Mohair is a natural fibre taken from the Angora goat, celebrated for its lustre, its high resilience and its ability to hold shape over a long life. In the world of suiting cloth, mohair occupies a place of its own: where softer cloths begin to slacken as the hours pass, mohair keeps its crispness intact — which is why it is so favoured for tuxedos and for suits that must stay immaculate through a long event.
What mohair is and why tailors prize it
Unlike sheep's wool, the most common fibre in suit making, mohair comes from the Angora goat — a breed with a long, lustrous and hard-wearing fleece. Mohair fibre is smoother and firmer than wool, so the cloth woven from it offers four notable qualities:
- Natural lustre — a depth and richness few fibres possess, achieved without any chemical treatment.
- Exceptional shape retention — the fibre recovers well and holds a crisp line through a long day.
- Strength and long life — good resistance to creasing and abrasion, staying with you for many years.
- Natural coolness — it releases moisture quickly, keeping you cool in heat and warm in cooler weather.
In practice, mohair is usually blended with wool in familiar proportions, combining mohair's lustre and firmness with wool's softness — a classic formula among the great mills.
Why mohair deserves consideration for a suit
- It holds shape and a crisp trouser pleat, even when you are constantly on the move.
- It gives the cloth a lively surface with a refined lustre that catches event lighting beautifully.
- It resists creasing and recovers quickly — an overnight rest on the hanger is enough.
- It breathes and releases moisture well, suiting many climates, including humid heat such as Vietnam's.
- It is a lasting investment in fine clothing.
- It belongs naturally to elegant and formal dress.
Six characteristics of mohair cloth
- Refined lustre — the surface carries a soft sheen that lends depth and distinction.
- Crisp shape retention — the highly resilient fibre keeps jacket and trousers holding their line.
- Little creasing, quick recovery — naturally crease-resistant and quick to recover after wear or a rest on the hanger.
- Natural breathability — the fibre structure releases moisture quickly for a dry, comfortable feel.
- Outstanding durability — strong resistance to abrasion, holding quality and colour over the years.
- A lively surface — subtle play of light that adds presence to the whole outfit.
Where mohair shows itself best
Mohair comes into its own in: fine business suits (holding their line all day), trousers (a sharp pleat with little bagging at the knee), waistcoats (close to the body and well shaped), tuxedos (a natural lustre made for evening light) and formal wear in general — occasions where composure is visible from across a room.
With a mohair suit, the finishing details should match:
- Natural horn buttons — durable and refined, suited to the cloth's lustre.
- Fine silk lining, fully lined — adding durability and an easy feel in wear.
- Meticulous stitching — strong and precise throughout, since a lustrous cloth reveals every imperfect stitch.
Six things mohair does especially well
- Keeps its natural lustre: a characteristic sheen that resists dulling over time.
- Holds a sharp pleat: creases stay put, whether you sit a great deal or move constantly.
- Stays cool and dry: good air and moisture release, suited to hot, humid climates.
- Wears strongly and steadily: resists abrasion and keeps shape and colour over the years.
- Enhances elegance: gives the wearer a composed, commanding and refined appearance.
- Makes a sound investment: fine quality, worth its place in a considered wardrobe.
A word from Mon Amie's artisans
Mon Amie's tailors often suggest mohair for clients who attend evening functions and for those in a suit from morning until late — because it is a cloth that never tires; at the end of the day the lapel and the trouser pleat are as crisp as when you left home. Mohair blends appear in the bunches of the fine mills Mon Amie carries, among them Canonico, Holland & Sherry, Dormeuil and Scabal, so you can compare them directly against pure wool.
If you are looking for a suit or tuxedo that holds its shape through an entire event, mohair is a worthy candidate. We invite you to book an appointment at one of Mon Amie's five showrooms in Ho Chi Minh City, or call 0888.111.118, to feel the cloth for yourself, and to read about Mon Amie's bespoke service.