September has already snuck up on us, and winter is just around the corner. That means it’s time to pull out the jackets and sweaters from the back of our closets and start thinking in layers once again. Warm and cozy, that’s what we all want to be during the cold months.

What if you could update your winter wardrobe with something that fits the comfort criteria, but is also sustainable and eco-friendly? The answer lies with the people of Tibet, a snowbound Himalayan plateau where residents know a thing or two about designing clothes for cold places. Yak wool is a fiber that isn’t as common as sheep or goat wool, but it’s definitely better for the planet.

Yak Wool: Sustainable Fibers for a Greener Planet

Cashmere, commonly considered the finest, softest, and most luxurious wool, comes from Pashmina goats. If you’re even slightly familiar with goats of any breed, you’ll know they can be voracious grazers. In comparison, yaks are much more gentle grazers.

They only eat the tops of plants, as opposed to goats who like to rip up plants by the roots. The yaks’ softer approach prevents soil erosion and desertification, which are common side effects of overgrazing by livestock.

Yaks are also raised more sustainably. Traditionally reared by the people of Tibet, domesticated yak still live in nomadic herds. Their wandering lifestyle prevents them from destructively affecting local ecosystems since the herd moves on before overgrazing can occur. This nomadic approach to raising livestock is much more environmentally friendly than intensive farming at a single location, a behavior we see with sheep and goats.

Using yak wool for garments instead of cashmere, merino, and other environmentally intensive types of wool is a win-win situation. Not only is yak wool more eco-friendly than the alternatives, but it’s just as luxurious and snug as the finest cashmere! The properties of yak wool make it extremely desirable as a fiber for winter clothing:

Warmth: Yaks live at elevations of 15,000 to 20,000 feet so their cold-resistant wool was designed by Mother Nature herself. It’s been said to be even warmer than Merino wool!
Texture: Yak wool is just as soft as the finest cashmere. It’s made from the yaks’ soft, downy undercoat, and has a fiber diameter of 16 to 20 microns, which is comparable to cashmere’s fiber diameter of 14 to 21.
Anti-microbial: Even if you’re feeling hot under a yak wool garment, you don’t need to worry about sweating into the fabric. Yak wool has anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties that absorb moisture without building up odors and bacteria.

It’s time the world wakes up to the sustainable qualities of yak wool. The demand for sustainable products is growing as consumers become more environmentally conscious. A recent report from Nielsen IQ found that 78% of consumers recognize the importance of a sustainable lifestyle. Younger consumers are especially motivated to support sustainable products and brands as reported by Harvard Business Review during a survey held last year.

What Is Shokay?

The shift toward sustainability is gathering momentum. Companies like Shokay are reaping the benefits and helping others capitalize on this emerging demand. And it is committed to doing so through the unique power and properties of yak wool.

Shokay was founded over 17 years ago and has since been pushing for the inclusion of yak wool as a viable sustainable alternative to other fibers. The company designs its own collection of yak wool garments for men and women while supplying yak wool to other designers looking to go green. Shokay Lab is a community of like-minded brands, designers, retailers, and manufacturers ready to transform the sustainable clothing landscape with yak wool.

The company walks the talk with its Grassland Conservation Program. Through this initiative, Shokay works with local organizations like the Trachung Tsang Center which is working on restoring natural ecosystems in Tibet’s mountain plateau. A percentage of proceeds from all Shokay sales go toward its Community Development Fund. The fund is used to promote education and employment opportunities among the communities of Tibetan herders who care for the yaks.

Pros and Cons of Yak Wool Garments

Yak wool is harvested before the summer months when the yaks shed their undercoats. Each yak yields only a small amount of fiber, around 100 grams on average each year. This makes it a precious resource. Here are the pros and cons of working with yak wool.

Pros

Sustainable: The herding and harvesting methods used for yak wool are less demanding on the environment than other types of livestock farming.
Odor-resistant: The anti-microbial properties of yak wool make it odor-resistant.
Soft and warm: Yak wool effectively traps air between fibers, making it extremely warm while being comparable to wools like cashmere in terms of softness and luxury.

Cons

Limited supply: Yak wool is a seasonal, low-yield resource so it isn’t widely available.
Expensive: Yak wool is a luxury wool and is priced accordingly.
Coloration: Unlike sheep or goats who have white coats, yaks usually have reddish-brown coats, which are harder to dye. However, some herders rear white yaks and try to breed for the trait.

Shokay’s Yak Wool Products

In addition to supplying yak wool to like-minded sustainable designers and brands, Shokay has its own capsule collection that buyers can purchase directly. Their collection for women has 35 items, including crew-neck, cropped, and cable-knit sweaters along with a range of cardigans. The men's collection has 20 items ranging from collared shirts and cardigans to polo and crew-neck sweaters. Shokay also sells accessories like wool hats and sweaters in different colors.

Conclusion

Shokay’s product range is the perfect starting point for fashion enthusiasts and designers who want to explore the possibilities offered by yak wool. Supporting the brand also directs your money toward sustainable causes such as supporting the communities responsible for harvesting yak wool in Tibet. This winter, maybe it’s time you give yak wool a try!

VIEW SHOKAY

Shokay Brand Review: Why You Need Yak Wool in Your Winter Wardrobe