High-quality kid mohair usually doesn't itch. The fine fibre from young goats is soft and supple, and itchiness is most often caused by coarser fibres or sensitive skin. You can usually avoid it by choosing the right material and wearing a thin top underneath your knit.
In this guide, we explain where mohair and alpaca come from, how they differ and how to keep your knit beautiful year after year.
What is mohair?
Mohair is a natural fibre made from the hair of the Angora goat. It's light, warm and durable, with a beautiful, subtle sheen. The soft, fluffy surface typical of mohair knits comes from brushing the yarn.
Kid mohair comes from the first shearings of young goats. It's finer and softer than mohair from adult goats, which is why it's used in the highest-quality knits.
What is alpaca?
Alpaca wool comes from alpacas living in the Andean highlands, especially in Peru. The fibre is warm yet light, with a smooth surface. Alpaca contains no lanolin, so many people who are sensitive to wool tolerate it well. Superfine is one of the finest grades of alpaca fibre.
Mohair or alpaca – what's the difference?
| Mohair | Alpaca | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Angora goat | Alpaca |
| Feel | Airy, lustrous | Soft, smooth |
| Warmth | Warm and light | Very warm and light |
| Special | Durable, beautiful sheen | Lanolin-free |
That's why we combine the two: mohair brings airiness and sheen, alpaca brings softness and warmth.
Kaiko's Alpaca Mohair Jumper
The Alpaca Mohair Jumper is knitted in Lithuania. It's made of 34% kid mohair, 34% superfine alpaca and 32% polyamide. The mohair comes from South Africa and the alpaca from Peru, and the yarns are spun in Italy. The mohair is RMS certified (Responsible Mohair Standard), which means the goats' welfare and the management of their grazing land are monitored, and the fibre's origin is traceable.
Why polyamide? In airy mohair yarn, a thin polyamide thread acts as a backbone. It makes the yarn more durable and helps the knit keep its shape.
How to avoid itchiness
- Wear a thin long-sleeved top or turtleneck underneath if your skin is sensitive.
- Choose kid mohair and alpaca: fine fibres feel softer against the skin.
- Give your knit time. Loose fibres shed and the surface settles during the first few wears.
How to care for mohair and alpaca knits
Air before you wash. Wool fibres largely clean themselves, so airing in fresh air is often enough. Spot-clean stains straight away.
Hand wash. Use cool water and a wool detergent. Don't rub or wring; gently press out the water, for example with a towel.
Dry flat. Reshape the knit while damp and let it dry on a flat surface. A wet knit stretches if hung.
Store folded. Hangers stretch the shoulders of a knit. Keep your knits on a shelf or in a drawer, and protect them from moths with cedarwood or an airtight storage bag.
Remove pilling with a comb. Pills may form in areas of friction, such as the underarms. Remove them gently with a knit comb or sweater stone.
A well-cared-for knit lasts for years, and that's exactly what makes it a responsible choice. Read more on our mohair material page.
