Angora wool is a textile fiber known for its distinctive softness, warmth, and ethereal “halo” effect. It is highly sought after for high-end garments and accessories. This fiber retains heat efficiently while remaining remarkably lightweight. Its origin is specific, distinguishing it from other textile fibers.
The Angora Rabbit: Source of the Fiber
True Angora wool comes exclusively from Angora rabbits. These rabbit breeds are raised for their long, soft coats, harvested to produce the fiber. Several recognized breeds exist, each contributing different characteristics to the wool. For instance, the English Angora is known for its dense, fine wool, while the French Angora typically has coarser guard hairs mixed with its softer undercoat, aiding spinning.
Other notable breeds include the German Angora, bred for continuous wool growth, and the Satin Angora, recognized for its unique sheen due to its translucent hair shaft. The Giant Angora, the largest breed, produces substantial wool. These rabbits trace their origins back to Ankara, Turkey, a region known for its long-haired animals, including the Angora goat.
Despite the similar naming conventions, Angora wool is fundamentally different from other animal fibers like mohair, which is derived from Angora goats, or cashmere, which comes from cashmere goats. Only the fiber from Angora rabbits is considered true Angora wool.
From Rabbit to Garment: Harvesting and Properties
Harvesting Angora wool involves methods that ensure the rabbits’ well-being. Shearing is a common practice, where clippers are used to carefully remove the wool, similar to shearing sheep. Another method is plucking, which involves gently pulling out the wool during the rabbit’s natural molting cycle, when the old coat is shed. The choice of method often depends on the specific breed and the rabbit’s natural shedding patterns, with some breeds molting more readily than others.
Angora wool is prized for its exceptional properties. Its softness is attributed to the fine diameter of its fibers, typically ranging from 10 to 15 microns, which is finer than most sheep’s wool. The fibers are also hollow, providing superior insulation and contributing to the fiber’s remarkable warmth-to-weight ratio. This hollow structure traps air, making garments warm without bulk.
The characteristic “halo” effect, or fluffiness, of Angora wool results from the way its fine, lightweight fibers stand away from the knitted or woven fabric surface. This creates a soft, hazy appearance, adding to its luxurious appeal. Due to its delicate nature, garments made from Angora wool often require gentle hand washing and careful handling to maintain their unique texture and prevent felting.