Made from the undercoat of the musk ox, qiviut is a soft fiber that can be used for an array of items. Warm, luxurious, and hypoallergenic, choosing qiviut brings many benefits to the wearer. Here are five reasons to choose it today.

Reasons to Choose Qiviut

1. Super Soft

Qiviut is often said to be softer than cashmere, making it one of the most luxurious fibers to use for scarves, hats, sweaters, and more. Naturally a brownish gray color, it is incredibly supple and feels delicate and smooth on your skin.

2. Warmth

Wearers of qiviut attest to its warmth, claiming it is even better for keeping in the heat than wool. On the musk ox, the undercoat from which qiviut is harvested protects these animals throughout the long, cold winter. Because the fibers are made of excess undercoat that is shed in the spring, you will experience the same warmth the musk ox enjoys during winter.

3. Economy Boost

Only two farms produce this fiber, and both are found in Alaska. This exclusivity gives the state’s economy a hefty boost, making the material beneficial to the area. Farmers either brush the undercoat once a year or gather the puffs that were shed, which protects the animal and makes it a sustainable fiber.

4. Hypoallergenic

Unlike other yarns, there is no scratchy feeling when wearing a garment made of qiviut. This down is also hypoallergenic and doesn’t irritate skin like wool or other natural fibers. Those with sensitive skin can enjoy their garments without worry.

5. Durable

When you buy a garment or accessory, you want it to last for as long as possible. After a while, some materials develop pills and will shrink or shed after a few washes. Qiviut, however, is durable, despite its delicate texture. A simple wash in mild detergent will keep it in top shape for many years.

For homemade items made from qiviut, Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Co-Operative is Anchorage’s gift shop for some of the most beautiful selections made by 250 Alaskan Native women in the co-op. From scarfs and stoles to headbands, each piece is original and unique. To learn more about this cultural gift store, call (907) 272-9225 or visit their website.