Angora vs. Cashmere — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 2, 2024
Angora wool is derived from the fur of Angora rabbits, known for its softness and fluffiness, while Cashmere, sourced from Cashmere goats, is prized for its fine texture and warmth.
Difference Between Angora and Cashmere
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Angora wool comes from the Angora rabbit, producing a light, fluffy fiber that is highly insulating. This characteristic makes it particularly sought after for warm, winter garments. Whereas Cashmere is obtained from the undercoat of Cashmere goats, which is renowned for its softness, warmth, and lightweight properties. Cashmere offers a unique blend of warmth without the bulk, making it ideal for luxury clothing.
Angora fibers are known for their exceptional fluffiness and ability to retain heat, leading to its use in high-end, cozy winter wear. On the other hand, Cashmere is not only warm but also incredibly soft to the touch, leading to its status as a luxury material in the fashion industry.
One of the notable differences between Angora and Cashmere is their texture. Angora is characterized by its halo-like fluffiness, which can sometimes lead to shedding. Whereas Cashmere is smoother, with a fine texture that appeals to those seeking comfort and elegance in their attire.
In terms of sustainability and animal welfare, the production of Angora wool has come under scrutiny. The ethical concerns surrounding the harvesting methods have led to a critical evaluation of Angora products. Cashmere, while also facing challenges related to sustainability and the environmental impact of goat farming, tends to have more established standards for ethical sourcing.
The price point of Angora and Cashmere varies, reflecting their quality and production costs. Angora, while luxurious, is generally more affordable than Cashmere. Cashmere's high price is attributed to the labor-intensive process of collecting the fine undercoat fibers, making it one of the most luxurious wool types available.
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Comparison Chart
Source
Angora rabbits
Cashmere goats
Texture
Fluffy and light
Fine and soft
Warmth
Highly insulating
Warm with better breathability
Sustainability
Ethical concerns over harvesting
Challenges with environmental impact
Price
Generally more affordable
Higher price due to production costs
Compare with Definitions
Angora
Sometimes criticized for ethical reasons.
They only sourced Angora wool from farms with humane practices.
Cashmere
Used in high-end fashion for its luxurious feel.
The designer showcased a line of Cashmere evening dresses.
Angora
Known for its softness and fluffy texture.
She preferred Angora gloves for winter's deep chill.
Cashmere
Renowned for its fine texture and warmth.
The Cashmere blanket provided warmth without the weight.
Angora
Highly insulating fiber, ideal for cold weather wear.
Their new line of Angora hats was a hit in the ski resort.
Cashmere
Requires careful maintenance to retain its quality.
He hand-washed his Cashmere sweaters to preserve their softness.
Angora
A type of wool obtained from the fur of Angora rabbits.
The Angora sweater was so fluffy and warm.
Cashmere
Luxurious wool from the undercoat of Cashmere goats.
Her Cashmere coat was incredibly soft and elegant.
Angora
Can cause allergies in some due to its fluffiness.
He realized he was allergic to his Angora scarf.
Cashmere
More expensive due to its labor-intensive production.
The high cost of the Cashmere scarf reflected its quality.
Angora
The hair of the Angora goat or of the Angora rabbit. Also called Angora wool.
Cashmere
The fine wool of a Cashmere goat.
Angora
A yarn or fabric made from either of these kinds of hair.
Cashmere
A soft fabric made of this wool or of similar fibers.
Angora
An Angora cat.
Cashmere
Fine, downy wool from beneath the outer hair of the Cashmere goat.
Angora
An Angora goat.
Cashmere
A soft fabric made of this wool.
A cashmere sweater
Angora
An Angora rabbit.
Cashmere
(countable) A rich kind of shawl made from this wool.
Angora
A Turkish Angora cat.
Cashmere
Any similar shawl.
Angora
A goat of a domesticated breed that produces mohair.
Cashmere
A rich stuff for shawls, scarfs, etc., originally made in Cashmere from the soft wool found beneath the hair of the goats of Cashmere, Tibet, and the Himalayas. Some cashmere, of fine quality, is richly embroidered for sale to Europeans.
Angora
A rabbit belonging to the Angora rabbit breed, one of the oldest domestic breeds of rabbits in the world, raised chiefly in Europe for its silky and long hair Oryctolagus cuniculus}}
Cashmere
A dress fabric made of fine wool, or of fine wool and cotton, in imitation of the original cashmere.
Angora
(uncountable) The hair of angora rabbits or angora goats, used to make textiles.
Cashmere
A soft fabric made from the wool of the Cashmere goat
Angora
(uncountable) The fabric made from the hair of angora rabbits or angora goats.
Cashmere
The wool of the Kashmir goat
Angora
A city of Asia Minor (or Anatolia) which has given its name to a goat, a cat, etc.
Cashmere
An area in southwestern Asia whose sovereignty is disputed between Pakistan and India
Angora
Raised for its long silky hair which is the true mohair
Angora
Domestic breed with long white silky hair
Angora
A long-haired breed similar to the Persian cat
Common Curiosities
Why is Cashmere more expensive than Angora?
Cashmere's high cost is due to the labor-intensive process of collecting and refining the fine undercoat fibers.
Is Angora wool ethical?
The ethics of Angora wool production depend on the harvesting practices of the farms, with some facing criticism for animal welfare practices.
Can Angora wool be as warm as Cashmere?
Yes, Angora wool is highly insulating, making it comparable to Cashmere in warmth.
Can people be allergic to Angora or Cashmere?
Yes, some individuals may be allergic to Angora due to its fluffy fibers, while allergies to Cashmere are less common but possible.
How do you care for Angora and Cashmere garments?
Both require gentle care, often hand washing and flat drying, to maintain their texture and quality.
Are there sustainable options for Cashmere and Angora?
Yes, there are sustainable and ethically sourced options for both, though they may come at a higher cost.
Can Angora garments shed?
Yes, due to its fluffy texture, Angora garments can shed fibers more than Cashmere.
What makes Angora unique in terms of texture?
Angora's unique fluffy texture creates a halo effect on garments, making it distinctively soft and cozy.
Why is Cashmere considered luxurious?
Cashmere's luxurious status comes from its fine, soft texture, warmth, and the meticulous process required to produce it.
Can Cashmere and Angora blends be found?
Yes, blends of Cashmere and Angora exist, offering a balance of their unique properties for warmth and softness.
Is Cashmere suitable for summer clothing?
While Cashmere is warm, its lightweight nature allows for its use in fine, breathable summer garments.
How does the warmth of Angora compare to synthetic fibers?
Angora is often warmer and more breathable than many synthetic fibers, offering natural insulation.
How is Angora wool harvested?
Angora wool is harvested from the rabbits' fur through shearing or combing, with practices varying by farm.
What are the environmental impacts of Cashmere production?
Cashmere production can impact the environment due to overgrazing by goats, which may lead to soil degradation.
Is it possible to machine wash Cashmere and Angora?
It is generally recommended to hand wash both materials to preserve their quality, though some may be machine washable on a delicate cycle.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
