Angora Hair

Angora hair, from Angora Rabbits, is considered to be one of the highest quality and most prized types of wool in the world of fashion and textiles because of its sophistication and versatility.

From the very beginning, these adorable rabbits were bred to exploit their precious fur, from which angora wool is obtained, a highly valuable fibre that retains its popularity in the market to this day.

Let me take you on a fascinating journey through the history of the Angora rabbit, a breed that has its roots in Ankara, the present-day capital of Turkey. Below, I'll tell you where it came from and how it became so important.

HISTORY OF ANGORA HAIR

This coat comes from the region of Angora in Turkey (present-day Ankara), where more than three centuries ago the first rabbits of this breed appeared, admired by the aristocracy of their time for their beauty and exuberant fur as symbols of distinction and elegance that have survived to the present day.

• The historical legacy. France was among the first to breed Angora rabbits in the mid-18th century to export fabrics for clothing. This continued until the middle of the 20th century. England, the recipient of these exports, soon developed its own Angora rabbit breeding.
• Textile splendour. By the mid-19th century, the valuable fur of the Angora rabbit became a coveted raw material for the textile industry. Its incomparable softness and captivating lustre were used in the manufacture of jumpers, shawls and scarves as luxury garments.
• A global expansion. The popularity of the Angora rabbit and its precious fur continued to grow. They were taken to various parts of the world, and in the early 20th century they reached the United States, where their popularity grew to meet the growing demand of the textile industry.

WHAT ARE ITS ORIGINS?

The roots of Angora fur can be traced back to the present-day Ankara region of Turkey, where the first Angora rabbits were raised with care and admiration for their valuable fur.

• Birth of a tradition. Centuries ago, the first Angora rabbits were bred in Ankara in order to take advantage of their wonderful fur. Since then, the fibre obtained from these rabbits, known as angora wool, has captivated people with its delicacy and unrivalled lustre.
• Expansion and admiration. The recognition of Angora fur spread beyond the borders of Turkey. Because of its incomparable softness and luxuriant appearance, it attracted the interest of the aristocracy. Its popularity began to cross borders and in a short time, it gained admirers in different parts of the world.
• A lasting legacy. Angora fur retains its place of honour in the textile industry for its elegance and warmth. This has made it highly valued in the creation of high-quality garments and accessories. Currently, the largest producers of Angora wool are China, Europe, Chile, Argentina and the United States.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ANGORA FUR

Angora hair is one of the most appreciated fibres in the world of fashion and clothing because of its exceptional softness and light texture. The following characteristics make it an ideal choice for luxury garments:

• A unique fibre. Angora hair is distinguished by its hollowness, which makes it incredibly light without sacrificing its ability to provide warmth. With a diameter of 14 to 16 microns, it is one of the silkiest and softest fibres with unique properties such as water absorption and quick drying.
• Warmth and comfort. Angora hair is known for its exceptional ability to keep you warm. Thanks to its hollow fibres, it acts as an additional insulator, providing cosy warmth on cold days.
• Flexibility and durability. Although the angora hair may be stiff in its pure state, it is usually blended with more elastic fibres to give it greater flexibility and strength, allowing garments to retain their shape and adapt to body movement.

Uses

The characteristics of Angora rabbit hair make it a very versatile and sought-after material within the textile industry: from luxurious knitted fabrics to elegant accessories, this fibre has many uses.

• Luxurious knitted fabrics. Angora rabbit hair is known for its softness and fineness, making it an ideal choice for the manufacture of high-quality knitted fabrics and in the creation of sophisticated jumpers, scarves and hats.
• Mixed fabrics. Angora hair in the textile industry is very versatile due to its ability to be blended with other fibres such as wool, silk or cotton to create fabrics that retain the softness and shine characteristic of this fur, adding strength and durability.
• Elegant accessories. It is also used in the creation of fashion accessories, such as gloves, shawls and hats whose appearance of distinction and sophistication also obtains lightness and warmth typical of this fibre.
• Luxury products. Due to their rarity and exquisiteness, products made from Angora hair are considered true luxury items. Their natural beauty and unique character make them real jewels for fashionistas.

Angora hair has found a prominent place in the textile industry thanks to its unique properties and unrivalled beauty. From luxurious knitwear to elegant accessories, this fibre is synonymous with quality and exclusivity.