yak – the fibre we didn't know we were looking for
yak found its way into the Khoj Vrångö range during my last visit to Kathmandu in November. the owner of Friendly Export, the supplier I work with, proudly showed me their latest addition — yak shawls, woven in their workshop. I brought a few home to Vrångö to try, and they sold out within days. when I placed my next order it felt like an easy decision to give yak a proper place in the range. and here we are.
what is yak fibre?
yak are large, long-haired animals native to the Tibetan plateau, where their soft undercoat has been used for warmth for thousands of years. once a year, during the natural moulting season, the undercoat is combed — never sheared. it's one of the quieter stories in the world of natural fibres, not as well known as cashmere or merino, but remarkable in its own right.
the fibre measures between 16 and 20 microns — fine, light, and exceptionally warm. it comes in just two natural, undyed shades — dark brown and light brown.
100% yak, from Tibet to Kathmandu
a lot of what you find labelled "yak" is actually a blend — mixed with other fibres to cut costs. ours are 100% yak, with the raw fibre sourced from Tibet and woven by the artisans at Friendly Export in Kathmandu. nothing added, nothing hidden.
if you've never tried a yak shawl before, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. not because it's dramatic — but because it isn't. it's just warm, honest, and quietly beautiful.