Angora wool

Angora wool comes from the angora rabbit (not to be confused with mohair from the angora goat!). About 90 % of world production comes from China, followed at a distance by Chile, Argentina and some European small breeders. The fibres are extremely fine at 10–16 µm, hollow and exceptionally light — they insulate two to three times as strongly as sheep's wool.

The distinctive hand is silky-soft, fluffy and gently lustrous. Pure angora is hard to spin and is usually blended with merino or cashmere (20–50 % share). Classic uses are very warm pullovers, gloves, bed socks and ear warmers. In 2013 PETA footage from Chinese farms triggered a scandal because the hair was plucked from live animals — brands such as H&M, Zara and Esprit dropped angora as a result. Certifications such as EU-Rex and animal-friendly small breeders (combing instead of plucking) offer alternatives.

• Extremely fine (10–16 µm) and hollow — very light and warm
• Hard to spin alone — usually blended
• Animal-welfare concerns in Chinese mass production
• Much friendlier: European small breeders that comb