A Versatile and Sustainable Alternative To Cashmere, Which Is Highly Valued In The Himalayas

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ALTERNATIVES

Cashmere

DESCRIPTION

Yak fiber is produced from the coat of yaks, a long-haired bovine known as “hairy cattle” in China. There are two layers of yak hair, naturally ranging from brown to black in color. The fine yak fibers are considered warmer than merino, as soft as cashmere and as tough as camel.

HISTORY

In the 1800s, there were numerous yaks in Tibet, but after 1900 they were hunted almost to extinction. They are also considered a vulnerable species because of interbreeding with domestic cattle.It has made a welcome addition to a marketplace that is growing weary of cashmere.

WASH INTRUCTIONS

[1]Hand wash in cool water with mild soap or dry clean[2]Do not tumble dry[3]Avoid direct sunlight when drying[4]Remove excess water carefully without twisting

CHARACTERISTICS

  • Soft
  • Shiney, more lustrous than wool
  • Retains warmth, and is 10-15% warmer than wool

QUALITY

OUTER FIBERS79-90 MICRONSTHE OUTER FIBERS OF A YAK’S COAT ARE STRONG BUT COARSE TO THE TOUCH.
MIDDLE FIBERS20-50 MICRONSNATURALLY STRONG, BUT NOT STRONGER THAN THE OUTER LAYER FIBERS, AND NOT AS FINE AS THE DOWN FIBERS.
DOWN FIBERS16-20 MICRONSTHE INNER LAYER YEILDS PREMIUM FINE DOWN FIBERS THAT ARE SOFT AND WARM TO THE TOUCH.