7 Day Challenge: How Yak Wool Simplified My Wardrobe

Testing my yak wool sweater to see if it’s the perfect minimalist travel piece.

I’ll Get There: The Digital Nomad’s Journey To Sustainability

Introducing a 3-part blog series in which I, a messy, directionally challenged digital nomad, share my journey into the unknown depths of sustainable fashion on the go.

For my first blog, I’ll start by taking you with me as I try the Oliver Charles All-Season Boat Neck Sweater for the first time, one sweater for 7 days straight. How many ways are there to style one item? We’ll find out.

• 7 Day Sweater Challenge
• Traveling And Packing Smart
• Learning To Live Sustainably

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My Initial Reaction

I was out running errands when I received the notification that my Oliver Charles sweater had been delivered to my home. Christmas in October? Yeah, I ran home. I opened the package like a child on their birthday and was absolutely tickled when I found the tote bag that came as an extra gift with the challenge.

Oliver Charles also included a helpful note with instructions on how to care for the sweater, which came as a huge relief.

I’m new to sustainable fashion, and one thing I’ve been nervous about leading up to the 7 Day Sweater Challenge was: What if I wash it wrong?

As I ripped the sweater from its bag, I couldn’t help but giggle as I touched the fabric. It was really soft. One concern I have about sweaters in general is the way they feel on my skin. If a piece of clothing itches, I’m going to rip it off my body.

That’s just how it is. I later learned the sweater was made from Khullu. This is the soft down wool of Tibetan yaks! It's what helps create a lightweight, warm, not-itchy sweater.

How Yak Wool Thermoregulates for Warmth Without Overheating

My main question was about versatility. Could one sweater really handle all the different environments I'd go to during the 7 Day Challenge?

The biggest test during this time of year is the constant temperature change. You walk from the cold street into a heated store, or go from a drafty office to a warm car.

This is where my sweater truly performed. The yak wool is shockingly thermoregulating. I found it was warm when I needed it to be, but it never felt heavy or bulky when I was indoors. I learned that yak wool has a significantly higher warmth-to-weight ratio when compared to merino and most other wools. And the fibers are designed (by millions of years of evolution) to breathe, which prevents that stuffy, overheated feeling.

The All-Season Boat Neck itself is surprisingly light. It was comfortable during long car rides and while running errands, adapting as I moved from place to place.

I also tend to run cold. My sweater quickly became my essential layer for comfort. It was perfect for places that always feel a bit drafty, like a movie theater or a corner of the office. It provides consistent warmth without the bulk of a heavy jacket.

How Yak Wool Breathes to Prevent Overheating Indoors

This sweater was also perfect for a rainy, cozy day spent at home. I am moving to Boston soon, so this was a great chance to get some early packing done.

I noticed immediately that the sweater moved well with my body. Packing is surprisingly physical work. Even on a cool day, all that lifting, sorting, and taping boxes can make you warm up quickly.

I was surprised that after an hour of scurrying around, I was still completely comfortable. My Boat Neck Sweater never felt restrictive. The natural breathability of the wool was obvious. I didn't feel clammy or overheated, which is a common problem when you are working hard indoors. It was an easy layer for staying productive without having to change.

How a Yak Wool Sweater Creates a Polished Look With No Effort

I found that the sweater works perfectly as a standalone piece. It doesn't always need to be part of a complex layered outfit.

For a simple, clean look, I often wore it on its own, perhaps paired with a necklace. The quality of the knitwear really stands out this way. The seamless design and fine stitching give it a very polished feel.

This versatility is one of its greatest strengths. It looks just as good with a simple pair of jeans as it does layered for a colder fall or winter day. It is an easy way to look put-together without much effort.

How a Yak Wool Sweater Supports a Minimalist Lifestyle

This 7 Day Sweater Challenge was an eye-opening experience. It taught me a valuable lesson about the shift from a maximalist lifestyle to a more minimal one.

The main takeaway is that it is truly okay to let go of what you do not need. This one sweater proved that.

Whether I was on the go, working from a coffee shop, or traveling between cities, I always felt comfortable.

The thermoregulating yak wool adapted perfectly to every new environment, indoors and out. It provided warmth without bulk, and it was breathable enough for active days spent packing.

Most importantly, I was confident in my appearance without any of the usual effort. The sweater looked polished and put-together, even when just paired with jeans.

Isn't this the real goal of sustainable living? It is about living with less so you can gain more time, more comfort, and more focus on the present. This challenge showed me exactly what that can feel like in practice.

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.