Angora is a type of textile material made from the soft and fluffy undercoat of the Angora rabbit. It is known for its luxurious feel and warmth, and is often used in clothing such as sweaters and scarves. Angora fibers are fine and delicate, lending the material its characteristic softness and fluffiness. However, due to the delicate nature of the fibers, angora garments require special care and can pill easily.
History of Angora Fabric
Angora fabric, originating from the soft fur of the Angora rabbit, has a history rooted in ancient Ankara, modern-day Turkey. It gained prominence in the 18th century when French royalty embraced its luxurious qualities, becoming a symbol of wealth and elegance. The industrialization era in the 19th century saw an expansion of Angora fabric production, making it a sought-after material for high-end fashion. A revival in the mid-20th century solidified its place in fashion, with designers incorporating it into various garments. However, ethical concerns related to the treatment of Angora rabbits have emerged in recent years, prompting scrutiny and calls for more humane practices in the industry. Despite challenges, Angora fabric remains a luxury material in the fashion world, and efforts are being made to ensure responsible sourcing and ethical treatment of Angora rabbits for a more sustainable future.
Uses
- Sweaters and Knitwear: Angora wool is often used to create soft and lightweight sweaters, cardigans, and knitwear, providing exceptional warmth without the bulk associated with some other fibers.
- Scarves and Accessories: The soft and silky nature of Angora fabric makes it a popular choice for scarves, shawls, hats, and other accessories, adding a touch of luxury and warmth to cold-weather ensembles.
- Lingerie and Intimate Apparel: The delicate and fine texture of Angora wool makes it suitable for lingerie and intimate apparel, where comfort and softness are key considerations.
- Coats and Outerwear: Due to its insulating properties, Angora fabric is used in the production of coats and outerwear items, providing both style and warmth.
- Blend with Other Fibers: Angora wool is often blended with other fibers, such as cashmere, merino wool, or synthetic materials, to enhance its properties and create unique textile blends.
- High-End Fashion: The luxurious and elegant characteristics of Angora make it a staple in high-end fashion, where designers use it for creating sophisticated and glamorous garments.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of Angora fabric begins with the careful harvesting of Angora rabbit fur through shearing or plucking. The harvested fibers undergo sorting and cleaning to remove impurities, followed by carding to align and separate the fibers. The carded fibers are then spun into yarn, and the resulting yarn is used in weaving or knitting, depending on the desired end product. After the weaving or knitting process, the Angora fabric undergoes finishing treatments, such as dyeing or brushing, to enhance its appearance. Throughout the entire process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure the final fabric meets the desired standards for softness, texture, and color. It is noteworthy that responsible manufacturing practices also prioritize the ethical treatment of Angora rabbits, seeking to source fibers from farms with humane practices.
Environmental Properties
- Renewable Resource: Angora wool is derived from the fur of Angora rabbits, representing a renewable resource. The rabbits can be sheared or plucked for their fur regularly without depleting the source.
- Biodegradability: Angora fabric is biodegradable, meaning it naturally decomposes over time. This property reduces the environmental impact of discarded Angora garments, contributing to a more sustainable end-of-life cycle.
- Efficient Fiber Production: Angora rabbits are known for their efficient fiber production. They yield a significant amount of soft and warm fiber per rabbit, potentially requiring less land and resources compared to larger animals used in the production of other types of wool.
- Low Water Usage: Compared to some other fibers, Angora production may involve lower water usage, contributing to water conservation efforts in regions facing water scarcity.
Brands Using Angora
1. Orkney Angora: Situated in Sanday, one of Orkney's most northerly isles, this family-run business Orkney Angora emerged as an unusual cottage industry in the spring of 1982, founded by William and Elizabeth Sichel. Following Elizabeth's passing and more than 35 years of successful operation, William decided to sell the business in 2017. Acquiring the enterprise with the intent to maintain its continuity, the current owner oversees operations from a smallholding in Sanday, ensuring it remains a hands-on, personally managed endeavor.
The current spinner, based in China, sources all wool from the Feixian Angora Farm. William, during a visit in February 2014, had unrestricted access to the property and was impressed with the high standards of husbandry and harvesting, particularly the quiet, unhurried, and professional shearing practices employed by the all-ladies shearing teams. These teams adhere to traditional husbandry and shearing methods passed down through generations.
Manufacturers Using Angora
1. Pozzi Electa: Founded in 1889, Pozzi Electa initiates the production of its premium natural yarns by sourcing natural fibers through the careful combing of the long and soft hair from a special breed of rabbits known as "angora rabbits." Meticulously selected, the raw material is then transported to its production facilities in Val Seriana, where it undergoes a transformative process, resulting in a luxurious, fine, and exceptionally soft yarn. With its natural white color, this yarn serves as an ideal base for easy and vibrant dyeing.
Tailored for the textile industry, particularly in the realm of women's knitwear, Pozzi Electa's natural angora yarns cater to both underwear and outerwear. To address diverse needs, the company produces natural yarns by blending angora with other fibers, ensuring top-tier quality concerning fineness, length, dyeing capabilities, shine, and overall performance. It prides itself on delivering exceptional craftsmanship, setting elevated standards within the textile industry through its commitment to excellence in every strand.
News and Updates on Ahimsa Silk
Kering Group Announces Ban on Angora Fur in Luxury Fashion
Kering Group, a leading luxury fashion conglomerate with brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci, aligns with industry leaders in animal welfare by pledging to remove angora materials from its products.
