Deutsch: Angora / Español: Angora / Português: Angorá / Français: Angora / Italiano: Angora
Angora is a luxurious natural fibre obtained from the Angora rabbit. It is known for its exceptional softness, lightweight texture, and high warmth retention. Due to its fine and silky feel, Angora is often blended with other fibres, such as wool or synthetic materials, to enhance durability and elasticity.
Description
Angora is one of the most prized animal fibres in the fashion industry due to its soft, fluffy texture and insulating properties. It originates from Angora rabbits, which are primarily bred in China, Europe, and South America. The fibres are collected through shearing, combing, or plucking, depending on the breed of rabbit and the farming practices used.
The unique characteristic of Angora is its hollow core, which gives it superior warmth compared to sheep wool while remaining much lighter in weight. This makes it highly desirable for cold-weather clothing, including sweaters, scarves, gloves, and coats. However, pure Angora is delicate and prone to shedding, so it is often mixed with other fibres like wool, cashmere, or acrylic to improve its durability and elasticity.
Ethical concerns have arisen regarding Angora production, as some farms have been reported to use inhumane harvesting techniques. Many fashion brands have stopped using Angora due to concerns about animal welfare, while others ensure ethically sourced and cruelty-free alternatives.
Special Ethical Considerations
The fashion industry has seen a shift away from Angora due to growing awareness of animal welfare issues. Investigations have revealed that some farms engage in unethical practices, including painful plucking methods. As a result, many fashion brands, such as H&M, Gucci, and Stella McCartney, have banned Angora from their collections. Some companies, however, source ethically harvested Angora, where the fibres are gently combed or sheared without harming the rabbits.
Application Areas
Angora is commonly used in:
- Luxury knitwear: Sweaters, cardigans, and pullovers featuring soft and warm Angora blends.
- Winter accessories: Scarves, hats, gloves, and socks due to their high thermal insulation.
- Coats and outerwear: High-end brands sometimes incorporate Angora into premium outerwear for added warmth and elegance.
- Luxury lingerie: Occasionally found in soft, intimate apparel.
- Blended textiles: Often mixed with wool, cashmere, or synthetic fibres to increase durability and affordability.
Well-Known Examples
- Chanel & Prada: Previously incorporated Angora into luxury knitwear before ethical concerns reduced its usage.
- Loro Piana & Brunello Cucinelli: High-end brands that have offered ethically sourced Angora blends.
- Fast Fashion Brands (H&M, Zara, ASOS): Phased out Angora from collections following animal welfare investigations.
Risks and Challenges
- Ethical concerns: The main challenge is ensuring humane treatment of Angora rabbits, leading to bans from many fashion houses.
- Shedding and durability: Pure Angora is delicate and tends to shed, requiring blending with other materials.
- High maintenance: Angora garments require special care, including hand-washing and gentle handling.
- Cost: Due to its luxurious nature, high-quality Angora products can be expensive.
Similar Terms
- Cashmere: Another luxury animal fibre known for softness and warmth, sourced from cashmere goats.
- Mohair: A fine fibre from the Angora goat, often confused with Angora rabbit wool.
- Alpaca wool: A warm, soft fibre similar to Angora but sourced from alpacas.
- Merino wool: A fine and soft type of sheep wool, commonly blended with Angora.
Summary
Angora is a premium fibre known for its softness, warmth, and lightweight properties, making it popular in luxury knitwear and winter fashion. However, ethical concerns about rabbit welfare have led to a decline in its use, with many fashion brands opting for cruelty-free alternatives. Despite these issues, Angora remains a sought-after material in high-end fashion when sourced responsibly.
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