Mongolian Cashmere Knitwear

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The Mongolian Cashmere Collection

At Onika Knitwear, cashmere begins in Mongolia - where winters reach minus 40°C and the Cashmere goat develops an undercoat of exceptional fineness in response to the extreme climate. It is that specific combination of altitude, cold, and the particular resilience of Mongolian herding communities that produces fibres unlike those from any other region.
Every piece in this collection is made from 100% Mongolian cashmere - selected for fibre diameter, staple length, and softness before a single yarn is spun. Part of the collection uses ICEA-certified Grade A cashmere: independently verified for fibre quality, traceability, and ethical supply chain standards from herding community to finished yarn.
The collection brings together two distinct making traditions. A number of pieces are handmade entirely in the Salzburg atelier - knitted by hand, one at a time, by the designer. These are limited in number by the nature of how they are made. The remaining pieces are developed in collaboration with specialist cashmere artisans, combining refined production expertise with the same fibre standards applied across the entire collection.
What unites every piece is the same intention: knitwear designed not for a season, but for years. Cashmere that settles into itself over time - softer after the first wash, calmer after the first season, more familiar with every wear.
The collection includes cashmere sweaters, cashmere scarves, cashmere accessories, and lightweight pieces designed for year-round wear. Each is a considered essential rather than a trend piece - chosen to integrate into a wardrobe that values quality over accumulation.

Materials & Craft

Our cashmere originates from Mongolia, where the extreme climate produces fibres known for their remarkable softness, warmth, and resilience.

Developed in collaboration with specialised cashmere artisans and complemented by hand-knitted pieces created in the Salzburg atelier, the collection reflects a balance between refined production expertise and slow artisanal making.

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Words from our community

  • "Soft, timeless, and beautifully made - I’ll treasure it for years.” – E.M., France

  • “The softest cashmere I’ve ever owned.” A.D., Germany

FAQ

What defines high-quality cashmere knitwear?

High-quality cashmere is defined by fibre length, fineness, and processing - not by thickness alone.
Grade A cashmere uses longer, finer fibres that feel softer on the skin, pill less over time, and retain warmth without heaviness.
When hand-knitted slowly, these fibres maintain their natural elasticity and resilience, resulting in garments that age beautifully rather than degrade.

What does ICEA-certified cashmere mean?

ICEA certification ensures that the cashmere fibre meets strict environmental, ethical, and quality standards throughout the supply chain.
This includes traceable sourcing, responsible herding practices, controlled processing, and limits on harmful chemicals.
ICEA-certified cashmere guarantees transparency, purity, and long-term durability.

Where is Onika cashmere knitwear made?

Onika Knitwear cashmere pieces are created across two complementary settings.
The main collection is handmade in Salzburg in small batches, where each garment is knitted by the designer with careful control of tension, shape, and finish. These pieces are made using Grade A, ICEA-certified cashmere, selected for its quality, traceability, and long-term performance.
Selected designs are created in collaboration with family-run ateliers in Mongolia, working with 100% Mongolian cashmere and a shared commitment to craftsmanship and traceability.

This structure allows each piece to remain rooted in artisanal making while working with some of the finest cashmere fibres available.

Is Mongolian cashmere better than other cashmere?

Mongolian cashmere is widely regarded as among the finest in the world, due to the extreme climate of the Mongolian plateau producing fibres of exceptional fineness and natural insulation. The cold forces the Cashmere goat to develop a particularly dense, fine undercoat - the qualities that translate directly into softness, warmth, and durability in the finished garment. All pieces in this collection use 100% Mongolian cashmere, selected for fibre diameter and staple length before spinning.

Does cashmere improve with time?

Yes. Well-made cashmere softens further with wear and develops a richer hand feel over time. When cared for properly - aired between wears and washed gently - cashmere maintains its shape and comfort for many years.

How should cashmere knitwear be cared for?

Cashmere requires minimal washing. Frequent airing, gentle hand washing when needed, and the use of a mild detergent with lanolin help preserve softness and elasticity. Always dry flat to maintain shape.

View our Care Guide to find out how to keep cashmere knitwear beautiful for years.