Angora refers to the downy coat produced by the Angora rabbit. Angora wool is known for its softness, thin fibers, and what knitters refer to as a halo (fluffiness). It is also known for its silky texture. It is much warmer and lighter than wool due to the hollow core of the angora fiber. At 12-16 microns, Angora wool fibers are among the finest types of wool fibers in the world, and as a result, Angora wool is remarkably silky and soft. There are different types of Angora wool, and they are commonly confused with other types of wool, such as mohair and cashmere.
Angora wool is primarily used as an apparel material, such as sweaters, pea coats, and suit jackets. Yarns of 100% angora are typically used as accents, as they have the most halo and warmth, but can felt very easily through abrasion and humidity and can be excessively warm in a finished garment. The fiber is normally blended with wool to give the yarn elasticity, as Angora fiber is not naturally elastic. The blend decreases the softness and halo as well as the price of the finished object.
It is important to note that Angora wool has come under fire in recent years due to the mistreatment of Angora rabbits. However, it is entirely possible to produce Angora wool in an ethical, sustainable way that does not involve cruelty to animals. Rabbits naturally molt and benefit from their hair being removed.
