Yak down and coarse hair are different inputs
Yaks have a fine undercoat and coarser outer hair. For soft knitwear, the material selection includes the fine down, its separation from coarse hair and the chosen yarn blend.
Considering yak down for knitwear? Start with the fine undercoat, the yarn blend and the feel you want. We can discuss suitable material options and a sampling plan with you.
Choosing the material
We review available yarns, composition, colour and lead time against your design and quantity. Share the material and product you have in mind.
Natural fiber variation
Published work identifies variation among pigmented and white yak-down samples in fiber diameter, length and mechanical behavior. LuMiao evaluates the selected batch and yarn against the intended garment result.
From selected down to a working yarn
Choose pure yak down or a blend, then select yarn count, ply, twist and colour. We sample the yarn at suitable gauges and stitch densities to develop the weight and surface.
Reviewing the garment sample
Yarn and swatches help compare feel, colour and stitch. The garment sample brings these together with fit, necklines, edges and finishing before production.
Testing, dimensions and care
We select pilling, stretch, colour and dimensional tests to suit the garment’s use, then check washing and drying on the sample.
Material details for your project
We keep the supplier’s composition and origin information with the selected yarn. Samples and any agreed tests establish the finish, performance and care instructions for the garment.
PROJECT COMPARISON
DecisionProject definition
Fiber identitySpecies, fine undercoat versus coarse hair, composition and test or supplier record
Touch and finenessFibre diameter, yarn specification and a sample of the selected batch
ColorNatural shade, selected dye route and achievable target color for the batch
Garment resultYarn count, blend, gauge, stitch, density, finish and garment sample
BUYER QUESTIONS
How are yak down and coarse outer hair specified?
Yak down is the fine undercoat; the coarse outer hair is a different material. Choose dehaired yarn with the composition and quality suited to your knitwear.
How are yak down, cashmere and sheep wool compared?
Compare fibre diameter, yarn construction, blend, stitch and density, then handle garment samples to assess feel, weight and warmth for the intended use.
How do we select a natural yak shade?
Compare the supplier’s natural or dyed yarn colours with a physical shade reference, then check the selected batch in the garment sample.
What do we review before yak-down production?
We review the yarn and colour, garment sample, measurements, finish and care instructions with you, along with any tests agreed for the project.
YAK-DOWN DEVELOPMENT
Develop a sample in your selected yarn
LuMiao develops the fiber identity, dehairing quality, composition, yarn construction, gauge, structure, density, color, finishing and care route around the requested garment result.
INDUSTRY SOURCES
Further reading on fibers, construction and testing.
- FAO, The Yak, Chapter 10: Products from Yak and Their Utilization
- Atav, Ergunay and Unal, Journal of Natural Fibers (2022)
- GB/T 12412-2024 Yak Down
- ISO 17751-1:2023, analysis of cashmere, wool and specialty animal fibers
- ISO 3759:2011, preparation and measurement for dimensional-change tests
- ISO 5077:2007, dimensional change in washing and drying
- ISO 6330:2021, domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing
- FTC, Care Labeling Rule guidance
DIRECT CONTACT
Contact LuMiao directly
Choose the contact method that works best for you. Product links, specifications and reference images can be sent directly.
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