Angora refers to the exceptionally soft, fluffy fiber that comes from Angora rabbits or Angora goats. When you touch an angora sweater, it feels like petting a cloud: warm, silky, and incredibly lightweight.

Angora rabbits produce some of the finest, softest fur in the world. Farmers carefully brush or shear these rabbits (which look like giant cotton balls with ears) to collect their long, fine hair. The fiber is then spun into yarn and knitted or woven into luxurious clothing. Angora goats produce a fiber called mohair that’s also prized for its softness and sheen.

Because angora fiber is so delicate and time-consuming to produce, clothing made from it tends to be expensive. An angora scarf might cost much more than a regular wool one. The fiber is also quite warm despite being lightweight, making it perfect for cozy winter accessories like hats and mittens.

When someone says they’re wearing an angora sweater, they’re talking about something notably softer and fuzzier than regular wool. It requires gentle care, since the delicate fibers can shed or mat if handled roughly.