Big Guns for Cold Snaps
White is right for any time of year, from little white linen dresses for summer to fluffy winter woollies like this beautiful wrap style vanilla-coloured sweater.
I was so excited to buy this sweater by The Limited on eBay a few months ago (anticipating just this kind of cold snap we’re enjoying in Melbourne currently), and I couldn’t wait to wear it. Made from 50% angora and 50% lambswool, it’s deliciously soft and fluffy and warm.
I remembered there was a reason why sweaters are called … ugh, sweaters.
However, I rather jumped the gun and wore it to work a couple of weeks ago … and I nearly passed out from heat exhaustion! I remembered there was a reason why sweaters are called … ugh, sweaters. (Australians call them jumpers, but this glorious item is definitely a sweater.)
Angora fibre comes from the downy coat of the Angora rabbit, as opposed to mohair, the fibre from the Angora goat. The fur is collected by plucking or shearing the moulting fur; in most breeds, moulting occurs every four months with the natural growth cycle.
The Angora rabbit
What makes angora special?
Angora is much warmer and lighter than wool because of the hollow core of the fibre – this is what gives angora its typical floaty feel. The other distinctive characteristic of angora is its ‘halo’ – or fluffiness – and its silky texture.
Angora is usually used as a blend of around 30–50% with wool, as any higher percentage is excessively warm. (100% angora is usually only used on trims.) Blending also aids in increasing the elasticity of the yarn, as angora is not naturally elastic.
Angora is much warmer and lighter than wool because of the hollow core of the fibre …
Obviously increased warmth equals humidity and perspiration, and one of the unfortunate side effects of this is that the fibre, in combination with abrasion, can felt easily. It can even do so on the rabbit if it is not groomed regularly!
How is mohair different?
Mohair is quite a different kettle of fish, more akin to sheep’s wool (though due to its composition it does not felt like wool or angora) with a high lustre and sheen, and is considered a luxury fibre. While this durable and flame resistant fibre does possess insulating and moisture wicking properties, amusing as it is, I won’t be donning this ‘super soft, light, warm underwear’* any time soon, cold snap or no cold snap!
Sexy wooly chunky knit mohair hoody catsuit
* If you’re unafraid of melting like I am, you can order your custom-made sexy wooly chunky knit mohair hoody catsuit here.
Photo: April 2016