Yak wool

Yak wool comes from the domestic yak (Bos grunniens) — the long-haired bovine of the Tibetan plateau, Nepal, Bhutan and Mongolia. Nomads have processed yak hair for over a thousand years into tents, ropes and blankets. The coat contains three fibre types: coarse guard hair (79–90 µm), medium intermediate hair (20–50 µm) and fine down (16–20 µm) — the yak down.

Only yak down is used for textiles. It is combed out in late spring and summer without shearing the animals. Yak down is rich in hydrophobic myristic acid, which enhances its thermal performance: independent tests show 10–40 % better warmth than comparable merino wool. The hand is cashmere-like, the natural colour ranges from brownish black to silver grey. Used for base layers, pullovers, scarves and beanies — popular with brands such as Kora, Norlha and Shokay.

• Yak down at 16–20 µm — cashmere-like fineness
• 10–40 % warmer than merino wool at equal weight
• Combed, not shorn — animal-friendly
• Natural colours: brown-black, grey, cream