| Alpaca | Mohair | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical diameter | 18–32 µm | 23–40 µm |
| Source | Alpaca | Angora goat |
| Lanolin | No | Little |
| Warmth | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Softness | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luster | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Elasticity | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Price | $$ | $$ |
Bottom line
Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool.
Very strong and lustrous with a fuzzy halo.
Choose alpaca for warm, drapey, lanolin-free garments; choose mohair if you value more durable and more lustrous. Blends often give the best of both.
Mohair is a fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat. Both durable and resilient, mohair is lustrous with high sheen, and is often blended to add these qualities to a textile. Mohair takes dye exceptionally well. It feels warm in winter due to excellent insulating properties, while moisture-wicking keeps it cool in summer. It is durable, naturally elastic, flame-resistant and crease-resistant. It is considered a luxury fiber, like cashmere, alpaca, angora, and silk, and is more expensive than most sheep's wool.From Wikipedia — “Mohair”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
FAQ
Is alpaca better than mohair?
Alpaca is warmer and softer. Mohair is more durable and more lustrous. Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool. Very strong and lustrous with a fuzzy halo.
Is alpaca warmer than mohair?
Yes, alpaca is generally warmer for its weight.
Is alpaca softer than mohair?
It depends on the grade: fine alpaca (18–22 µm) is very soft, while mohair typically measures 23–40 µm.