Yak wool and cashmere accessories made in Nepal
Yak wool · warm, durable, naturally coloured

Himalayan Yak Wool

Yak wool is not a cashmere substitute so much as a different proposition: warmer for its weight than sheep’s wool, more robust than cashmere, and with a natural colour palette that needs no dyeing to look considered.

How it compares

Cashmere Yak wool
Handle Finer, softer next to skin Soft but with more substance
Warmth High for weight High; yak down insulates at altitude
Durability Requires care More resilient in wear
Natural colour Pale naturals Browns, greys, charcoals, near-black
Position Luxury Accessible luxury

Specifications

Style Composition Size Weight
Yak scarf 100% yak wool 35 × 180 cm 130 g
Yak shawl 100% yak wool By project By style
Yak / cashmere blend To specification By project By style

Minimum order and lead time follow the woven range: from 20–30 pieces per style, 5 per colourway, approximately 45–60 working days.

Where it fits in a range

Brands typically use yak in one of two ways: as the opening price point beneath a cashmere line, or as a deliberately rugged counterpoint to it — heavier constructions, natural undyed shades, a different customer occasion. Both work. What does not work is presenting yak as cashmere, and we will not label it that way.

Provenance, stated honestly

Yak are integral to life in the high Himalaya, herded across Nepal’s mountain districts for milk, transport and fibre. The soft down is combed from the undercoat. We do not claim a single-origin traceable supply chain for yak fibre, because we cannot substantiate one; what we can tell you is how we buy, spin, weave and finish it. If traceability is a requirement for your programme, tell us early and we will tell you what is and is not verifiable.

Further reading

All cashmere insights →

Related

Enquire about this range

Tell us what you are planning and we will tell you honestly whether yak or cashmere is the better fit.

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