make it a perennial favourite in haute couture.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MOHAIR as the 'MO'st HAIR-like luxurious fabric from a goat.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS SOFTNESS / QUALITY IS NATURAL FIBER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'мохер' (the direct loanword) – it is the same. Be aware that Russian 'ангора' (angora) can refer to rabbit or goat hair, causing potential ambiguity.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'mo-hair' or 'mowhair'. Confusing mohair (from goats) with angora (which can be from rabbits). Using it as a verb (it is only a noun).
Practice
Quiz
Mohair is a type of fiber obtained from:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Mohair comes from the Angora goat. 'Angora' alone typically refers to fiber from the Angora rabbit (angora wool).
High-quality, finely spun mohair is very soft. Lower quality or thicker yarns can sometimes be prickly, depending on the individual's sensitivity.
It is generally recommended to hand wash mohair garments in cool water with a mild detergent and lay them flat to dry to prevent felting and damage.
As a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fiber, it is considered sustainable. However, ethical concerns regarding animal welfare in some production regions are part of ongoing industry discussions.