Camel Wool: An Environmentally Friendly Fiber

Where Does Camel Wool Come From?

Camel wool, which is also known as camel cashmere is made from the hairs of the Bactrian camel. Unlike most camels that have short hair, Bactrian camels have longer coats, making them the ideal candidates for fabrics and textiles.

Known for their double hump, Bactrian camels are typically found in Asia, between Turkey, China, and Siberia. The greatest populations of these camels are in the Mongol Steppes region.

Types of Camel Wool

A close up shot of the luxurious texture and color of camel hair.

Retrieved from: CamelUs

Both the hair from the undercoat and outer guard of the camel are used for different types of camel hair fibers. The undercoat of the Bactrian camel acts as an insulator, making the material very soft and warm. Most camel hair garments and fabrics are made from the undercoat of the camel due to its soft texture and superior ability to insulate.

The guard hair is meant to provide warmth and protection for Bactrian camels in harsh climates. The texture of the guard hairs are much coarser than those of the undercoat, making them less desirable for fabrics, and more desirable for textiles such as carpets.

7 different hues of camel hair fiber

Retrieved from: SpinOff

There are three types of grade for camel hair fabrics, low-grade, medium-grade, and high-grade fibers. The lower grade fibers are much thicker and coarser than the medium and high-grade fibers. Sourced from the guard hairs of the camel, these hairs are not typically used in garments, but rather other textiles such as carpets, tents, and cloaks.

The medium-grade and high-grade fibers both come from the undercoat of the camel. Medium-grade camel hair is longer and coarser than the high-grade fibers. High-grade camel wool is extremely soft and fine in texture with a light tan color. The finer the camel hair, the higher the grade of the fiber.

Sustainability of Camel Wool

Unlike most types of wool, camel wool is sustainably sourced. In the late spring and early Summer seasons, Bactrian camels shed their hair naturally, making the harvesting process for this fiber much safer for the animals. By waiting until their camel’s hair falls off, breeders eliminate the need to shear the hair off themselves and risk mistreating the animals. Some breeders may shear their camels if the hair has not naturally shed itself, but they remain conscious of leaving the camel’s humps untouched. The protective layer of hair on the humps of camels act as a barrier against diseases.

Uses for Camel Hair

Due to its thermostatic properties, camel hair is an exceptional insulator. The fibers of the camel hair keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Garments that are made out of camel hair also provide the same qualities, making the material very versatile.

Different shades of cardigans and jackets made from camel wool

Retrieved from: Moth Prevention

The most common uses for camel hair are in garments such as jackets, coats, blazers, sweaters, and skirts. Camel wool is also used in accessories such as gloves, hats, and scarves since they make a great protective layer against harsh winters.

The coarser, low-grade camel hair is more likely to be used in things such as bedding and carpets. While the best quality of camel wool comes from pure camel hair, different grades can be accomplished by blending the hair with regular wool.

A Rise in the Demand for Camel Hair

In recent years, the internet has given consumers a platform to learn more about the products they buy, where they come from, and the effect they have on the world. Due to an increase in eco-conscious shopping among consumers, companies are looking for ways to make their products environmentally friendly. The need for more natural materials in the textile industry has lead many designers to the incredible camel hair fiber. Since the hair is naturally sourced, companies that chose to use the material are minimizing their carbon footprint tremendously. The cruelty-free process of collecting the camel hair is also an aspect that many customers search for when consciously shopping.

The natural process of camel hair collection is sure to make eco-conscious shoppers feel confident in their purchases. Unlike cashmere, camel hair will not make you question the unethical production that goes into making garments. It is for these reasons that camel hair is likely to increase in popularity in the fashion and textile industry.

References:

Camel Hair Fabrics - What are they? Camel Hair vs Wool. (n.d.). Www.mothprevention.com. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.mothprevention.com/blogs/the-art-of-prevention/camel-hair-fabrics

‌Camel Hair Is A Highly Sought After and Sustainable Fiber For The Fashion World. (2012, October 2). EcoSalon. https://ecosalon.com/fiber-watch-camel-hair-for-sustainable-luxury-from-the-steppes/

‌Fiber Basics: Bactrian Camel. (n.d.). Spin Off. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://spinoffmagazine.com/fiber-basics-bactrian-camel/