Shokay: Sustainable and Socially Responsible Yak Wool Clothing
As the chill of winter descends upon the southern hemisphere, the quest for cozy and sustainable knitwear is on. Thankfully, we’ve got you sorted with high-quality, toasty warm, timeless sweaters -and of course, they’re ethically and sustainably produced.
Enter Shokay, a brand revolutionizing the fashion industry with its unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and manufacturing of yak fiber, crafting luxurious and long-lasting wool clothing.
If you’re not yet familiar with yak wool and its unique benefits as a sustainable and premium textile, then prepare to be enlightened! The rise of conscious consumerism has fuelled the demand for quality natural fiber clothing as many move away from mass-produced synthetic textiles like polyester. However, natural fibers such as wool, silk, and cotton aren’t exempt from scrutiny over their environmental impact and animal welfare practices.
That’s why we love to showcase brands such as Shokay, who are not only adopting ethical and sustainable fashion as part of their ethos, but also blazing a trail in animal welfare within the fashion and textiles sector. By directly sourcing all their wool from Tibet where yaks lead semi-nomadic lives, working with and investing into local communities to preserve traditional herding and yak fiber collection practices, Shokay ensures both quality and environmental responsibility.
Read on to learn more about our research into yak wool clothing: its benefits as a textile and ethical and sustainability considerations, along with a user review of Shokay’s yak wool sweaters which we have been fortunate enough to try for ourselves.
The Story Behind Yak Wool as a Sustainable Textile
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly garments produced from sustainable and ethical sources is driving innovation in the fashion sector. This, combined with a desire for organic textiles, has resulted in more and more options for all-natural fibers cropping up on the market, and yak wool is one such example.
While yak farming has been practiced for centuries among Himalayan communities and yaks have long been utilized for milk, meat, wool, and transportation purposes, the wider adoption of yak wool in the global garment industry has been slow.
However, this is now changing as the benefits of yak wool as a product, and the sustainable farming of yak wool is gradually being recognized. These benefits include:
- Warmth: as a natural fiber, yak wool is incredibly warm (how else do yaks survive in the freezing temperatures at such high altitudes?!). In fact, independent studies report that yak wool is somewhere between 10 – 40% warmer than Merino wool. And yet, similarly to other types of animal wool, it also helps maintain your body’s temperature in warm climates.
- Softness: yak wool is beautifully soft – so soft, that it has been recognized as a valuable luxury fiber offering a sustainable alternative to cashmere – the demand for which has caused overgrazing of China’s grasslands, threatening the environment and livelihoods of its inhabitants.
- Breathability and antimicrobial properties: Due to its thermoregulating properties, yak wool effectively absorbs moisture and reduces skin irritation. In fact, it outperforms sheep wool in terms of its breathability, which you’ll be pleased to know also contributes to its odor resistance.
- Durability: Despite its soft, luxurious feel, yak wool is also very durable, making it an excellent fiber for clothing that stands the test of time.
- Sustainable farming: yaks are much gentler grazers than sheep and goats, as they only remove the top of the plants, rather than pulling up the whole roots. In addition, the semi-nomadic lifestyles of the yaks and traditional yak herders also mean lower carbon emissions over the intensive farming practices often associated with other types of wool production, not to mention better animal welfare as they are not confined. The growing awareness of the impacts of desertification from wool and cashmere production led the United Nations to declare yak wool as a genuine sustainable alternative.
- Ethical harvesting: The process of harvesting yak wool, which sustainable textile brands such as Shokay are careful to preserve, involves a manual process that protects the yak’s welfare. During the animals’ natural shedding cycle in spring, their soft, insulating undercoat (down) is carefully hand-combed by Tibetan herders from the yaks’ necks and shoulders. This non-invasive method ensures no harm comes to the yaks, who annually yield around 100 grams of precious fine wool fibers suitable for clothing. Once the herders have collected the yak down, the Shokay team inspects the quality. The raw material is then carefully washed and repeatedly combed by skilled artisans, sorting the different lengths and fineness of the yak down into various grades.
Shokay: A Brand with Purpose
Tibetan for “yak wool”, Shokay was co-founded by CEO Carol Chyau who realized the potential of yak wool to drive sustainable social change through a fashion revolution. This led to the establishment of Shokay’s own sustainable yak wool supply chains originating on the Tibetan Plateau of Western China, home to the majority of the world’s yak population numbering around 14 million.
The Shanghai-based company has two arms: its own in-house fashion line, in addition to Shokay Lab, established in 2018 as a “community of like-minded brands, designers, retailers, and manufacturers” that promote research and development of beautiful clothing made from sustainable yak fibers. Shokay’s design team has collaborated with several global fashion brands such as Sweaty Betty and Bonobos to launch their own bespoke yak wool collections.
Delving into the Shokay brand (as we always do here at Econosa), it quickly becomes apparent that sustainability and social responsibility aren’t just something they pay lip service to – these principles are a driving force at the core of the company’s mission.
From preserving the cultural and environmentally friendly yak-herding practices of Tibetan nomads to ensuring fair working conditions for all staff, they are dedicated to embedding sustainable and ethical practices throughout their entire supply chain.
Some of their efforts include:
- Blockchain technology: To provide greater transparency and accountability to consumers, Shokay has collaborated with its partners to create blockchain technology that guarantees complete traceability of their clothing.
- Economic, education and empowerment initiatives: Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Shokay is implementing a range of community development programs to foster ongoing economic opportunities for Tibetan herders. In addition, they have invested in the promotion of women’s education and health initiatives, something very close to my heart as a global health worker.
- Giving back: Since 2021, Shokay has committed to reinvesting 1% of sales back into the Tibetan pastoral area under the Grassland Conservation Program. This initiative empowers herders to protect the grasslands, ensuring the health and well-being of yaks and their habitats.
- Advocacy for industry standards: Most recently and in conjunction with the International Cooperation Committee on Animal Welfare (ICCAW), their advocacy efforts resulted in the launch of the world’s first Animal Welfare Standard for Yaks, earning recognition for yak wool as a noble fiber and establishing standards for its quality, sustainability, and traceability of its supply chain.
You can read more about the Shokay brand’s origin and mission on their About page.
Shokay’s Sustainable Yak Wool Sweaters: Our Review
Now that we’ve explored the sustainable principles behind yak wool and Shokay’s brand ethos, it’s time to turn our attention to their products!
My husband and I were fortunate enough to receive three of Shokay’s beautiful wool sweaters to try for ourselves.
The brand’s sustainability mission naturally extends to its fashion line, evident in its timeless designs and high-quality craftsmanship, designed for longevity to counteract the scourge of fast fashion waste.
Needless to say, we were very excited to receive our pieces and inspect the quality and fit.
One thing I’d keep in mind is the sizing is a little on the small side, so I would recommend checking the measurements carefully and possibly sizing up (more info on the sizes we went with in each sweater below). Currently, the sizing options are limited to S, M, and L for most of the womenswear, and M – XXL in menswear, so those needing a wider range of sizes may have to wait for future expansions in the range.
Now, let’s delve into the specifics of each sweater!
Men’s Shambala 100% Yak Eternity Cabled Sweater
My husband is from New Zealand, so he knows a thing or two about wool! We both have a number of ethical Merino wool pieces in our closet, so when he found me browsing Shokay’s range, he started keenly eyeing off the menswear range – he wasn’t going to let me have all the fun!
He opted for the Men’s Shambala Eternity Sweater in Dusk, a beautiful deep blue featuring a tasteful cable knit inspired by the rivers on the Tibetan mountain ranges.
The Eternity Sweater also comes in Chocolate Brown, and Shokay offers a variation with the design featured on the front panel only.
He has found it to be the perfect, classic sweater for his work paired with trousers and a shirt, yet stylish enough to wear out with jeans or chinos. One of the first things he commented on when putting on his yak wool sweater was how remarkably warm it is, despite its non-bulky fit, allowing him to keep warm while still looking classy (if I may say so myself – picture of my hubby posing in his sweater for proof!).
All in all, he’s thrilled with the jumper. His skin is more sensitive than mine, so he was keen on the antimicrobial and anti-allergenic properties of yak wool. We ordered him an XXL based on his measurements (he’s usually an XL in Australian menswear), and it’s a great fit everywhere – chest, arms, and length. He’s looking forward to stepping out and about in it, whether for work, dinner, or everywhere in between.
SHOP SHOKAY MENSWEAR – 20% OFF USING CODE ‘ECONOSA20’Orient Yak Wool Lightweight Sweater
I chose the Orient Yak Wool Lightweight Sweater as it looked like the perfect versatile basic that I’m forever searching for. It was a hard decision between the Dusk (deep blue) and Black colours.
I eventually settled on Dusk as I love the shade and thought it’d be great to pair with grey and black trousers or skirts.
After receiving the sweater, I’m confident it’s the wardrobe staple I’ve been looking for.
It’s a beautifully sleek, stretchy fit – perfect for office wear. Its lightweight feel makes it very versatile for fall, winter or spring – you could easily wear this alone or underneath a jacket. I was pleasantly surprised by how breathable it is – a quality I’ve struggled to find in knitwear that doesn’t leave me hot and sweaty during my commute!
I love it so much that I plan on getting this in black as well – it will be a great all-round classic that can be dressed up or down with jeans, skirts, or smart casual looks. The yak wool is incredibly soft against the skin, making it a joy to wear.
With four sizes available from S to XL, I was a little unsure about which size would be most suitable based on the size guide, so I provided them with my measurements and received size L, which ended up being the perfect fit for me. As someone who typically wears an AU size 10 in tops, but is currently a bit larger in the bust area due to breastfeeding my 2-month-old, the L allows for a comfortable, non-clingy silhouette that can easily accommodate layers underneath if needed. Having said that, the fabric is very stretchy so I probably could have gotten away with the M as well.
Above Land Jacquard Sweater – Earth
I just had to choose the Above Land Jacquard Sweater in Earth as I absolutely love the design.
The earthy tones and intricate pattern are a beautiful nod to the Tibetan grasslands where the yak wool originates, embodying one of the company’s driving principles: appreciation of culture and craftsmanship.
Shokay’s focus on producing timeless pieces means they can honour traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail, leading to a greater appreciation for the culture and heritage associated with the materials and techniques used in creating these pieces.
This is a thicker, warmer jumper than the lightweight sweater, made of a 50% yak and 50% wool blend, yet it still feels soft and isn’t too thick, which I like as it gives a dressier look.
I love that I can effortlessly pair it with jeans for a stylish, casual look that still makes a statement. At the same time, it can easily be dressed up with trousers, a skirt, and boots for a more polished ensemble. It also comes in a beautiful Wood Green colour.
I’ve already had a few comments on how beautiful it is, and I have no doubt I’ll be happily wearing it for years to come.
As an AU size 10 (US 6 / EU 38), I opted for the medium size, and I’m happy with the slightly loose fit it provides. However, if you prefer a baggier fit, I’d recommend sizing up.
SHOP SHOKAY WOMENSWEAR – 20% OFF USING CODE ‘ECONOSA20’Other helpful info when ordering from Shokay:
Does Shokay ship internationally?
Shokay offers free worldwide shipping on orders over $200.
Shokay returns policy
Shokay offers a 30-day return policy for unworn items in their original condition with tags. Return addresses are available in Houston, TX, and Shanghai, China.
How do I care for my yak wool sweaters?
For machine-woven pieces, dry cleaning is recommended. Hand-knit products can be dry cleaned, hand-washed, or gently machine-washed in a garment bag using cold water.
Does Shokay offer discounts?
Shokay has kindly offered a 20% discount to Econosa readers when you purchase using the code ‘ECONOSA20’ at checkout
SHOP SHOKAY – 20% OFF USING CODE ‘ECONOSA20’Our Verdict
If you’ve been searching for ethical, natural fiber knitwear that combines luxury with sustainability, look no further than Shokay’s yak wool range. Our research has unveiled this remarkable fiber as one of the most sustainable options available, and Shokay is leading the charge in upholding the highest quality and ethical standards in its production.
In summary, Shokay’s commitment to responsible and transparent practices is truly commendable, making their products a worthwhile investment for those seeking high-quality, warm, and timeless winter staples. By supporting trailblazing brands like Shokay, we collectively drive positive change within the fashion industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
These classic, impeccably crafted pieces are designed to remain in our wardrobes for years, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Plus, now that we’ve uncovered the remarkable sustainability benefits of yak wool, coupled with its luxurious warmth and feel, you can expect to hear much more about this exceptional fiber from us at Econosa in the future!
Disclosure: The Econosa team were gifted the three items featured in this review article by Shokay. However, our opinions remain independent, and we have provided an honest assessment of both the brand and the clothing.
Social scientist, earth mama, and conscious consumer advocate. Lover of ethical, sustainable, upcycled and vintage fashion.
