FAQ

Yak wool is the soft undercoat naturally shed by yaks living on the Tibetan Plateau at elevations above 3,500 metres. Each spring, this fine fiber is gently hand-combed as the animals shed their winter coats, making it a renewable and non-invasive natural fiber.

Unlike sheep's wool, yak wool has evolved to withstand extreme temperatures, resulting in fibers that are exceptionally warm, breathable, and surprisingly lightweight.

We built Tercette around a single material because we believe depth comes from returning to something with care. Yak wool gives us the softness, warmth, and breathability we want for everyday knitwear, while its natural character allows each piece to remain clear in form and easy to live in.

Our name comes from the tercet: three parts held in relationship. For us, that is material, form, and use. Working exclusively with 100% yak wool lets us understand the fiber more fully, refine proportion and construction over time, and create pieces where those three elements feel considered together.

Yak wool is often described as an alternative to cashmere because both fibers are exceptionally soft, lightweight, and warm. The difference is that yak wool has characteristics that make it particularly well suited to everyday knitwear.

Compared with many traditional wool fibers, yak is naturally warmer, highly breathable, and often more resistant to pilling. Its hollow fibers trap warmth without adding weight, helping regulate body temperature across changing seasons. Research and industry testing have also found yak wool to be around 30% warmer than sheep's wool while offering significantly greater breathability.

We don't see yak wool as a replacement for cashmere. We simply believe it's one of the most remarkable natural fibers available.

Yak wool is one of the rarest luxury fibers in the world.

Each yak produces only around 100 grams of fine down each year during its natural spring shedding season, and the fiber must be carefully hand-combed rather than shorn. Around 90% of the world's yak population lives across the Tibetan Plateau, making both the fiber and its supply naturally limited.

Its rarity is one reason relatively few brands work exclusively with yak wool.

Yak wool is naturally soft, with fibers averaging around 18 microns, similar to fine cashmere.

Most people who find traditional wool uncomfortable are pleasantly surprised by yak wool's softness. Like all natural fibers, individual sensitivities vary, especially for those with wool allergies. If you're particularly sensitive, layering over a lightweight tee or shirt may feel most comfortable.

Yes.

Yak wool evolved to protect animals living through Himalayan winters where temperatures regularly fall below freezing.

Its hollow fibers trap warmth while remaining remarkably lightweight, allowing the knit to regulate temperature instead of feeling overly heavy or bulky.

One of yak wool's greatest qualities is its versatility.

Because it is naturally breathable and temperature regulating, many people comfortably wear it across autumn, winter, spring, and even cool summer evenings.

Like all fine natural fibers, yak wool changes with wear. During the first few wears, you may notice some light pilling in areas of friction as loose surface fibers settle. This is a natural characteristic of premium knitwear rather than a defect and can be easily removed with a sweater comb or fabric shaver.

Over time, the fiber softens, relaxes into its shape, and develops an even more comfortable hand. With thoughtful care, your knit is designed to be returned to season after season.

We source our yarn through Shokay, a company working directly with herding communities across the Tibetan Plateau.

The fiber is collected during the natural spring shedding season through hand-combing, supporting thousands of semi-nomadic families while preserving traditional livelihoods.

Unlike many fibers that begin as bright white, yak down naturally grows in earthy shades ranging from light taupe to deeper brown. These colors come directly from the animal, so they do not require bleaching or dyeing to become wearable colors.

When we call a color Undyed Light Brown or Undyed Dark Brown, we mean the shade comes from the yak fiber itself. Undyed Light Brown has a softer taupe-brown quality, while Undyed Dark Brown has more depth and earthiness.

Across our collections, we work with both undyed and thoughtfully dyed yarns. The undyed shades keep the material closest to its natural state, while dyed colors allow us to build a seasonal palette without losing the softness, warmth, and hand-feel we value in yak wool.

Yak wool is considered one of the lower-impact luxury animal fibers available.

• Naturally shed each spring
• Hand-collected without harming the animal
• Lower water requirements than cashmere production
• Less grazing pressure than goats in many alpine ecosystems
• Biodegradable and renewable

For us, sustainability also means creating pieces that are worn often, cared for well, and kept for many years. The thought and detail we put into each knit reflects our attention to versatility and longevity in each piece.

For everyday care, simply air your knit between wears whenever possible.

When washing is needed, hand wash gently in cold water with a wool-safe detergent or use a trusted dry cleaner familiar with natural fibers. Lay flat to dry and avoid hanging while wet.

Store clean knits folded rather than hung, and protect them with natural camphor wood balls during the off-season.

Store knitwear clean, folded, and away from direct sunlight.

Natural camphor wood balls help freshen drawers and discourage moths without synthetic fragrances. As their scent fades over time, lightly sand the surface to refresh the natural aroma. You can purchase them from us here

Tercette pieces are designed with ease, and many have an intentionally relaxed fit. Each product page includes a fit description, measurements, and model sizing to help you understand how the piece is intended to sit on the body.

Choose your usual size for the intended fit. Size down for a neater fit, when available, or size up for more slouch, room for layering, or added length.

For the clearest comparison, measure a sweater or knit you already love and compare it with the garment measurements on the product page.

Still unsure? Email us at shop@tercette.com or send us a DM at @StudioTercette. We are always happy to help with fit.

Not every piece is oversized, but many styles are designed with ease rather than a close fit. Some have a relaxed body, dropped shoulder, or added volume as part of the intended silhouette.

Refer to the fit description on each product page for guidance specific to that style.

Choose based on the amount of volume and length you prefer. The smaller size will generally feel neater, while the larger size will offer more ease and room for layering.

You can also email us at shop@tercette.com or DM @StudioTercette for help choosing between sizes.

All measurements listed in our size guides are taken from the garment itself, not from the body.

Garments are measured laid flat. For chest and waist circumference, double the flat measurement.

Lay a sweater or knit you already own flat and measure it at the same points shown in the product’s size guide. Compare those measurements directly rather than relying only on your usual numeric size.

This gives the clearest sense of the piece’s volume, length, and overall proportion.

Orders under $150 ship via USPS at calculated rates; orders $150 and over ship free. We also offer expedited shipping for a flat rate of $25.

All orders are typically processed within two business days, excluding holidays and during high volume seasonal periods.

Tercette offers $25 USD flat rate shipping on all orders. Orders are shipped via USPS by popular demand. We are currently not collecting duties and taxes at checkout; any duties incurred will be the responsibility of the customer.

All orders are typically processed within three business days, excluding holidays and during high volume seasonal periods.

We ship worldwide via DHL Express at carrier-calculated rates, which are displayed at checkout. Duties and taxes are also calculated and collected at checkout — so the price you see is the price you pay, with no surprise customs charges on delivery.

All orders are typically processed within three business days, excluding holidays and during high volume seasonal periods.

Tercette is primarily available online, but we occasionally appear at pop-ups and trunk shows in Portland and beyond. Past gatherings have included Superette and Storied Objects in Portland, as well as pop-ups in Connecticut.

Because each event is different, the assortment may vary. Follow @StudioTercette or subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming dates, locations, and details.

We share upcoming pop-ups, local gatherings, and ways to shop the collection in person through our newsletter and on Instagram at @StudioTercette.

Our newsletter also includes studio notes, new collection information, and occasional offers. You can sign up at the bottom of this page.

We welcome conversations with independent shops, galleries, studios, and community spaces interested in hosting a Tercette trunk show or in-person gathering.

Please email info@tercette.com with a little about your space, location, audience, and the kind of event you have in mind. We consider each opportunity individually and would be happy to explore what might work together.

Yes. Tercette works with a considered group of independent retailers whose point of view and customer align with the collection.

Retailers can view our available wholesale assortment through Faire or contact us directly at info@tercette.com to begin a conversation.

Please email info@tercette.com with your shop name, location, website or social account, and a brief introduction to your space and customer.

We review each partnership individually and will be in touch if the assortment and timing feel right for both Tercette and the retailer.

We accept returns within 14 days of delivery. Once your return is approved, the item must be shipped back within 10 days.

Items must be unworn, unused, unwashed, and in their original condition, with Tercette tags intact. Returns that do not meet these conditions may be declined and sent back to you.

Sale items are final sale and are not eligible for return or refund, except where required by law or if an item arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect.

To request an exchange, please email us at shop@tercette.com. Exchanges are subject to availability.

For US orders placed on or after August 10, 2026, a flat $10 return fee covering return shipping and processing will be deducted from your refund. Once approved, we will provide a prepaid return label.

Customers in Canada and other international locations are responsible for return shipping costs.

Log in to your Customer Account here and submit a return request within 14 days of delivery.

Once your return is approved, we will provide a prepaid shipping label. Please ship the item back within 10 days of approval.

For orders placed on or after August 10, 2026, a flat $10 return fee will be deducted from your refund.

Log in to your Customer Account here and submit a return request within 14 days of delivery.

Once approved, please ship the item back using a trackable shipping service.

International customers are responsible for all return shipping costs, duties, and taxes associated with the return.

Once your return has been received and inspected, we will email you to let you know whether it has been approved.

For US orders placed on or after August 10, 2026, a flat $10 return fee covering return shipping and processing will be deducted from your refund. The remaining balance will be issued to your original payment method.

You'll receive a Refund Notification email once your refund has been processed. Please allow additional time for your bank or credit card provider to post the refund to your account.