Many brands are made in China. While they shouldn't and often don't lie about the country of origin, they don't quite announce it from the roof top. Instead, they quietly leave a fine print on their labels, hoping that you won't ask more questions.
Today, we are answering the question. Why are our yak cashmere socks made in China?
Raw material sourcing
In order to make woolen apparel that doesn't itch, the individual fiber must be find enough (around 16 to 18 microns) so that the fiber doesn't prick the skin. According to the NAYAK association, North American yak famers documented that their yaks, raised in the American prairie, cannot produce the same quantity of fine wool as the Tibetan yaks.
Manufacturing Process
Most manufacturers simply can't deliver. It is hard to find manufacturers that specialize in yak cashmere. Fine yak cashmere requires special industrial textile processors and experienced textile technicians. A manufacture that can produce petroleum derived textile cannot process wool, let alone the finest yak cashmere fiber. we partner with a boutique manufacturer that specializes in yak cashmere, and the facility is located in China.
A typical animal wool fiber manufacturing process. Source: International Wool Textile Organization
From scouring to spinning to weaving, the process requires dedicated machinery and skilled technicians. For example, scouring should only remove excessive natural grease of the animal fiber. Overdoing leaves the fiber brittle, and you can no longer weave them into garments. Once they become brittle, many manufacturers blend brittle cashmere with synthetic, long fibers to salvage their over-processed fibers.
Most knitwear brands have 16 gauge yarns. They can't produce 22 gauges because the individual fibers are not over 2.1 cm (~ 1 inch). At Wear Bovine, we have 22 gauges because we work with fibers over 3 cm long.
Human in the loop
Picture a tailor in the pre-industrial era. The tailor takes your measurements, and custom cut panels of fabrics, and then sew the seams together. The construction is fitted to different parts of your body, and patterns can be customized.
Most brands want to lower the cost of manufacturing. They do not want to involve manufacturing multiple panels and hiring workers to sew them together. The most popular knitting machines are all fully automated to reduce cost.
The fully automatic machines sacrifice fit and yarn. Most yarns are only 16 gauge, while our yak cashmere is 22 gauge.
We are releasing our a line of 95% to 100% cashmere products soon. Our yak cashmere products will be constructed panel by panel from 22 gauge yarns for optimal fit.
We prioritize quality, experience, and accountability, and our choices reflect our values.
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