Yak down is a very warm fiber that’s also lightweight and soft. It’s a more affordable alternative to the rare qiviut (musk ox down).
Yaks are primarily raised by nomadic Tibetan and Mongolian families. Their wool is combed once per year in the springtime.
Some advantages of yak wool:
- Yak wool is 66% more breathable and 40% warmer than merino, weight for weight
- Feels soft like cashmere — fibers average 18 microns (superfine)
- Wicks moisture efficiently and allows sweat vapor to escape from your skin, so you won’t overheat or feel clammy
- Naturally anti-bacterial — doesn’t hold odor
The major producers of yak wool clothing are: Khunu and Handcombed.
Women’s Yak Wool Sweaters
- 80% Yak Down Sweaters by Khunu — £160 ($205 USD) to £260 ($334 USD)
- 50% Yak Wool Sweater by Frank and Oak — $130
- 100% Yak Wool Sweater by Woolover — $89
- 100% Yak Wool Sweater by Citizen Cashmere — $194
Women’s Yak Wool Hoodies
- 100% Yak Wool Hoodie by Citizen Cashmere – $175
Women’s Yak Wool Scarves
- Update: I discovered Norlha makes many yak wool scarves and shawls
- 100% Yak Wool Scarf by Simplife– 27″ by 79″ — 3.3 oz — $89
- 100% Yak Wool Scarf by Simplife — 39″ x 79″ — 10.6 oz — $130
- 100% Yak Wool Scarf by Khunu
Women’s Yak Wool Socks
- 90% Yak Wool Socks — $18
- 90% Yak Wool Socks — $21
- 46% Yak Wool Hiking Socks — $38
Women’s Yak Wool Beanies
- 100% Yak Wool Beanie — $83