The pretext
Caring for fine knitwear is often framed around hesitation—a fear of ruining what is delicate. At Nomé, we view it differently: not as fussy babying, but as an intentional ritual that works alongside the natural resilience of the fiber. Following our introduction to the origins and soul of yak down, we have curated this three-chapter care series to give you the practical knowledge to preserve your knits. This is how to ensure the piece you choose today remains a permanent fixture in your wardrobe for decades to come.
Understanding the Fiber
Modern wardrobes treat gentle knits as short-lived luxuries—expecting them to thin, pill or stretch after a single season. Yak down fundamentally challenges this assumption. Ethically hand-combed each spring, this resilient fiber is naturally built to endure extreme elements.
Yak down is composed of natural keratin protein fibers. Because standard stain-fighting soaps rely on enzymes engineered to digest organic proteins, they silently dissolve and weaken the wool structure over time. Always opt for a pH-neutral wool wash or gentle shampoo—and skip synthetic softeners entirely, as they coat the hair shaft and dull the fiber's natural halo.
The Cold Wash Ritual
Heat and agitation are the true enemies of natural wool. Caring for yak down is not about complex procedures, but about simple, grounding mechanics:
- Keep it cool: Water should never exceed 30°C to prevent thermal shock and shrinking.
- Wash gently: Submerge the piece in cool water, swirl softly with a few light passes, and rinse clean.
- Never wring: Press water out gently against the basin. Wringing places immense mechanical stress on wet fibers, permanently stretching the silhouette out of shape.
- Dry flat in shade: Roll the garment in a clean, dry towel to absorb excess moisture, then lay flat to air-dry away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight degrades natural proteins, while tumble dryers cause permanent shrinking and felting.
- A note on creases: Fine yak down should never be steamed, as high-heat moisture can strip its natural oils and alter its soft texture. Instead, smooth the garment flat by hand while damp. As it air-dries, the fiber’s natural elasticity will relax most creases on its own.
Air More, Wash Less
The most counterintuitive secret to longevity is that yak wool requires far less washing than expected. Naturally antimicrobial and moisture-regulating, the fiber repels odor and dust on its own. Between wearings, simply drape your knit overnight in a well-ventilated room to let it breathe, shed moisture, and reset its structural memory. A full wash is only needed after several wears or before seasonal storage.
Blooming with Time
The beauty of high-quality yak wool is that it improves with care. Unlike mass-market knits that wear away over time, natural yak down undergoes a process known as blooming—with every gentle wash, the yarn opens up slightly, releasing a soft downy halo that deepens with age.
Treated with intention and simple respect for its origins, a Nomé piece stops being a temporary item in your wardrobe.
It matures.
It softens.
It remains a permanent fixture in your daily life for years to come.
