Why Is Mohair So Special?

Lightness, warmth and a softness all its own

Some materials catch your eye before you even touch them.

Mohair is one of them.

There is something about its soft, airy surface and the way it catches the light. Colours seem to have a little more depth, while the knit itself can feel surprisingly light for something that brings so much warmth.

But what exactly makes mohair so special?

What is mohair?

Mohair is a natural fibre that comes from the Angora goat.

It is sometimes confused with Angora, which comes from the Angora rabbit, but they are two different fibres. Mohair is known for its natural lustre, strength and lightness, as well as the beautiful way it takes and reflects colour.

Perhaps that explains some of its charm.

Mohair does not have the same feeling as traditional wool. Wool tends to be denser and more elastic, while mohair has a smoother surface and a distinctive lustre.

And then there is that unmistakable softness around the surface of a mohair knit. The delicate halo that seems to become even more beautiful when it meets the light.

Light, but warm

One of the loveliest things about mohair is the contrast between its lightness and warmth.

It can create a knit that feels airy rather than heavy, while still offering the comfort we look for when the air turns cooler. Mohair also breathes naturally and can absorb and release moisture, helping it feel comfortable across changing temperatures.

Perhaps that is why it feels so at home in the world of Adèle & Soleil.

A knit that brings warmth without feeling heavy. Something to wear on a cool morning, take with you to the sea or pull over your shoulders when the sun begins to disappear.

Why is mohair often blended with other fibres?

You will often find mohair combined with wool, polyamide or other fibres rather than used entirely on its own.

There is nothing unusual about this.

Blending fibres allows different characteristics to come together in one yarn. Mohair can bring its lightness, lustre and distinctive texture, while another fibre can contribute different qualities to the finished knit. Mohair is commonly blended with both natural and man-made fibres for precisely this reason.

For us, what matters is not simply the name of a fibre on a label, but what the combination brings to the piece.

How it feels. How it falls. How it holds colour. And how it feels to wear.

How to care for mohair knitwear?

Mohair deserves a gentle touch.

The first and most important rule is always to follow the care label of the individual garment, particularly when mohair has been blended with other fibres.

It also does not need to be washed after every wear. Often, giving a knit a little time to air and rest is enough.

When washing is needed, treat it gently and avoid unnecessary friction. And unless the care label says otherwise, knitwear is generally best reshaped and dried flat rather than hung while wet.

A little care helps preserve the texture and shape that made the knit special in the first place.

A fibre made for light

Perhaps what we love most about mohair is difficult to describe through its technical qualities alone.

It is the way it feels.

The softness. The lightness. The almost weightless warmth.

And perhaps most of all, the way its surface seems to catch the light.

Some colours become softer. Others seem deeper. And as the light changes, the knit can appear to change with it.

Maybe that is why we keep returning to mohair.

A little warmth. A little softness.

And always, a little light.

Toujours le Soleil