Cashmere, Mohair & Alpaca Fibres
Exceptional natural fibres, carefully sourced, and selected for softness, durability, and longevity.
The story of every Onika Knitwear piece begins with the fibre itself.
For our handmade collection, we source our yarns from leading Italian mills known for their commitment to quality, traceability, and responsible production. All the fibres used in our handmade collection are certified natural materials, with independent third-party verification relating to fibre origin, animal welfare, and product safety.
Each fibre is selected for its character - how it feels, performs, and evolves over time. From ultra-soft, insulating cashmere to refined mohair and breathable wool–alpaca blends, every material is chosen to support longevity, comfort, and a considered wardrobe.
Why Material Choice Matters
The quality of knitwear is defined first by its fibres.
By selecting natural materials and working with trusted mills and artisan partners, each piece is designed to maintain its softness, structure, and beauty over time.
This approach supports a wardrobe built on fewer, better garments - where material integrity and craftsmanship define longevity.
Cashmere - ICEA-Certified & Responsibly Sourced Mongolian Cashmere
Cashmere is one of the rarest and most refined natural fibres, valued for its exceptional softness, warmth, and breathability. It naturally regulates temperature - retaining warmth in colder conditions while remaining breathable.
Over time, high-quality cashmere evolves with wear, becoming softer while maintaining its structure. When properly maintained, cashmere is a material designed for longevity.
For the handmade collection, we use Grade A cashmere certified by ICEA, sourced from one of Italy's most renowned mills, ensuring fibre purity, responsible sourcing, and full traceability.
A small cashmere capsule collection is produced in limited quantities in collaboration with a trusted family-run atelier in Mongolia. The atelier sources its cashmere directly from local herding communities, providing traceability to fibre origin and supporting traditional cashmere production.
Mohair (RMS-certified)
Mohair is valued for its lightness, gentle warmth, and naturally lustrous texture. Its subtle sheen adds depth and refinement, elevating even minimal silhouettes.
We work with RMS-certified mohair, sourced from farms that meet strict standards for animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and traceability. The fibre is long, resilient, and durable, offering both softness and structure.
Our mohair is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring it is safe against the skin.
Wool - Alpaca blend
This wool - alpaca blend is designed for natural comfort and thermal balance.
Virgin wool provides elasticity and structure, helping garments retain their shape, while alpaca enhances softness and reduces the coarser feel often associated with traditional wool.
The result is a material that feels smooth, insulating, and breathable - ideal for colder conditions and everyday wear.
The wool used in this blend is mulesing-free and certified according to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
The alpaca blend carries the Alpaca Blend Mark and is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified.
Together, these certifications support responsible fibre sourcing, animal welfare standards, and product safety across the materials used in this blend.
Heirloom knitwear designed for timeless elegance
Onika Knitwear is a Salzburg-based, artist-owned label creating heirloom knitwear from premium cashmere, mohair, and alpaca. Rooted in traditional hand-knitting and thoughtful design, each piece is made to be worn, treasured, and passed on for years to come.
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Mohair Cardigans: Hand-knitted in Salzburg
Mohair cardigans designed and handmade in limited editions in our Salzburg atelier....