CASHMERE:

The undercoat of a cashmere goat’s fleece. It has a similar structure to wool, but is softer and more luxurious.

• Key Features: Extremely soft, lightweight, and warm.
• Durability: Moderate; requires delicate handling.
• Uses: Premium sweaters, scarves, and luxury garments.

YAK DOWN:

This luxurious fiber is made from the undercoat of yak. The fine yak fibers are considered warmer than merino, soft as cashmere, and tough as camel hair.

• Key Features: Warmer than merino wool, as soft as cashmere.
• Durability: High; resistant to wear and tear.
• Uses: Warm outerwear, scarves, and winter accessories.

CAMEL WOOL:

Camel hair is an excellent and luxurious thermoregulated fiber. It comes from the undercoat of two-humped (Bactrian) camels.

• Key Features: Thermoregulated, soft, and insulating.
• Durability: Excellent; naturally resistant to weather.
• Uses: Coats, blankets, and outerwear.

WOOL:

Wool has a scaly, crumped structure that gives it excellent insulation and moisture-wicking properties. It has been used for thousands of years to produce high-quality yarn and knitting fabric.

• Key Features: Insulating, moisture-wicking, and versatile.
• Durability: High; resists wrinkle and retains shape well.
• Uses: Sweaters, suits, and general-purpose fabrics.

MOHAIR:

Mohair is a luxurious fiber derived from the Angora goat. It is known for its soft, silky texture, natural luster and elasticity.

• Key Features: Silky, elastic, and naturally lustrous.
• Durability: High; retains its structure over time.
• Uses: High-end suits, upholstery, and lightweight garments.

ALPACA:

Alpaca is a lightweight and durable fiber from domesticated camelid animals. It has similar structure to wool, but is 1/3 lighter.

• Key Features: Lightweight, soft, and hypoallergenic.
• Durability: High; resistant to pilling and wear.
• Uses: Scarves, sweaters, and baby garments.

ANGORA:

Angora fiber comes from the Angora rabbit and is known for its softness, warmth and silky texture. Its unique fuzzy texture closely resembles that of fur.

• Key Features: Exceptionally soft, warm, and fuzzy.
• Durability: Moderate; requires gentle care.
• Uses: Knitwear, accessories, and specialty garments.

SILK:

Silk is a luxurious natural fiber produced by silkworms. It is renowned by its softness, shine, and strength. Most silk fibers are continuous filaments composed of proteins secreted by silkworms in the formation of their cocoons.

• Key Features: Smooth, shiny, and incredibly strong for its weight.
• Durability: High; resistant to stretching but sensitive to abrasion.
• Uses: Luxury dresses, ties, and lingerie.

KEY COMPARISONS:

• Softness: Cashmere and Angora are among the softest, while yak down and alpaca are close competitors.
• Warmth: Yak down and camel wool excel in providing insulation.
• Durability: Wool, mohair, and alpaca offer excellent longevity, while silk and angora require more care.
• Luster: Mohair and silk are known for their natural sheen, adding elegance to garments.

This comparison highlights the versatility and luxury of animal fibers, helping you choose the perfect material for your needs.

— Article by Temuge Batsuuri