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staple length producing a marvellous lustre. South Africanfleeces are noted for their evenness of the fibres, whilst mohairfrom Australia is regarded as being the fineness.CHARACTER The distinctive properties of mohair give riseto a soft luxurious handle which has a great durability. Theseproperties make it desirable for use in quality products fromclothing to furnishing. Mohair has an excellent affinity for dyesand colours produced on mohair fibre have an unmatchedclarity. Fabrics made of smooth mohair do not crease, mat orpill and dust and dirt can simply be brushed off.MOHAIR FIBRE FACTS02• All mohair sold commercially is graded and sorted priorto sale. The grades are sorted by the staple length of thefibres: long, medium and short.• Grading is defined by the fibre diameter or micron, eg.Super Fine Kid Mohair (the finest quality) has adiameter of 24 – 26 microns.• Mohair of 13 to 16cm length commands the maximumprice.• Angora goats are first sheared at six months of age andthen at six month intervals.• The first clip generally provides the Super Fine fibre,whilst good Kid fibre is produced at 18 months of age.• The fibres then become coarser as the animal ages.• The Angora goat produces mohair at rate of 2.5cm (1”)a month.• Mohair, like wool fibre is a natural insulator.• Mohair is naturally flame retardant.References: www.angoragoats-mohair.org.uk01 & 03. The Angora goat.0302. A close up of the curly fleeceof the Angora goat.111