Product FAQs

COMFORT BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP

We’ve engineered our socks with some really smart features that ensure you’re getting not only incredible comfort but unbelievable durability and performance normally reserved for the most extreme applications. When you wear Happy Yak socks, you’ll feel confident knowing your feet can conquer a long day at the office, binge-watch all weekend on your couch or climb the most rugged peaks in luxurious, cushy softness.

WHY IS YOUR SUPPLY LIMITED?

We purposely keep our supply limited for three big reasons. 

• There is a limited amount of yak wool out there. It's a highly seasonal product that is only available twice a year.
• We do not believe in over-stressing the land and the farmers. We want to make sure that we're maintaining a sustainable, balanced product supply chain.
• We believe in quality over quantity.

 

WHERE DO I BUY HAPPY YAK PRODUCTS?

Our primary focus is to sell Happy Yak products from this site to ensure we're giving our Community the best quality product and experience possible. We are excited to test market our products in a few select retailers but are not currently exploring any mass retail outlets. 

 

I FOUND YAK SOCKS ONLINE SOMEWHERE ELSE

We hate to break it to you but you probably weren't sold genuine yak wool. The old saying "you get what you pay for" is true here. Many of the so-called "yak socks" on the market are actually made with low-grade yak wool and excess fillers like merino wool and synthetics. They also don't have anywhere near the level of production quality you'll find in a Happy Yak product.

 

WHY ARE YOUR SOCKS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER SOCKS?

Simple economics. We’re using an exotic material that has a limited supply. Due to the scarcity of the material and the non-industrialized way in which the animals are raised, there is a significantly less material available. This means that when the yak cashmere is gone for the season, it is gone. Yak cashmere is finally being discovered in the fashion community outside of Asia and is also under a lot more demand. Our prices will have to fluctuate from season to season to align to the market.

 

WHY ARE THERE VARIATIONS IN COLOR?

Much of our yak cashmere is dye-free. This is pretty great because that means we’re not dumping more chemicals into the environment around us and on your body. Most of the colors we sell are the way that nature intended. Because the wool comes from a variety of yaks, you might see subtle variation from one Happy Yak product to the next. You will also see variation in color from season to season. That’s what makes each piece special. 

 

HOW DO YOU GET NON-NATURAL COLORS?

We can't exactly send the yak to the salon, but yak cashmere can be dyed a variety of colors. 

 

WILL YOU MAKE OTHER COLORS OR PATTERNS?

YES! Of course we will once we're sure it's to the quality we expect. We're continuing to experiment with they dying process so that we are sure that we're not harming you or the environment. Currently the dying process also slightly weakens the fibers. We're working on ways to improve this.

 

WHAT ELSE IS IN A STRATIS SOCK?

Aside from our love and hope that you'll enjoy them? Not much. We prefer to make our products with a minimal amount of fillers so that you're getting the value and quality you expect. We do use a minimal amount of nylon for elasticity and support. We also use another kick @$$ natural Mongolian fiber, the Mongolia fat-tailed sheep. We blend a small amount of fat-tailed sheep wool in the heels and toes of our socks for extra reinforcement. "But wait!" you're probably saying. These sheep are native to the region. They are naturally raised in the wild along side the yaks. They are specifically bred to survive the harsh Mongolian steppes and are not like your classic merino sheep. Even our sheep are better than the other guys.

 

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY HAPPY YAK SOCKS?

For more information check out our Product Care section.

 

MY SOCKS "PILL". IS THAT NORMAL?

Even the most expensive natural wool and cashmere garments pill. It's totally natural. The fact that you see some pilling is actually a good thing. It's a sign that you're getting legitimate, high-quality, natural fiber and not a bunch of synthetic fiber with only a small percentage of cashmere. The pilling will decrease after a wash or two. For more details see our Product Care section.

 

IS IT OK TO MACHINE WASH AND DRY?

It's fine to thrown them in the machines from time to time, but we don't recommend it often because we want you to get the longest life possible out of your Happy Yak stuff. Just like other high-quality wool and cashmere garments we recommend hand wash and hang dry. For detailed care instructions, check out our Product Care.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I EXPERIENCE "SHRINKAGE"?

Shrinkage is common in quality wool and cashmere garments when you machine wash. It's a sign that you're getting real cashmere and not a bunch of synthetic materials. Don't fret. Once you put the socks back on they will stretch out. You can also wet them down and lay them out to air dry and they should relax. For detailed care instructions, check out our Product Care.