SHOKAY

Shokay is a remarkable brand that has carved a niche for itself in the world of sustainable fashion. Let me take you on a journey through the fascinating story of Shokay and its commitment to responsible yak wool.

The Birth of Shokay

While studying at Harvard, co-founder Carol Chyau felt a strong desire to influence social change and sustainability. She embarked on an exploration of one of Asia's most remote places: the Tibetan plateaus of Western China. There, she stumbled upon a remarkable fiber that she believed could revolutionize the fashion industry—yak wool. Despite a United Nations report describing yak wool as ""comparable to cashmere,"" Carol wondered why it remained underutilized in fashion.

The Yak Wool Revelation

Carol's conviction led her to found Shokay (which means ""yak wool"" in Tibetan). She knew she had discovered something extraordinary. Yak wool possessed incredible qualities: it was sustainable, soft, and unbelievably warm. Carol was convinced that once people experienced these qualities firsthand, they would embrace yak wool wholeheartedly. And she was right. Shokay now supplies leading fashion and lifestyle brands with their responsible yak wool, creating a positive impact on both local communities and the global market.

The Shokay Mission

Shokay's mission is simple: the more people use yak wool, the greater the impact. By purchasing yak wool directly from local communities, Shokay empowers young Tibetans and strengthens their cultural identity. Their commitment extends across the entire supply chain—from textiles research to fashion design. Shokay designs knitwear that lasts a lifetime, made from responsibly sourced yak wool. Here's why yak wool is so special:

The Yak: A Sustainable Companion

• Yaks are naturally sustainable and emit fewer carbon emissions compared to sheep and goats due to their gentler grazing habits.
• Each spring, as winter turns to summer, yaks provide approximately 100g of fine wool fibers.
• Tibetan herders carefully hand-comb the yak's fine wool from the neck and shoulders. Importantly, this process doesn't harm the animals because their fibers naturally molt.
• Happier yaks mean cosier knitwear!

The Fibers of Change

• 90% of the world's yak population resides within Western China, at elevations of 3500 meters in the Tibetan region.
• Historically, yaks were essential assets for the Tibetan people, but this didn't translate into significant cash income.
• Shokay's mission was clear: bring yak wool to the global market, improve herders' lives, and offer the fashion industry a new sustainable material.

Shokay's Impact

Worldwide customers who have tried Shokay's yak sweaters have raved about their warmth, softness, and durability. Here's what they've said:

• ""It is my warmest jumper in my closet and my go-to piece on a cold wintry day.""
• ""I bought my first yak sweater because I loved the sustainability story. To my surprise, it had the touch of cashmere but stayed in shape even better.""
• ""We have traveled with Shokay to see their sourcing sites and are impressed by how transparent their supply chain is.""
• ""Shokay products last very well. I'm still using the same shawl that I bought 10 years ago.""

Join the Yak Wool Movement

Shokay provides yak wool that is not only sustainable but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're a brand looking for beautifully designed knitwear or simply want to source sustainable yak wool, Shokay has you covered. So, wrap yourself in the warmth of yak wool and be part of a fashion revolution that embraces both style and sustainability!