Yak

Yak fiber is commonly recognized as the coat that covers these long-haired animals that live mainly in the areas of the Himalayas, in the highlands of Tibet and in some areas of Mongolia and Central Asia.

THE DOWN FIBER 

Yak is the finest fiber (16-20 micron) and is generally shed by the animal during late spring/early summer period. Therefore, this fine feather-like layer needs to be harvested before it is shed in the yearly moult. Yak wool has similar properties to other animal fibers including breathability and static- resistance, but has been proven to outperform sheep wool in a number of areas.

YAK PROPERTIES

• Warmth: In woolen garments, air pockets are created between the fibers that reduce the rate of heat transfer. Yak wool is rich in a waterproof fatty acid. Independently conducted tests on yak down have suggested that it is warmer than Merino wool.
• Softness: The diameter of the down fiber of Yak ranges between 16 and 20 microns, making its softness comparable to that of Cashmere.
• Breathability: Yak fiber can absorb over 30% of moisture, more than cotton (20%) and much more than polyester that can only absorb 1% of its weight.
• Odor-resistance: The anti-microbial properties of yak fibers prevent bacteria from proliferate thereby considerably reducing sweat odors.