DETERMINANT Brings Yak Wool Into The Everyday Wardrobe

By Jessica Ye (Jessica Yap)

Yaks probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for a sweater. Yet the animals’ soft undercoat is the starting point for DETERMINANT’s new Cotton Yak Collection, a range of menswear essentials designed for Fall/Winter 2026.

The Singapore label combines premium cotton with yak wool to create three everyday pieces: two sweaters and a shirt jacket. The idea is straightforward enough: bring the natural warmth of yak wool into clothing that still feels comfortable, looks polished and works beyond the colder months.

The yak wool comes from animals living on high-altitude plateaus more than 3,000 metres above sea level. According to the brand, the fibres are hand-combed during the animals’ natural seasonal shedding and put through a 22-step sorting process before being used in the collection.

Yak wool is naturally warm and helps regulate temperature, while the cotton blend gives the pieces a softer, more familiar feel against the skin. It is an interesting combination for Singapore, where dressing for the weather often means navigating the considerable difference between outdoor heat and aggressively cold office air-conditioning.

First up is the Cotton-Yak Quarter-Zip Ribbed Jacquard Sweater (S$140). Its concealed quarter-zip and double-faced construction pair a warm cotton-yak outer layer with a breathable, moisture-absorbing cotton lining. New shades Terracotta Red and Citadel Blue add colour without requiring a complete wardrobe rethink. The blue would work well with dark denim or tailored trousers, while the red would look rather good under a charcoal coat.

The Cotton Yak Ribbed Jacquard Stand Collar Sweater (S$140) takes a slightly smarter approach. A Henley-inspired opening, subtle horn-style buttons and a lightweight cotton lining around the collar and placket keep it comfortable against the skin. It is a good option for days when a crew-neck feels too casual, but a shirt and jacket combination seems like unnecessary effort. Pair it with wool trousers for a smarter look or dark denim for something more relaxed.

Then there is the Cotton Yak Dobby Shirt Jacket (S$200), made from double-faced flannel brushed on both sides for a soft, substantial feel. Tonal contrasts and two chest pockets add texture and practicality, while the shirt-jacket silhouette makes it easy to layer over a T-shirt or fine knit. This is probably the most useful piece for Singapore, where a full winter coat is generally an optimistic purchase unless you spend a great deal of time travelling.

The appeal is in the details. The quarter-zip has a cotton lining on the inside, the stand-collar sweater has a lightweight cotton lining around the collar and placket, and the shirt jacket is brushed on both sides for a softer feel. They are familiar pieces, but the yak wool gives them an extra layer of warmth for cooler days.

The Cotton Yak Collection is available in Singapore at DETERMINANT’s Plaza Singapura store and its menswear counter at Takashimaya Department Store in Ngee Ann City.

Because if we are going to spend half the day in air-conditioning, we might as well be comfortable in something that looks good too.