Our yak down made clothing can be worn without any base layer. It doesn't feel itchy we select our source material with strict requirements for fiber structure, fiber diameter or fineness, and smoother fiber surface.
Exceptional Warmth and Breathability
Yak down offers thermal properties superior to merino wool, providing insulation in extreme cold. Studies show that yak is approximately 44% warmer per weight than merino and has 66% better moisture-wicking capacity compared to sheep wool. This makes yak fiber an ideal base layer for alpine adventurers and city dwellers alike.
Independent testing and analysis (see Happy Yak, Backpacking Light, and Oliver Charles) confirm yak’s natural ability to balance warmth and breathability without synthetic additives.
Soft as Cashmere, Kind to Skin, No Prickle!
Yak wool fibers average between 14–18 microns — placing them in the same ultra-fine category as premium cashmere (Sustainable Fibre Alliance). Unlike coarse wools, yak is hypoallergenic and itch-free thanks to its smooth cuticle structure. Its comfort is further enhanced by the absence of lanolin, which often causes irritation in traditional sheep wool wearers.
See comparisons at Farm Fiber Knits and Wolf vs Goat for insight into micron count and prickle factor analysis.
Fiber Science 101
Research into yak fiber structure highlights its hollow core and elasticity, which enhance warmth retention and resilience. Academic analysis in the Wool Textile Journal (Wang & Lu, 2002) and studies on natural protein fibers (PMC Study, 2020) support its superior mechanical and thermal behavior compared to conventional merino and even certain cashmere grades.
When comparing yak to alpaca, merino, and cashmere, yak consistently ranks high in warmth retention, odor resistance, and moisture control. See overviews by Arms of Andes, Lemon Cypress Boutique, and Cashmere Specialist for consumer-oriented comparisons.
Conclusion
Wool fiber over 19 microns in diameter are generally itchy for human skin. At Wear Bovine, we source yak cashmere <18.5 microns in diameter. Throw away any and all socks that makes you itch.
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