Qiviut: The Arctic Luxury Fiber

In the icy expanses of the Arctic tundra lives a creature as ancient as the permafrost itself: the musk ox. From beneath its shaggy outer coat lies one of the softest natural fibers known to humankind — Qiviut. Rare, warm, and profoundly resilient, Qiviut is often called the Arctic’s answer to cashmere.

At vonoz, we view Qiviut not as a replacement for cashmere, but as a complement — a fiber that shares its values: softness, sustainability, and soul. Used sparingly in select bespoke shawls, Qiviut enriches our textile language and deepens our connection to the natural world.

What Is Qiviut?

Qiviut is the soft underwool of the Ovibos moschatus, or musk ox — a species native to Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. Despite its name, the musk ox is more closely related to goats and sheep than to cattle. It thrives in Arctic conditions by developing a dense, insulating undercoat beneath its coarse guard hairs.

This undercoat naturally sheds in spring and is gathered either by combing or collected from the environment. No animals are harmed in the process, making Qiviut one of the most ethical and sustainable luxury fibers in existence.

How Qiviut Compares to Cashmere

Qiviut is exceptionally fine — measuring around 12–13 microns in diameter, on par with or even slightly finer than Ladakhi cashmere. It is lighter than wool, eight times warmer, and hypoallergenic due to the absence of lanolin.

Unlike cashmere, Qiviut does not shrink in water and becomes softer with each wear. Its natural color is a silvery brown, which is often left undyed or tinted with natural indigo or other botanical pigments for subtlety and depth.

Why Qiviut Is So Rare

Each musk ox yields only about 1–2 kilograms of Qiviut per year — a small amount compared to sheep or even cashmere goats. Moreover, the animals are not farmed intensively, and harvesting depends on climate, availability, and careful cooperation with indigenous communities.

This limited supply, combined with the fiber’s exceptional softness and resilience, makes Qiviut among the most exclusive fibers on earth.

Arctic Sustainability Meets Himalayan Craft

At vonoz, we occasionally integrate Qiviut into limited-edition shawls woven in our Nepali Essence Collection. Here, the quiet strength of Arctic fiber meets the handwoven artistry of Himalayan looms.

Whether used in weft or warp, Qiviut adds a whisper of Arctic breath — grounding the shawl in warmth, endurance, and a global conversation of craft.

The Feel of Qiviut

Qiviut feels extraordinarily soft — similar to cashmere, yet with a slightly cooler, silkier touch. It drapes well and wears close to the body without any sense of bulk. Over time, it softens further, developing a patina of warmth that becomes deeply personal.

It is a fiber that improves with life, not in spite of it.

Qiviut in vonoz Bespoke

In our bespoke atelier, Qiviut is used not to replace, but to enrich cashmere. Its inclusion is always balanced and purposeful — often used in meditative designs where materials and meaning are one.

A shawl that includes Qiviut is a statement in restraint. It is a quiet luxury — known only to the wearer and those who understand its depth.

Conclusion: A Fiber of Quiet Power

Qiviut carries the memory of ice and time. It is not glamorous, but enduring. Not loud, but unforgettable. At vonoz, we use it rarely, but reverently — always in harmony with our foundation: handwoven cashmere.

In a world rushing toward the artificial, Qiviut reminds us to trust what is real, slow, and quietly magnificent.

Want to know more about cashmere? See our Cashmere Knowledge Hub.