What Is Camel Hair Fabric?
28 Jun 2024
Camel hair is a natural and environmentally friendly raw material used to manufacture various clothing and home accessories. The material has excellent thermal insulation properties, rarely causes allergies, and is easy to process. From the down of "desert ships," create a unique yarn that can keep warm even in severe frosts. Unlike similar materials, the wool of this animal is easy to care for. It does not roll up even after prolonged use.
Woolen fabrics are rightly considered the warmest in the world. However, these amazing properties of natural materials are not limited to this. This is what we will talk about in our article. Before discussing the advantages of camel hair fabrics, it is worth mentioning the animals that give a unique material - camels. These animals are some of the most enduring in the world. In ancient times, when the countries of the East were cut off from the world by endless deserts, only camels could overcome multi-kilometer distances under the scorching sun. Such endurance is provided by anatomical features, body structure and, of course, the camel's wool cover.
The main supplies of camel hair come from China, Mongolia, Tibet, Iran, Afghanistan, New Zealand and Australia. To collect camel wool cover along with machine shearing, they manually collect fallen wool shreds during seasonal molting, which falls in spring. Shaving can cause damage not only to the base of the camel's hair shaft but also the natural processes of maintaining the body temperature regime of the animal. This article aims to provide you with some "professional" information and give our customers an idea of how this valuable raw material is harvested, as well as the important properties of camel hair, such as color, quality, thickness, and fiber length.
Woolen fabrics are rightly considered the warmest in the world. However, these amazing properties of natural materials are not limited to this. This is what we will talk about in our article. Before discussing the advantages of camel hair fabrics, it is worth mentioning the animals that give a unique material - camels. These animals are some of the most enduring in the world. In ancient times, when the countries of the East were cut off from the world by endless deserts, only camels could overcome multi-kilometer distances under the scorching sun. Such endurance is provided by anatomical features, body structure and, of course, the camel's wool cover.
The main supplies of camel hair come from China, Mongolia, Tibet, Iran, Afghanistan, New Zealand and Australia. To collect camel wool cover along with machine shearing, they manually collect fallen wool shreds during seasonal molting, which falls in spring. Shaving can cause damage not only to the base of the camel's hair shaft but also the natural processes of maintaining the body temperature regime of the animal. This article aims to provide you with some "professional" information and give our customers an idea of how this valuable raw material is harvested, as well as the important properties of camel hair, such as color, quality, thickness, and fiber length.
What Is Camel Hair?
Camel hair, in a narrow sense, refers to camel fur, but in a more general sense refers to a fiber (and fabric) that can be made either from pure camel hair or from a blend of camel hair and another fiber. There are fabrics made of 100% camel hair, but in most cases, use a mixed type of fabric with the addition of natural or synthetic fibers.
Camel hair consists of two components: the shaft hair and the undercoat. The pin hair is the outer protective fur, coarse and inflexible, and can be woven into the hair fabric. (The pin hair can be softer and more luxurious by blending it with other fibers, especially wool.) The undercoat is shorter and finer than the pin hair, less protective, but more insulating. It is very soft and often used to manufacture textiles for coats .
Camel hair is harvested from double-humped camels in Asia, from eastern Turkey to China and Siberia. Major camel hair supplier countries are Mongolia, Tibet, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, China, New Zealand and Australia. Camel wool (Camel) is the downy underfur of the non-working double-humped camel (Bactrianus) found in Central and East Asia. The wool of the Mongolian Bactrian is considered to be the most valuable. The camel's wool cover consists of outer coarse hair (25-100 microns) and inner delicate down (17-21 microns), which makes up 80-85% of the volume. It is this that is referred to as "camel hair." Once a year, it is collected (or combed out) in the amount of 4-9 kg from one camel, sorted by color and composition, after which the finest and softest down is sent to produce fabrics. The lightest and finest down from young camels (up to a year old) is usually used to produce high-quality fabrics.
There are different densities and stiffnesses of camel hair. Camel's wool is heterogeneous in composition: its upper layer is made of stiff hair, under which there is more valuable and delicate down (80-85% of the total volume). That is why animals are not sheared but only comb out the soft undercoat. It is taken from goose camels once every five years, which largely determines the costliness of this wool.
The softest knitted fabric comes from the camel's undercoat, while the stiff outer hair is harvested to make coarse, dense wool. The undercoat is used to make fine and soft yarns and sew clothing and accessories that come into direct contact with the human skin and body. Coarse camel hair is used to make the outer layers of fabrics, such as coats and capes. Dense camel hair protects against moisture and has high durability, so it is often used for sewing demi-seasonal and winter clothing. Closet items made of camel hair are in demand because of its softness, unusual texture and thermo-regulating properties, thanks to which it is not cold in winter and not hot in fall.
Camel hair consists of two components: the shaft hair and the undercoat. The pin hair is the outer protective fur, coarse and inflexible, and can be woven into the hair fabric. (The pin hair can be softer and more luxurious by blending it with other fibers, especially wool.) The undercoat is shorter and finer than the pin hair, less protective, but more insulating. It is very soft and often used to manufacture textiles for coats .
Camel hair is harvested from double-humped camels in Asia, from eastern Turkey to China and Siberia. Major camel hair supplier countries are Mongolia, Tibet, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, China, New Zealand and Australia. Camel wool (Camel) is the downy underfur of the non-working double-humped camel (Bactrianus) found in Central and East Asia. The wool of the Mongolian Bactrian is considered to be the most valuable. The camel's wool cover consists of outer coarse hair (25-100 microns) and inner delicate down (17-21 microns), which makes up 80-85% of the volume. It is this that is referred to as "camel hair." Once a year, it is collected (or combed out) in the amount of 4-9 kg from one camel, sorted by color and composition, after which the finest and softest down is sent to produce fabrics. The lightest and finest down from young camels (up to a year old) is usually used to produce high-quality fabrics.
There are different densities and stiffnesses of camel hair. Camel's wool is heterogeneous in composition: its upper layer is made of stiff hair, under which there is more valuable and delicate down (80-85% of the total volume). That is why animals are not sheared but only comb out the soft undercoat. It is taken from goose camels once every five years, which largely determines the costliness of this wool.
The softest knitted fabric comes from the camel's undercoat, while the stiff outer hair is harvested to make coarse, dense wool. The undercoat is used to make fine and soft yarns and sew clothing and accessories that come into direct contact with the human skin and body. Coarse camel hair is used to make the outer layers of fabrics, such as coats and capes. Dense camel hair protects against moisture and has high durability, so it is often used for sewing demi-seasonal and winter clothing. Closet items made of camel hair are in demand because of its softness, unusual texture and thermo-regulating properties, thanks to which it is not cold in winter and not hot in fall.
Characteristics of Camel Hair Fabric
Natural thermoregulation
You have probably asked yourself why a camel with thick, long hair is not hot. Because its coat prevents overheating and overcooling. Camel hair fibers are hollow inside. This creates an "air cushion" that acts as an insulator and prevents heat loss. In the heat, wool works as a buffer - removing excess heat outside and maintaining a comfortable microclimate near the body's surface.
Hypoallergenicity
Camel hair not only does not cause allergies but also soothes irritated skin. People with atopic dermatitis and other problems of an allergenic nature can wear woolen things. Camel hair fibers repel dust, prevent diseases of the upper respiratory tract and reduce the risk of exacerbations in people with chronic respiratory system pathologies.
Hygroscopicity
The special structure of camel hair fibers provides effective moisture removal seven times faster than any other textile. Sweat and vapors are carried away from the skin as if by capillaries and evaporate through the upper layers. At the same time, the product does not get wet and remains pleasant to the touch.
Air permeability
This fabric can freely transmits air and does not interfere with skin breathing and micro ventilation.
Environmental friendliness
Natural material does not accumulate static electricity and protects against electromagnetic fields and radiation.
High durability
With external airiness and weightlessness, camel hair is extremely durable and resistant to abrasion and wear.
Tactile comfort
Incredibly soft, delicate camel hair does not prickle when worn and does not cause any discomfort.
Lightweight
In lightness, camel hair has often surpassed all other types of wool.
Therapeutic and cosmetic properties
When constantly wearing camel hair fabric products, the skin acquires a special tenderness due to the natural wax lanolin, which penetrates well into the skin when heated to body temperature. The passive massage provided by the fine hairs improves skin condition: it reduces swelling and increases turgor. In addition, this kind of fabric improves microcirculation, strengthens muscles and joints, fades inflammatory processes, and eliminates neuralgic, muscular and rheumatic pains.
Warmth retention
The secret of the special warmth of camel hair products lies in the special structure of the hairs. Each hair is empty inside, ensuring low thermal conductivity, i.e., heat retention. It is not cold in clothes made of camel hair or under a plaid, even in severe frosts. And in the heat, it will help not to overheat: camels calmly tolerate heat over 50 degrees! Camel's wool absorbs moisture perfectly, leaving the body always dry. This property was used even by ancient Egyptian women: they wore corsets made of camel down to keep their waists slim.
You have probably asked yourself why a camel with thick, long hair is not hot. Because its coat prevents overheating and overcooling. Camel hair fibers are hollow inside. This creates an "air cushion" that acts as an insulator and prevents heat loss. In the heat, wool works as a buffer - removing excess heat outside and maintaining a comfortable microclimate near the body's surface.
Hypoallergenicity
Camel hair not only does not cause allergies but also soothes irritated skin. People with atopic dermatitis and other problems of an allergenic nature can wear woolen things. Camel hair fibers repel dust, prevent diseases of the upper respiratory tract and reduce the risk of exacerbations in people with chronic respiratory system pathologies.
Hygroscopicity
The special structure of camel hair fibers provides effective moisture removal seven times faster than any other textile. Sweat and vapors are carried away from the skin as if by capillaries and evaporate through the upper layers. At the same time, the product does not get wet and remains pleasant to the touch.
Air permeability
This fabric can freely transmits air and does not interfere with skin breathing and micro ventilation.
Environmental friendliness
Natural material does not accumulate static electricity and protects against electromagnetic fields and radiation.
High durability
With external airiness and weightlessness, camel hair is extremely durable and resistant to abrasion and wear.
Tactile comfort
Incredibly soft, delicate camel hair does not prickle when worn and does not cause any discomfort.
Lightweight
In lightness, camel hair has often surpassed all other types of wool.
Therapeutic and cosmetic properties
When constantly wearing camel hair fabric products, the skin acquires a special tenderness due to the natural wax lanolin, which penetrates well into the skin when heated to body temperature. The passive massage provided by the fine hairs improves skin condition: it reduces swelling and increases turgor. In addition, this kind of fabric improves microcirculation, strengthens muscles and joints, fades inflammatory processes, and eliminates neuralgic, muscular and rheumatic pains.
Warmth retention
The secret of the special warmth of camel hair products lies in the special structure of the hairs. Each hair is empty inside, ensuring low thermal conductivity, i.e., heat retention. It is not cold in clothes made of camel hair or under a plaid, even in severe frosts. And in the heat, it will help not to overheat: camels calmly tolerate heat over 50 degrees! Camel's wool absorbs moisture perfectly, leaving the body always dry. This property was used even by ancient Egyptian women: they wore corsets made of camel down to keep their waists slim.
Where Is Camel Wool Produced?
Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. These countries are considered major suppliers of camel hair. However, the recognized favorite of manufacturers remains the raw material obtained from two-humped camels - Bactrians. Mongolia is the main source of such material. No wonder Mongolian factories are the most respected manufacturers of camel hair blankets in the world.
Russia. Many companies producing textiles for the home have blankets made of camel hair in their assortment. Raw materials for these products are most often imported because the Russian part of the Bactrian herd from Buryatia and Kalmykia can not meet the entire need for wool.
China. It is believed that this country has the world's largest population of domestic camels. China provides raw materials for both the domestic market and producers outside it. Brands from China are not represented on the Russian market, but their products can be ordered at your own risk through specialized sites.
Europe. Brands from Europe mainly work with merino wool. Since the production facilities are already set up to work with such raw materials, imported camel wool is also used. However, due to the many transportation markups, the products of European factories are very expensive.
Russia. Many companies producing textiles for the home have blankets made of camel hair in their assortment. Raw materials for these products are most often imported because the Russian part of the Bactrian herd from Buryatia and Kalmykia can not meet the entire need for wool.
China. It is believed that this country has the world's largest population of domestic camels. China provides raw materials for both the domestic market and producers outside it. Brands from China are not represented on the Russian market, but their products can be ordered at your own risk through specialized sites.
Europe. Brands from Europe mainly work with merino wool. Since the production facilities are already set up to work with such raw materials, imported camel wool is also used. However, due to the many transportation markups, the products of European factories are very expensive.
Camel Wool Care and Cleaning
#1 Camel hair products should be washed in warm water, not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
#2 Detergents designed for natural wool should be used.
#3 It is desirable to use a special shampoo with lanolin extract.
#4 Products made of camel hair can not be squeezed in a centrifuge and dried in the sun.
#5 Camel hair products are very well influenced by airing outdoors during high humidity.
#6 Products made of natural camel hair are easy to clean at home. In winter, you can take them out on freshly fallen snow, beat them a little on both sides and dry them at home in a straightened state.
#2 Detergents designed for natural wool should be used.
#3 It is desirable to use a special shampoo with lanolin extract.
#4 Products made of camel hair can not be squeezed in a centrifuge and dried in the sun.
#5 Camel hair products are very well influenced by airing outdoors during high humidity.
#6 Products made of natural camel hair are easy to clean at home. In winter, you can take them out on freshly fallen snow, beat them a little on both sides and dry them at home in a straightened state.
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