Yak Wool Sweaters

Have you ever wondered about wearing a yak wool sweater? The domesticated yak is a large hairy ox or cow found around the Himalayas, Tibet and Mongolian regions. The undercoat can be brushed to provide a wool, which is then spun to be knitted. It comes in a variety of colours and can be dyed, too. It is often mixed with other wools, including merino and even silk. In this guide, I’ll show you that it is as easy to wear as any other wool sweater. And it’s sustainable too!

Yak Wool Properties

Yak wool has many of the same properties as other wools you might be more familiar with. It’s warm, cosy, breathable, odour-resistant, biodegradable, and suitable for layering—check out the base layers from Kora. They will last for years and look great.

Is it warmer than wool?

Yak wool is very warm without being too heavy. It’s excellent as a base layer or an oversized over-the-top jumper/sweater. It can be spun fine to create warmth without being too bulky.

Is it breathable?

Yes, the fabric breathes, making it comfortable if the temperature drops or climbs.

Is it itchy?

One of the most important questions to ask before buying a jumper is: Is yak wool fiber itchy? No, it’s very soft and feels almost like cashmere or luxurious sheep wool. For more non-itchy jumpers, check out these sustainable sweaters.

Does yak wool pill?

Yes, yak wool pills after a good few wears. Along with most other wools, such as alpaca wool and cashmere. A pill shaver or cashmere comb is the best way to deal with pills. Removing the pills will keep the garment looking fresh for years to come. Check here for more tips to make clothes last longer.

Which is better: yak wool or cashmere?

They are both lovely to wear. But cashmere is overproduced, straining the global supply chain. Therefore, yak knitwear is more sustainable, as there is less on the market at the moment.

Which is better: yak wool or merino?

Merino wool is much finer, so it’s difficult to compare. But they are both odour-resistant, soft, and biodegradable. Often, yak is mixed with merino to create a soft and durable wool. Check out these favourite Merino wool brands.

Ways to style a yak wool jumper

Yak wool can be styled like every other sweater or jumper. The white jumper in the images is slightly cropped, and I love wearing it with the long green dress to create a casual look. It looks comfy and slouchy but still put together. The jumper also looks great with jeans. It’s a good idea to keep a few neutral jumpers, which are great for throwing over dresses to make them more wearable in the daytime.

On the other hand, the green jumper is more of a showpiece. It looks great with the gold sequinned skirt to create more of a statement. However this jumper also looks great with jeans. The green shade is inspired by Tibetan grasslands, and even though it is bright, it still acts as a neutral shade in a way.

Is yak wool ethical?

The yak is a large domesticated hairy ox. Its undercoat is brushed out to remove excess wool, which shouldn’t hurt the animal. Buying from an ethical brand helps ensure the animals are treated fairly during this procedure. Yaks are generally reared in Tibet and Mogolia regions, so they have nice, oversized, fluffy coats. However, they can get too hot in the warmer months if the coat isn’t brushed out.

Is it expensive?

I’ve linked some brands below. They use sustainably sourced yak wool and fairly pay everyone in the supply chain. This means the garments often cost a bit more, but they are worth it!

How do I wash yak wool?

Yak wool sweaters can be washed much the same as cashmere or wool, i.e., not very often. The wool is breathable and will thank you for airing it out occasionally rather than washing it. They can be washed by hand or in a delicate cold wool cycle in the washing machine—dry flat to prolong the shape. This is an excellent post if you want more laundry tips.

How do I store a wool sweater?

Keep it folded in a drawer. This will help keep the shape and stop it from stretching out. Whatever you do, don’t hang them, as the hangers will leave marks on the shoulders, which will be difficult to remove.

Where can you buy clothing made from responsible yak wool?

The jumpers in the images in this post are from Shokay, and they have a wide range of clothing for men and women, all responsibly sourced and produced. Many of the jumpers are yak wool mixed with another type of wool, and they also sell 100% yak pieces. The scarves are beautiful.

Norlha is a mother-and-daughter brand that creates luxury and sustainable yak clothing and homewares. Many garments are mixed with silk, creating a beautiful fabric. Each piece has a ‘garment journey’ description that outlines the work that has gone into it.

For performance base layers, try Kora. They have engineered a new fabric combining yak and merino for added warmth and durability for all winter activities. The dark jewel colours are lovely. They also sell yak and merino wool hats for winter. Here are more cosy, sustainable winter wool hats.

BAM Clothing also have a selection of yak and merino jumpers. They are part of the 73 Zero Take-back scheme and a more chunky knit than some other suggestions. They are great for throwing on over yoga leggings.

For more wool jumpers, these are wool jumpers made in Britain.

What about knitting your own?

Buying the wool for your project is possible. A few brands produce yak wool, which is often mixed with another type of wool, like the garments above. If you are in the mood for knitting, these are beautiful sweater patterns.

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