Yak Wool Origins

We are committed to sourcing the highest quality materials and yak is one of the most precious types of wool in the world. We traveled to the source to meet the nomadic herdsmen to learn for ourselves where this precious fiber comes from. 

For thousands of years, yaks have evolved to survive and thrive in the extreme high-altitude conditions of the Himalayas. As the highest dwelling wool-bearing mammal in the world living at altitudes of 15,000ft–-20,000ft, yaks are very valuable animals in the Himalayan economy.

Under such unforgiving conditions, they produce a remarkable fiber classified as a luxury fiber due to its rarity and softness. Known for its many amazing qualities including durability, sustainability, comfort/temperature regulating, moisture wicking and allergen friendly. 

Khullu is the fiber grown around the neck and belly of yak. Khullu is some of the highest performing wool that is extremely durable while maintaining a soft and luxurious hand feel. Yak wool is obtained both by shearing or by combing. Yak herders traditionally comb their animals regularly a few weeks before shearing in order to obtain a fine undercoat in advance. At the beginning of summer, the animals lose their undercoat naturally. Around 1,000 tons of yak wool worldwide is obtained through the labor and time intensive process. 

The collected wool is then spun, knit and assembled at a unique handloom weaving cooperative in a Himalayan mountainside village in Northern India where wool weaving has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Learn more here.

Shop our Yak Collection.