How to Identify Real vs Fake Mohair: A Professional Guide to Authentic Mohair Yarn
Sullivans International
โข5 min read
Mohair is widely regarded as a luxury animal fiber, prized for its luster, softness, resilience, and warmth. However, due to its high value, the market is flooded with fake mohair yarns, most of which are made from acrylic or other chemical fibers designed to visually imitate real mohair.
For knitters, crocheters, designers, and buyers alike, knowing how to identify real vs fake mohair is essential. In this guide, we break down the most reliable, professional methods to distinguish authentic mohair from synthetic imitationsโbased on fiber behavior, tactile experience, durability, and physical testing.
Real mohair is a natural animal fiber sourced from the fleece of the Angora goat. Unlike wool, mohair fibers are smoother, longer, and stronger, giving the yarn its signature sheen and airy halo.
Fake mohair is typically made from acrylic or blended chemical fibers, processed using special techniques to simulate the fuzzy appearance of mohair. While visually similar at first glance, its performance and longevity are significantly inferior.
Below are the most effective identification methods, used by professionals in textile sourcing and yarn manufacturing.
Professional tip: Real mohair maintains a consistent halo, while fake mohair looks โhairyโ rather than fluffy.
โ ๏ธ Only perform this test with proper safety precautions.
This is one of the most definitive tests for identifying natural vs synthetic fibers.
| Feature | Real Mohair | Fake Mohair | |------|-----------|------------| | Fiber Source | Angora Goat | Acrylic / Chemical Fiber | | Fiber Length | Long & straight | Short & curled | | Elasticity | High | Low | | Hand Feel | Soft, fluffy, resilient | Dry, stiff, plasticky | | Gloss | Natural, silky | Dull or artificial | | Pilling | Minimal | Heavy | | Burn Smell | Burning hair | Chemical / plastic |
Choosing real mohair yarn isnโt just about luxuryโit directly impacts:
For high-end knitting, crocheting, weaving, and fashion applications, authentic mohair delivers performance that synthetics cannot replicate.
While fake mohair may look appealing at a lower price point, it falls short in durability, comfort, and long-term value. By learning how to identify real vs fake mohairโthrough fiber structure, elasticity, gloss, burn behavior, and wear resistanceโyou can make confident, informed decisions when sourcing yarn.
True mohair isnโt just softโitโs alive with resilience, shine, and depth. Once you work with authentic mohair, the difference becomes unmistakable.
This guide focuses on professional mohair identification methods used in yarn sourcing and textile manufacturing. For more expert insights, explore our in-depth yarn material guides and fiber comparison articles.