Mohair Velvet vs Cotton Velvet: Which to Specify

Mohair velvet and cotton velvet are the two natural-fibre velvets a UK designer chooses between most often. They look similar on a moodboard and perform very differently in a specification. This guide compares them across durability, fire rating, cleaning, appearance, and cost. For the full range of velvet fibres, see our velvet types guide.

The Core Difference

Mohair velvet has its pile woven from the hair of the Angora goat, a long, smooth, lustrous fibre of exceptional tensile strength. Cotton velvet has its pile woven from cotton, a shorter cellulose fibre. That fibre difference drives every specification distinction that follows: mohair is far more durable, carries an inherent fire rating, and has a directional sheen; cotton is softer in cost, matte in appearance, and needs treatment for contract fire compliance.

Comparison by Specification Measure

Which to Specify

For heavy contract upholstery in hotels, restaurants, bars, and hospitality seating, mohair velvet is the sounder specification. It reaches 80,000 to 100,000 Martindale rubs, carries an inherent Crib 5 fire rating in correctly certified ranges without the cost or handle change of topical treatment, and its directional sheen gives the depth of colour associated with luxury upholstery. Confirm the inherent Crib 5 pass with an independent certificate for the specific range.

For domestic upholstery, cushions, curtains, and headboards where budget matters and use is lighter, cotton velvet is a sound mid-range choice. A well-constructed heavyweight cotton velvet reaches sufficient durability for general domestic and light contract use, but it needs topical FR treatment for any contract environment, which adds cost and can flatten the pile. Always confirm the specific Martindale figure, since cotton velvet quality varies widely.

For the fire treatment implications, see our Crib 5 guide. For durability figures, see our Martindale rub test guide. For the full specification library organised by environment, application, and performance need, see our fabric buying guide by purpose.

Quick answers

What is the difference between mohair velvet and cotton velvet?
Mohair velvet has its pile woven from Angora goat hair and reaches 80,000 to 100,000 Martindale rubs with an inherent Crib 5 fire rating in correctly certified ranges. Cotton velvet has its pile woven from cotton, reaches 20,000 to 60,000 Martindale rubs depending on construction, and needs topical FR treatment for contract use. Mohair has a directional sheen and depth of colour that cotton velvet does not replicate.

Is mohair velvet worth the extra cost over cotton velvet?
For heavy contract use, yes. Mohair velvet reaches far higher abrasion figures, carries an inherent Crib 5 fire rating without the cost and handle change of topical treatment, and lasts longer in daily multi-user settings. For lighter domestic use where budget matters, cotton velvet is a sound choice at lower cost, provided its Martindale figure suits the application and FR treatment is added where contract fire compliance is required.

Which velvet is more durable, mohair or cotton?
Mohair velvet is more durable. It reaches 80,000 to 100,000 Martindale rubs against cotton velvet’s typical 20,000 to 60,000, and its long, strong Angora goat fibre resists crushing and wear better than cotton’s shorter fibre. Mohair is the more reliable natural-fibre velvet for contract upholstery.

To request cuttings of any KOTHEA velvet, visit KOTHEA.com/cuttings.