Silk vs Mohair: Differences, Uses & Cost

Key Takeaways

• Silk is celebrated for its smoothness, natural sheen, breathability, and luxurious hand-feel, making it ideal for refined, next-to-skin garments.

• Mohair offers warmth, resilience, and a soft halo texture, lending visual depth and insulation, making it suitable for structured or cooler-season pieces.

• Silk drapes fluidly, regulates temperature naturally, and is perfect for formal, evening, or lightweight clothing, while mohair holds shape and retains heat efficiently.

• Both fibres are premium due to limited production, specialised techniques, and sustainability considerations.

• Mayfairsilk offers Grade 6A 100% long-fibre Mulberry silk bedding that combines elegance, comfort, and sustainable craftsmanship for a luxurious nightly ritual.

What Makes Silk & Mohair Special?

Silk and mohair are two of the most luxurious natural fibres in the textile world, yet silk often stands out for its unmistakable elegance and refinement. Known for its unparalleled smoothness and natural sheen, silk has been cherished for centuries as a symbol of sophistication. Its unique protein-based structure gives it a cool, fluid feel against the skin while still offering impressive insulation when needed.

Mohair, while valued for its warmth and resilience, brings a soft halo texture that adds visual depth. It offers a different kind of comfort, though its distinctive fluff and loft make it better suited to specific applications than to all-season wear.

Both fibres command premium prices due to specialised production methods and limited availability compared with mass-produced materials like cotton or polyester. And although each natural fibre has its strengths, silk often stands out for its breathability, moisture-regulating abilities, and luxurious handfeel—qualities that synthetic alternatives rarely replicate with the same finesse.

Touch & Feel: Physical Properties Compared

Silk and mohair offer very different tactile experiences, each appealing in its own way. Silk feels cool, soft, and almost “liquid” against the skin, creating a distinctly luxurious sensation that many find unmatched. 

Mohair ranges from exceptionally soft kid mohair to a slightly coarser adult fibre, characterised by a natural halo that adds depth, texture, and insulation. These contrasts make each fibre better suited to particular applications, with silk often preferred for next-to-skin comfort.

Silk’s Smooth Elegance vs. Mohair’s Fluffy Texture

Silk’s triangular prism-shaped fibrils reflect light at varying angles, creating its signature shimmer and frictionless glide. This smoothness also explains why silk pillowcases are well-known for helping reduce hair breakage and skin creasing. 

Mohair offers a distinct aesthetic and feel, with its tactile halo and natural crimp providing softness, volume, and excellent thermal properties. While kid mohair can rival cashmere in softness, adult mohair delivers a more substantial textured effect ideal for bold, structured pieces.

Weight & Drape Differences

Silk drapes fluidly, contouring the body without adding bulk, ideal for flowing garments, bias-cut dresses, and blouses where movement and elegance are key. Mohair brings structure and resilience, holding shape beautifully for sculptural silhouettes and outerwear. Its elasticity helps garments maintain form even with repeated wear, whereas silk prioritises fluidity and graceful movement.

Warmth Factor: Which Keeps You Cosier?

Silk naturally regulates temperature, offering lightweight insulation in cooler conditions while staying breathable in warmer settings. It's cool, smooth touch feels less insulating on the surface, yet silk delivers consistent comfort across seasons. Mohair’s crimped fibres trap air very efficiently, retaining heat better than regular wool of the same weight while staying lightweight and moisture-wicking, even when damp.

Durability & Longevity: What Lasts Longer?

Silk requires mindful care, as its strength decreases when not handled properly. However, with proper maintenance, silk garments can last for years. Mohair, on the other hand, is naturally resilient, resisting abrasion, retaining shape, and maintaining its appearance through repeated wear and cleaning. Both fibres offer longevity, but silk’s elegance is paired with delicacy, whereas mohair’s durability suits more robust use.

Mohair fibres create a soft halo effect, adding texture, warmth, and resilience to every piece.

Perfect Uses for Each Fibre

Silk excels in lightweight garments worn close to the skin, offering exceptional comfort and elegance. Mohair provides exceptional insulation without excessive weight, keeping warm with minimal bulk.

Silk’s natural sheen makes it ideal for formal and evening wear, where fluidity and lustre enhance the design. Mohair’s resilience and structure work well for outerwear, helping garments maintain shape. Both fibres blend well with complementary materials to improve performance.

Designers often combine these fibres with others to create textiles that capitalise on their strengths while balancing any limitations. Silk-cotton blends offer improved washability while retaining much of silk’s signature drape, while mohair-wool combinations provide structure and consistency.

Cost of Silk & Mohair Fabric

Silk prices generally fall between £8.75 and £60.13 per metre. More affordable options are suitable for everyday dressmaking, while premium silks feature finer weaves, smoother textures, and a more luxurious finish. The final cost varies depending on the fabric’s quality, type, and width.

Mohair typically ranges from around £16.40 to £41.00 per metre, depending on quality and age. Kid mohair, from younger goats, is softer and more expensive, while adult mohair is slightly coarser and more affordable. Prices also vary based on fibre length, fineness, and whether the yarn is dyed or blended with other fibres.

Silk drapes effortlessly, following body contours for flowing dresses, blouses, and evening wear.

Factors That Affect the Final Price Tag

The price of silk and mohair reflects more than just the raw material. Both fabrics are produced in limited quantities, with rare types like Mulberry silk and kid mohair especially prized for their exclusivity. Sustainability and ethical production practices can also increase cost, as eco-friendly methods and responsible labour add value. 

The origin of the fibre also plays a role. Mulberry silk from China or Italy and fine South African mohair often command premium prices due to careful cultivation and selection. Special finishing techniques, such as sheen enhancement or hand-brushed textures, further enhance the price, as do blends with complementary fibres like cotton or wool, which balance durability and drape. 

Brand reputation and design exclusivity also influence retail pricing, with luxury labels often charging significantly more even for fabrics of similar quality. Finally, maintenance considerations, such as the need for delicate handling or professional cleaning, can add perceived value, making these natural fibres a worthwhile long-term investment.

Other factors include fibre quality, natural versus dyed materials, and grading or sorting methods.

How to Choose Between Silk & Mohair

Choosing between silk and mohair depends on your lifestyle, needs, and personal preferences. Rather than seeing them as rivals, view them as complementary luxury fibres, each excelling in different scenarios. Many enthusiasts incorporate both into their wardrobes, selecting whichever best suits the occasion and conditions.

Silk vs. Mohair Decision Matrix

Silk is ideal for breathability, next-to-skin comfort, formal elegance, lightweight insulation, and natural cooling. Mohair provides exceptional warmth, durability, structure, moisture resistance, and resilience. 

Typical silk items include blouses, scarves, lingerie, summer dresses, linings, and sleep masks, while mohair includes suits, sweaters, cardigans, outerwear, throws, and structured jackets. Starting with classic investment pieces, such as a versatile silk blouse or a cozy mohair cardigan, allows you to appreciate the unique qualities of each fibre.

Climate Considerations

Silk naturally regulates temperature, making it perfect for warmer climates or transitional seasons. Mohair performs well in cooler conditions, retaining heat even when damp. Humidity, temperature fluctuations, and seasonal layering should guide your choice.

Lifestyle Factors to Consider

Active lifestyles or households with children may benefit from mohair’s resilience and stain resistance, while silk suits professional or client-facing environments. Maintenance is important. 

Silk requires gentle care and occasional cleaning, whereas mohair often needs simple airing. Frequent travellers may prefer silk for its packability and wrinkle recovery, while mohair offers reliable warmth for commuting in cold or damp conditions.

Best Occasions for Each Fabric

Silk shines in formal and evening wear, business attire, and intimate garments due to its luminous sheen and elegant drape. Mohair stands out in cooler seasons and outdoor events, offering warmth, texture, and subtle lustre for sophisticated winter outfits or accessories.

Silk vs Mohair: Comparison Table

Which Luxury Fibre Wins?

The comparison between silk and mohair is less about competition and more about complementarity. Both fibres excel in their own qualities: silk with its unparalleled smoothness, fluid drape, and luminous sheen, and mohair with its resilient warmth and textured depth. 

For those seeking refined elegance, silk often takes the lead, particularly in garments worn close to the skin or for formal occasions, where its touch, movement, and natural cooling properties are unmatched.

True luxury lies in understanding each fibre’s strengths and selecting the right one for the occasion. A flowing silk evening dress, a polished blouse, or delicate silk accessories showcase sophistication in ways mohair cannot replicate. In contrast, mohair retains its place for structured outerwear and cozy winter staples. 

Appreciating the distinctive character of both transforms a wardrobe from ordinary to curated, elevating the wearer into a connoisseur of nature’s most exquisite textiles.

Mayfairsilk: Your Destination for True Luxury Silk Bedding

When it comes to silk bedding that combines timeless elegance, comfort, and conscientious craftsmanship, Mayfairsilk stands apart. Our collections are crafted from the finest 100% long‑fibre Mulberry silk, always Grade 6A (the top quality) and woven at a luxurious 22‑momme for sheets and 25‑momme for pillowcases.

Silk’s natural sheen and fluid drape make it the ultimate choice for elegant garments and luxurious bedding.

Our bedding is designed to deliver more than just softness. The dense, high‑quality silk weave gives a velvety‑smooth hand‑feel and a matte‑lustre finish that enhances any bedroom. The silk is naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified. It helps regulate temperature, maintain skin and hair moisture, and create a healthier sleep environment for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Beyond everyday bedding, we offer a refined approach to self-care. Our silk pillowcases, sheets, duvet sets, and accessories are thoughtfully crafted with attention to detail and sustainability, combining lasting comfort with eco-conscious practices.

If you’re investing in bedding and accessories that combine luxury, durability, and wellbeing, Mayfairsilk goes beyond bedding. It delivers a nightly ritual of comfort, indulgence, and style.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are silk or mohair blends better than pure fibres?

Blends can enhance performance for specific applications. Silk-cotton improves washability while preserving silk’s drape, while silk-mohair combines silk’s smooth sheen with mohair’s haloed softness for a multidimensional effect. Although blends offer versatility, pure fibres retain their signature characteristics and luxurious feel.

Can people with sensitive skin wear mohair?

Sensitivity to mohair varies by individual. Kid mohair is gentler on the skin than adult fibres. Layering with silk or cotton can prevent direct contact, and some mohair is specially treated to reduce prickle. Many people with mild wool sensitivities can wear mohair comfortably because it contains no lanolin.

Is mohair considered wool?

While often grouped with wool, mohair is a distinct fibre with unique characteristics. Its natural halo, smoothness, and thermal properties differentiate it from conventional wool, offering a luxurious alternative for specific garments and accessories.

Can silk be machine-washed?

Some modern silks can be machine-washed on delicate cycles, but hand washing remains the safest option. Proper care preserves silk’s natural sheen, softness, and strength, helping garments maintain their elegance and longevity.

How can I tell if I’m buying authentic silk or mohair?

Silk authenticity can be verified using the burn test, visual sheen, and compressibility, while mohair is identified by its lustre, fibre scale pattern under magnification, resilience, and price threshold. 

For those seeking genuine, high-quality silk with guaranteed authenticity, trusted brands like Mayfairsilk provide expertly sourced 100% long-fibre Mulberry silk, giving you peace of mind and the luxurious feel you expect from premium natural fibres.

 

*Note: The prices and product listings mentioned above are approximate and may vary over time or by location. Actual costs can differ based on pricing policies, provider experience, and market conditions.