Qiviut (pronounced “kiv-ee-ute”) is the name for the downy hair of the musk ox. It is the warmest fiber in the world — about eight times as warm as sheep’s wool.
Muskoxen live in Alaska and Canada, where temperatures sometimes drop to –100ºF (-73ºC), so they need protection. The Inuktitut name for the musk ox is “umingmak” meaning the “bearded one.”
Qiviut is an ultralight fiber and very soft fiber too. However, there is a limited amount of Qiviut produced every year, so it’s expensive.
Less Expensive Alternative: Yak Wool
Yak wool is a more affordable alternative to Qiviut. Check out my list of Yak Wool clothes.
In Alaska, qiviut is obtained from farmed animals or gathered from the wild during the molt. Unlike sheep, musk oxen are not sheared.
I’ve been testing Qiviut scarfs — this fiber’s combination of intense warmth and ultralight hand is unique.
Qiviut Blankets
- 100% Qiviut Blanket by QiveutDesigns — $2560
Qiviut Jackets
- Qiviut Jacket by Qiviut and Co. Shop — £875 ($1125 USD)
Qiviut Sweaters
- Qiviuk offers a range of sweaters — prices range from $1300 to $2600
- 100% Qiviut Sweater by MountainMasche — $1348
Qiviut Gloves
- 100% Qiviut Gloves by Qiviuk – $249
Qiviut Scarves / Stoles
- 100% Qiviut Scarves by Qiviuk — $109 to $1029
- 80% Qiviut Scarf by Qiviut & Co. — 80% Greenland qiviut, 20% superfine merino — £155 ($202 USD)
- 100% Qiviut Stoles by Oomingmak — $300
- 100% Qiviut Stole by David Morgan — $440
Qiviut Beanies
- 100% Qiviut Beanie by Qiviuk — $259
- 100% Qiviut Beanie by AbsoluteQiviut — $220
Qiviut Socks
- 100% Qiviut Socks by Qiviuk — $89 to $239
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am impressed on the facts that you have published about Qiviuk and other ultrafine fibers. We started transforming this wonderful fibre about 20 years ago and have managed to bring it to its fullest in a variety of garments and accessories, some of which you have covered in your magazine. Our sources are from Alaska, Canada and Greenland.
I would welcome the opportunity to have a conversation and discuss some of the fascinating facts of this material and the Muskox. Furthermore we are also involved with Vicuna and Bison.
What should we know?
Do you guys buy musk ox skins if so can you call me 819-254-8276 ask for Allie or send me email for information please.
All of our items are made of 100% Qiviut and are natural in color. Knitted caps and scarves are as comfortable to wear on cool days in a warm climate as they are in cold weather. Qiviut, unlike wool, is not scratchy and does not shrink in any temperature of water. It is washable by hand in any mild detergent and will last for many years.
Qiviut is a very rare and highly prized sheep’s wool that is made in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It is the world’s only commercially-produced natural Arctic-wear, making it an incredibly valuable and sought after textile.
Well written article. But can these blankets be washed in a washing machine.
Thanks for the feedback. You should certainly hand wash qiviut items.
Looking at the first picture, I see an old man struggling with a difficult life!
Musk ox is so warm and SOFT, knitted perfectly with care and they fit!
Do you make muskox felt? I am looking for a warmer material to make high quality Duffles socks for the inside of kamiks, and to line mukluks, mitts and moccasins. I currently use a radiant thermal layer and sheepskin but I would like less bulk.
I wish clothes will not be made from animals’ skin, they have the right to live and it is inhumanity when people kill them for their benefits
OK, but the wool is naturally shed by Musk Ox, so no skin is involved.
lmaooo
The animals simply get a haircut…it is extremely humane and helps them cool off in the summer. It is helps their skin stay healthier. Northern temperatures are extreme…extremely cold in the winter and extremely hot in the summer.
Please educate yourself before assuming the worst.
This would be really great to have these blankets for my parents. But I got a question, are these blankets washable?
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am impressed on the facts that you have published about Qiviuk and other ultrafine fibers. We started transforming this wonderful fibre about 20 years ago and have managed to bring it to its fullest in a variety of garments and accessories, some of which you have covered in your magazine. Our sources are from Alaska, Canada and Greenland.
I would welcome the opportunity to have a conversation and discuss some of the fascinating facts of this material and the Muskox. Furthermore we are also involved with Vicuna and Bison.
Please feel free to contact me at (403) 762 5445 or on my cell (403) 760 9049.
Sincerely yours
Fernando
Muskox are stocky, wooly, hoofed and horned vertebrates that meander the Arctic tundra and are local to Canada, Greenland and the US state of Alaska.