Fur and Special Animal Hair

Special Animal Fibers and Fur Fibers Animal hair other than sheep's wool (Wool) is classified as special animal hair, which is produced in small quantities, is rare, and tends to be quite expensive. It is obtained from animals in the goat and camel families, as well as fur (Fur). Each type can be classified as follows

1. Hair from the Goat Family This includes the Angora goat, which yields the fiber known as Mohair; the Cashmere goat, which yields the fiber known as Cashmere; and ordinary goats, which yield the fiber known as goat hair

2. Hair from the Camel Family This includes Guanaco hair, which yields the fiber known as guanaco; Llama hair, which yields the fiber known as llama; Alpaca hair, which yields the fiber known as alpaca; and Vicuna hair, which yields the fiber known as vicuna

3. Hair from Other Animals, Known as Fur This includes Angora rabbit hair (Mask Rat), Mink hair, and Hare hair (an animal similar to a rabbit)

These various types of special animal hair are generally divided into 2 layers. The outer coat, located around the outside of the body, is coarse, stiff, fairly hard, and white; this layer is not used for making clothing and is instead commonly woven into coarse-textured fabric for furniture and carpets. The inner coat, located close to the animal's skin beneath the outer coat, is soft, fine, and of better quality than the outer coat; it is used for making clothing and fine fabrics.