For knitwear there are several types of yarn, but angora yarn knitwear and sweaters are known as some of the best in the world. Though angora yarn is not as widely known as other wool types, such as that of the sheep, it is a very elegant and beautiful wool from a specific rabbit breed. This rabbit breed is said to have come originally from Turkey, though there are now several different strands of the breed.

Angora wool is actually preferred by royalty due to its rich color, feel and the fluffiness of the yarn that is made from the wool. It is also finer and more stain resistant in addition to being up to eight times warmer than sheep's wool. Also, if the yarn is spun in the right way it can appear very fluffy, just like a fur, but without the need of killing the rabbit. Thus handspun yarn from angora wool is great for sweaters, jackets, knitwear, and hand knit sweaters as well.

Several breeds of rabbits are prevalent today, from breeding grounds in Turkey, England, France, Germany and Chile. These five main types of wool have attributes and characteristics that differentiates them from each other. For instance, wool from rabbits bred in Chile is said to be the largest of them all and is thus highly sought after for hand spinning.

There is documentation extant that French royalty began a French royal angora wool collection to ensure that they had sufficient wool for their royal clothing. This collecting of wool was an integral part of what brought about the beginning of the French version of the breed of rabbit.

Using angora rabbit yarn for scarves mittens hats sweaters booties and other outerwear is a very humane way to produce warm and usable winter clothing that is also fashionable. The fur is naturally harvested from the animals in the same way that wool is harvested from sheep. Not any animals are killed for their fur, such as how the chinchilla is.

For people willing to pay the extra expense of having hand-spun yarn used in their clothing, a few companies offer custom made fluffy angora sweaters. The sweaters are perfect for anyone in the northern climate, for they are both warm and elegant. Additionally, they are resistant to the weather yet lighter than any other warm clothing available. An angora sweater custom made with angora fibers from Chilean rabbits, and handspun yarn, once in your family will be cherished for generations.