Camel wool

Mongolians respect the light tan to the dark-brown natural color of their camel hair to keep the spirit of infinite Gobi. We wouldn’t dream of dyeing the camel hair; then it will lose its live spirit, which breaths with the presence of Gobi.

Camel wool properties

The Gobi Desert in Southern Mongolia has extremely harsh seasons. The summer heat is burning, whereas the winter is freezing. Spring storms and autumn winds are testing for every creature. No other species, like the camel, have adapted to this harsh climate. That’s why camel wool is famous for its thermostatic properties, which can protect and insulate the animal from extreme cold conditions and keep it cool in the hottest summers.

The camel wool is collected not by shearing or plucking but gathered as the animal sheds its coat. The outer coat and the undercoat are gathered simultaneously, and, later, with the help of combing, the coarse outer hairs are separated from the finer ones. Camel wool consists of cashmere, inter-blended wool, and fleece. The coarse fiber is also waterproof, which is why nomads use it for coats and the outer layers of their yurts. Pure camel wool has high moisture-managing properties and even becomes softer with use.

Our trade is fair.

We work closely with the Mongolian nomads to ensure all trade we carry out is fair. Not only is the wool ecologically friendly, but also it can increase the income of the herder families. This is crucial, especially for herders living with camels in isolated rural areas.

Mongolian Handicrafts chooses only pure camel wool. We do not mix with other wool or synthetic fabrics.