Why is yak yarn so good for knitwear
What is a yak and why is the yarn good for knitwear
A yak is a large, sturdy bovine animal native to the high-altitude regions of Mongolia, Tibet, and Nepal. Thanks to their thick underlayer of incredibly fine hair downy undercoat, these yaks are naturally equipped to survive brutal winters.
In early spring, the yaks begin to shed this warm undercoat naturally. Local herders gently hand-comb the loose fibres—no shearing or harm involved. This method is cruelty-free, deeply rooted in centuries-old nomadic traditions, and supports sustainable incomes for remote communities.
The Key Benefits of Yak Yarn
Yak yarn offers an impressive combination of qualities that make it ideal for premium knitwear:
Unmatched softness: Yak down is comparable to cashmere (16–20 microns). It is beautifully soft and a delight to wear!
Superior warmth without bulk: As a hair it has a hollow fibre structure that helps to trap heat efficiently and makes it 30–40% warmer than wool without the weight. These insulating properties have been relied upon by nomads in the Trans-Himalayan region for centuries.
Naturally breathable and moisture wicking: Yak yarn regulates body temperature effortlessly to stay dry and comfortable in any season - it is also hypoallergenic.
Durable and long lasting: Stronger than cashmere and less prone to pilling, yak yarn garments maintain their shape and softness over time. They can be washed as for wool in a machine with a low temperature and low spin speed using a gentle liquid detergent.
Gentle on the land: Unlike cashmere goats, which can overgraze and damage fragile grasslands, yaks are naturally low-impact grazers. The yaks are domesticated and roam free in the Tibetan Plateau with the herders following them in a nomadic pattern throughout the seasons. They help to maintain the delicate ecosystem of the area grazing on a variety of flora, fertilizing the land with their manure and spreading the seeds with their broad hooves.
Because yaks can survive on sparse vegetation and require less water than other livestock, they support biodiverse, sustainable grasslands. Through our yak knitwear, together we support herding communities and protect some of the most climate-sensitive landscapes on earth.
Eco-friendly and biodegradable: Yak wool is a sustainable alternative to mass produced fibres – it is renewable, low-impact, and biodegradable.
How Yak Yarn Becomes Knitwear
The transformation from fibre to fashion involves several careful steps.
Combing: Yaks are combed during the moulting season to gather the softest undercoat -this is all done by hand, so the animal is not harmed.
Sorting and cleaning: Only the finest down and the outer guard hairs are removed.
Spinning into yarn: The cleaned fibres are spun into 100% yak yarn or blended with other luxury fibres such as cashmere or merino, although for Misty Cashmere, we only use pure yak yarn for our knitwear.
Dyeing: Yak yarn, naturally rich in shades like chocolate brown, cream and grey, can also be dyed. However, as the yarn is such a wonderful deep colour, we use it undyed for our yak jumpers, scarves, and beanies.
Ethical Sourcing: We partner with cooperatives that work directly with nomadic herding families, ensuring fair trade practices and traceable sourcing. In this way we support ethical labour practices, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
Yak Knitwear from Misty Cashmere
Soft, breathable, and knitted to last—yak yarn brings together luxury and sustainability like no other material. When you wear one of our yak sweaters, beanies or scarves you can do so in the knowledge that you are helping maintain a way of life and supporting ethical and sustainable resources.
Men's Zip Neck Jumper in Dark Yak Yarn
Men's Zip Neck Jumper in Light Yak Yarn