After my last blog, I did a bit of research about Camel hair used in clothing. Here is what I found out...
Camel Hair
Like other luxury wools, camel hair is extremely soft, durable, lustrous, lightweight, and warm. Clothing manufacturers prefer the fabric in its natural state (a buttery, golden brown), but it is sometimes dyed navy, red, or dark brown. Since it is so highly prized and expensive to harvest, camel hair is usually blended with sheep's wool to make it more economical for the manufacturer to produce.
Camel hair comes from the Bactrian (two hump) camel, which is bred in the extremely cold climates of China and Mongolia. The hair is gathered when the camel molts instead of by shearing or clipping. The fibers are used in the making of suits, coats, blazers, jackets, skirts, hosiery, caps, and robes. Because of its warmth, camel hair is also widely used for sweaters, gloves, scarves, mufflers, overcoats, quilts, etc.
- Luxurious fabric.
- Extremely soft and fine.
- Lustrous.
- Durable and lightweight.
In fact, there is even a Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute.
Background and History
The Cashmere & Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute (CCMI) is an international trade association representing the interests of producers and manufacturers of camel hair and cashmere fiber, yarn, fabric and garments throughout the world. Formed in 1984 as the Cashmere & Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute of America, the Institute changed is name in 1990 to better reflect the international character of its membership and activities. Today, the Institute is the leading authority on domestic and international issues concerning these luxury fibers and advises on labeling, international standards, supply and market trends.
Okay, maybe I shouldn't turn up my nose to camel hair. What wonderful things are out there?
Reg. $398, On Sale $159
Reg. $225, On Sale $100
Still my favorite
Back in 2011, even J Crew had one...at $325
From JCrew: “A wear-forever favorite (and a veritable work of art): This beautiful cable-knit sweater was hand knit for us in luxurious Italian merino and supersoft camel hair. The incredibly intricate design requires many hours to complete—but some things are worth it. Italian merino wool/camel hair/poly. Crewneck. Long sleeves. Hits at hip. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only.”
Well I got schooled.
Do you have camel toe..I mean hair?
I have two camel hair coats, it's one of those fabrics that you can look at and think 'ah camel hair" it's very distinctive but I cannot imagine it in a jumper!
ReplyDeleteVery pricey jumpers at that.
DeleteI have a camel hair coat and it is so warm and i get people who aren't into fabrics ask me what material it is. But I agree with Tabs - I don't know what it would be like in a jumper...
ReplyDeleteDon't forget it's usually mixed with poly, angora, toothpaste, and cashmere.
DeleteUm, nope, still no to the camel hair sweaters. It didn't feel luxurious in the Vince wool blend I tried on. But thanks for the research! :)
ReplyDeleteBut my favorite sweater looks so beautiful...I just wanted it to work sooooo bad. But, I'll probably break out into hives. Sigh.
DeleteJust trying to picture my own two sizeable front humps covered in camel hair.....not unless it's Fancy Dress!
ReplyDeleteWell at least you'd be a two hump camel...not the pitiful one humper in a jumper.
DeleteI had a camel hair coat from Ralph Lauren (old school Purple Label that is now called Collection.) It was just wonderful: soft and very warm. I was sad to send it off to church rummage. I've seen camel hair jackets but haven't noticed sweaters. Perhaps the quality of the camel hair used in blends isn't the same as what is used in outerwear and heavier garments.
ReplyDeleteI know they blend it to cut down the cost. I am sure your beautiful coat sold today would be a very expensive investment. I find it amazing all the stuff they now include in "blends" for sweaters.
DeleteI think I would consider a coat, but no to a sweater as angora makes me itch like crazy and some merinos and cashmeres! Learned a lot today!
ReplyDeleteI'd be one big blotch...with a cute sweater.
DeleteI've had a Camel hair coat, and it was scratchy. Must have been blended with wool. I actually had a lesson in spinning on loose camel hair. It was the softest fiber I ever felt. I couldn't spin it worth a damn, but it was soft. No camel toes for me. They hurt:)
ReplyDeleteMy mother in law actually saved her cats hair and had it spun and made into a scarf...just a bit too crazy for me.
DeleteYou are joking!
DeleteNo I'm not. I'm telling you it's bat shit crazy over here.
DeleteOMG. I thought my mother in law was a piece of work!! Yours takes the cake!
DeleteI came *this* close to ordering that Brooks Brothers sweater, but I was afraid it would be itchy. I do have a jacket/shirt in burgundy camel hair from MaxMara (like a Pendleton 49er, but no plaid). It is surprisingly soft. Actually, if you do ever decide to get a camel coat, I really suggest hitting up one of the MaxMara outlets in August.
ReplyDeleteI think the camel hair is rich and soft, it's the other stuff they mix with it that makes it itchy. Me thinks I'll stick with cotton and cashmere for now.
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