Qiviut Wool Clothing (Musk Ox Down)

Qiviut is the soft underwool of the musk ox. Garments are rare, hand knit and costly.

Updated Oct 20, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

The Oomingmak co-op in Anchorage sells pieces knit by Alaska Native members. Small fiber farms and yarn shops also sell qiviut. Marketplaces carry resale and handmade items of mixed quality.

Professional insight

Fiber buyers start with the blend percentage. Then they judge the knit, the maker and the weight.

Pure qiviut has a faint halo, never a shiny surface.
Silk blends add drape and strength, not extra warmth.
Ask who knit it and in which village.
Lace patterns often trace back to specific co-op villages.

Check the label

Fiber content gives a qiviut percentage, not just musk ox.
Other fibers such as silk or merino are named.
Maker, co-op or farm name is on the tag.
Knitter or village name appears on co-op pieces.
Care line says hand wash or dry clean.
Size or finished dimensions are listed for scarves and hats.
Country of origin matches the seller's story.

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Qiviut fiber facts

Source animal: Musk ox (Ovibos moschatus); Fiber comes from the soft undercoat.
Name origin: Inuktitut word for underwool
Collection: Combed or gathered after spring shedding; Animals are not killed for the fiber.

Qiviut is known for warmth at low weight. It does not felt or shrink easily. The fiber is rare, so prices stay high.

Types

Common qiviut garments
Item	Typical build	Good for
Nachaq or smoke ring	Tube cowl, often lace knit	Neck and head warmth
Scarf or stole	Lace or plain knit	Light layering
Beanie or cap	Fine gauge knit	Cold, dry weather
Headband	Narrow band	Ear warmth under hoods
Tunic or sweater	Large knit, rare	Collectors and gifts

Red flags

Listing says musk ox blend with no percentage.
Price looks like ordinary merino for a large garment.
Fabric looks glossy or synthetic in close photos.
Seller cannot name the farm, co-op or knitter.
Machine wash advice on a pure qiviut item.

Questions for the seller

What percent of the yarn is qiviut?
Was it hand knit or machine knit?
Where was the fiber sourced and spun?
What does the finished piece weigh?
Is it new, worn or a vintage piece?

Care

1Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and mild wool wash.
2Soak the qiviut piece gently without rubbing.
3Rinse in water of the same temperature.
4Press out water in a towel. Never wring.
5Lay flat and shape it to dry away from heat.

Common questions

Is qiviut itchy?: Most people find it soft against skin. Blends with coarser wool can feel scratchier.
Why is qiviut clothing so expensive?: The fiber is scarce and slow to gather. Many pieces are also knit by hand.
Can I buy qiviut yarn and knit my own?: Yes. Fiber farms and specialty yarn shops sell pure and blended qiviut yarn.