Fall trends are abuzz this time of year and I always look forward to what’s new and upcoming. On a recent quest for new trends and inspiration, I wound up on an internet search having to do with goats and Nate Berkus. What? Yes, it’s true. Mohair is the newest sensation in autumn accents and Apartment Therapy goes on record say this trendy topic has come straight from Berkus himself. Classically, I had no idea what the heck mohairwas so I started to do some research and the results are super interesting. Keep scrolling to get the deets on this goaty-good. 

What You Need to Know About Mohair

What is it?

Mohair is essentially a sub-sect of classic wool. Similar to a cashmere or a Mongolian wool, it comes from a specific goat, the Angora goat. It’s most known for a luxurious luster and its high absorbency of dyes. According to our friends at Wikipedia it’s also crease-resistant, fire resistant and light weight to boot. Not too shabby for our goat friends!

Is it comfortable?

While I’ve never personally experienced the fabric, it is apparently quite comfortable. One of the distinguishing factors between Mohair and classic wool is that it tends not be as scratchy which is a total win. I’ve had experience with those types of blankets and it’s not always pleasant!

Is it expensive?

Mohair tends to be fairly expensive. It’s considered a premium textile and the real wool will cost you a pretty penny thats comparable to a cashmere or other fine wool. A genuine mohair throw might start around $200.

Is Mohair planet and animal friendly?

There’s a lot of back and forth on the sustainability and animal cruelty front when it comes to this fabric. Because it’s a wool that can be grown on the same goat multiple times, it is certainly a more renewable fabric than its counterparts. However, there are some that say the raising of specific livestock for textiles is not at all sustainable. Additionally, the treatment of Angora goats in the production of Mohair has been brought into question on many occasion. PETA does not classify Mohair as a cruelty-free fabric.

Does a faux-Mohair exist?

There are a number of faux-Mohair alternatives that are less expensive and certainly less subject to animal cruelty. That being said, many of them are made from acrylics and polyesters that do contribute to the growing microplastic problem.

While both the authentic and synthetic versions of Mohair sound extraordinarily comfortable and decadent it’s a toss up whether or not this is a trend in which to indulge. It may be better considering a more sustainable and ethical option such as cotton or bamboo for your cozy fall blanket this year.

What do you think? Mohair, Faux-Hair, or No-Hair?

Scroll to share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Photo by: David Dvořáček