Care Tips for Mohair Sweaters

Mohair sweaters are a staple with a soft feel and lustrous sheen, making them stand out in any closet.

Inherently warm and durable, they are a unique blend of fiber from the soft, durable hair of the angora goat. As durable as they are, mohair fabric requires special care to keep it in optimal condition.

If you have a mohair sweater that you're wondering how to care for, you've come to the right place! Whether it is learning how to wash mohair sweaters, effectively storing mohair clothing, or tackling their wily personalities—this guide has you covered.

At L'Envers, we are committed to sustainable fashion, offering high-quality mohair pieces that deserve equally high-quality care.

The Origin and Characteristics of Mohair

Ancient Beginnings

Mohair has a long history spanning thousands of years. It started in the Near East where the Angora goat (which has long, silky hair) was used first. The word "mohair" comes from the Arabic term "mukhayyar," which means "choice" or "preferred." With time, this rich fabric quickly grew popular among kings and queens.

Spread Across Continents

Mohair's journey around the world shows how much people desired it. It reached Europe during the Middle Ages, where it became a valuable item for trade. The textile industry used angora goat hair for its exceptional properties, it appeared in high-end fashion and interior decoration.

Modern-Day Appeal

Being natural and renewable, mohair keeps its appeal by aligning with sustainable and ethical practices. It is a popular choice for people who want eco-friendly fashion. With its blend of tradition and new ideas, Mohair connects buyers to the past while serving the needs of today.

Washing Guidelines for Mohair Sweaters

Taking care of mohair garments is crucial to preserving this fabric. Simple washing is crucial to mohair sweater care. Check out these steps to wash mohair items safely and keep them in excellent shape:

Hand Washing Mohair Sweaters

To care for a mohair sweater, hand wash mohair by filling a basin with cool or tepid water. Warm or cool water helps protect the fibers, as hot water could harm them. Next, add some mild or wool detergent for delicate fabrics to protect the mohair's natural fiber. Gently mix the water and mild detergent to clean the sweater without scrubbing, this will also dislodge dirt particles without harming the luxury fabric.

Use a stain bar or stain solution directly on any stains for stain removal. Gently stir or rub the bar on the stain, then rinse well. Avoid soaps with strong chemicals, which could hurt the mohair fabric. After cleaning the sweater, press out extra excess water very gently without twisting.

Machine Washing Mohair Garments

If hand washing is not possible, machine washing is an option when the mode is set to the gentle wool cycle. Place the mohair item in a mesh laundry bag to protect it. Only use lukewarm or cool water. Choose a wool-specific detergent to maintain the natural softness and sheen. Avoid adding fabric softener as it can leave a residue. After the machine wash, carefully lay the used mohair item flat on a flat surface to prevent stretching or altering its original shape.

Drying and Maintaining Shape

To preserve the natural shape of the mohair garment, place it flat on a dry towel. Press gently to take out leftover water. Avoid twisting, as this could stretch the fibers. It's important to note that air drying works best, but place your mohair sweater in a shaded spot away from the sun, as sunlight may fade its color. If needed, use a steam iron on low heat to remove wrinkles, but keep the iron from direct contact with the mohair fabric to protect its natural hair.

Additional Care Tips for Mohair Sweaters

After each wear, lightly shake your mohair jumper to remove dirt particles. To maintain freshness, you can spritz the fabric lightly with a wool spray. When storing, be sure to fold rather than hang to avoid stretching and place in a dry area. Store mohair sweaters in breathable bags or fabric containers that protect them from dust but allow airflow.

Handling Shedding and Preventive Measures

Mohair fabric naturally loses some fibers that might stick to other clothes or furniture. Washing, drying, and storing techniques help to decrease shedding. Check out these specific steps to keep your mohair sweater in pristine condition:

Minimize Shedding with Proper Washing Techniques

As mentioned above, gentle washing is key to reducing shedding in mohair sweaters. A key point is to avoid scrubbing the sweater to prevent loosening fibers. Try a stain bar for tough stains, but avoid harsh soaps, as they weaken fibers and cause them to shed easily.

Prevent Shedding During Drying

Avoid tumble drying because the movement and heat from the dryer could disturb the mohair yarn, and this may lead to shedding. To maintain its original shape, use a flat surface.

Storing and Maintaining Mohair Sweaters

Here are some storing techniques you can use to keep shedding to a minimum, helping your mohair sweater stay soft, really luxurious, and durable over time.

- Fold, Don’t Hang: Fold mohair sweaters to prevent stretching. A breathable bag keeps dust out and allows airflow.

- Choose a Cool, Dry Place: Store mohair clothes in a cool, dry spot. This preserves their shape and stops moisture damage.

- Freshen with air flow: Just air your knitwear outside for 24h to remove smells from food, smoke etc.

- Hand Wash Carefully: Simply wash your mohair sweater in warm water with a gentle detergent. Avoid twisting it!

- Lay Flat to Dry: Gently press out extra water. Lay the sweater flat on a towel to dry. Keep away from direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Caring for a mohair sweater is essential to preserve the luxurious qualities of this natural fiber, keeping it soft, durable, and beautiful for years to come. By using proper washing, drying, and storing methods, you can enjoy your mohair items longer.

It’s equally important to support eco-friendly brands that emphasize sustainability and quality materials. At L'Envers, we offer the perfect blend of premium craftsmanship and sustainability, allowing you to enjoy eco-friendly fashion without compromising on style.

Choose mohair sweaters with the planet in mind, and take care of them to ensure they last. These mindful choices contribute to a better fashion industry and give you garments you can cherish for years.