haircloth

Haircloth is a stiff, wiry fabric primarily made from animal hair, such as horsehair or camel hair. It is often used for upholstery or as stiffening in garments.1

Horsehair, a common material for haircloth, is strong, lustrous, and resilient. The longest hairs are used for fabrics, while shorter lengths are used for bristles or stuffing. Haircloth fabric typically has lengthwise yarns of another fiber, like cotton, with long, crosswise yarns of horsehair. Historically, it was used for penitent's shirts and became popular for upholstery in the 19th century. While still used for interlining in tailored garments, synthetic fibers are increasingly replacing it.2