Mohair Sweaters: What Mohair Is, How to Care for It, and What to Buy

The short answer: mohair is the hair of the Angora goat, light, warm and with a soft halo, and it is usually blended with other fibres for strength. A good mohair sweater feels airy rather than heavy and holds colour brilliantly, which is why Essentiel Antwerp uses a 50% mohair blend for its floral jacquard knits, the Pink floral-jacquard sweater and the Black floral-jacquard sweater. Shop all designer sweaters, every piece of knitwear, and the Essentiel Antwerp collection.

Mohair is having a long moment because it gives volume without weight: a chunky look that is not hot to wear indoors. Essentiel Antwerp is the Belgian label Inge Onsea and Esfan Eghtessadi founded in Antwerp in 1999. It started as a T-shirt line in twenty colours and grew into a full ready-to-wear house known for graphic print, bold colour and a sense of humour.

Mohair vs wool vs cashmere

Our mohair picks

1. Pink floral-jacquard sweater

50% mohair, 37% acrylic, 11% polyamide and 2% elastane. A contrasting black floral jacquard across the chest and sleeves, a stand-up collar and slightly rounded sleeves. Relaxed fit.

2. Black floral-jacquard sweater

The same knit in black with off-white flowers. The easier colour to wear every day.

3. Black floral-jacquard sweater dress

The jacquard idea lengthened into a mini sweater dress, in a heavyweight knit. See how to wear a sweater dress.

How to stop a mohair sweater shedding

A little shedding in the first wears is normal. Fold the sweater into a bag and leave it in the freezer for a few hours, which helps the fibres settle, then shake it out. Wear it over a smooth layer and avoid rubbing it against a bag strap.

How to wash mohair

Hand wash cool with a wool detergent, press out water in a towel rather than wringing, reshape and dry flat. Store it folded, never on a hanger. Mohair blends with elastane keep their shape better than pure mohair.

Frequently asked questions

Is mohair itchy?

Good mohair is soft, though the halo can tickle sensitive skin. Wear a fine top underneath if you feel it.

Is mohair warmer than wool?

Weight for weight, mohair is very warm because the fibre traps air, yet it feels lighter than a wool knit of the same thickness.

Why are mohair sweaters blended?

Mohair is a long, slippery fibre. Blending it with acrylic, polyamide and elastane adds strength and stretch and helps the knit hold a shape.

Is mohair ethical?

Look for brands that publish fibre content and sourcing. Many now use certified mohair from audited farms.

How do you style a mohair sweater?

Against smooth fabrics: satin skirts, tailored trousers, leather. The contrast makes the mohair look intentional.