The story of every Onika Knitwear piece begins with the fibre itself.

We source our yarns from leading Italian mills known for their commitment to quality, traceability, and responsible production. The majority of fibres used across our collections are certified natural materials, with independent third-party verification relating to fibre origin, animal welfare, and product safety.

Each fibre is selected not only for its certifications, but 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, 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.

Discover our Cashmere Collection
Mohair sweater resting on a wooden chair near a big window

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.

Explore our Mohair Collection

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.

View Wool-Alpaca Pieces

Glossary

ICEA

ICEA certification ensures responsible sourcing, fibre integrity, and strict quality standards - supporting cashmere that is both traceable and made to last.

Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) / Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) - explained and why it matters:

RMS / RWS is a globally recognised certification that ensures mohair / wool is sourced ethically, prioritising animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and worker rights.

  • Animal Welfare - RMS / RWS ensures Angora goats / sheep are treated with care and respect. Harmful practices are strictly prohibited, and animal welfare is a top priority.
  • RMS / RWS - certified farms follow strict land management practices to reduce environmental impact and preserve biodiversity.
  • RMS / RWS ensures every step of the supply chain is traceable, from farm to fabric. You know exactly where your mohair comes from.
  • Premium quality - When you choose certified mohair / wool, you're investing in quality that speaks for itself.

GOTS - Global Organic Textile Standard - explained and why is matters:

GOTS - is the world’s leading certification for organic fibers. It ensures that every step of the production process - from farming to manufacturing - is ethical, sustainable, and free from harmful chemicals.

  • Organic and Chemical-Free: Guarantees that fibers are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, keeping the process safe for the planet and your skin.
  • Fair Labor Practices: Enforces ethical working conditions and fair wages for workers in the supply chain.
  • Eco-Friendly Production: Requires sustainable practices, such as wastewater treatment, to minimize environmental impact.

Sustainability - find out more

Learn More About Our Knitwear