Horsehair

Horsehair fabrics are generally woven with a cotton or polyester warp and a horsehair weft. Horsehair is a staple protein fibre that comes from the tail of a horse. The horsehair in the fabric adds stiffness and was most commonly used by the upper classes in coats and other garments that required this stiffness. Today, however it is mainly used in interior upholstery fabrics. It was also used extensively in crinolines. Crinoline was a fabric made with a cotton or linen warp and a horsehair weft.  Horsehair does not absorb water easily, it can be dyed and it can be felted.