Our wool is sourced from the high-altitude Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh, primarily from Gaddi sheep raised by transhumant pastoral communities. These sheep graze seasonally across pristine mountain pastures, producing fine high high-quality wool. We work closely with partners like Mahadev Mills and Jayashree Textiles, who collaborate directly with local shepherds to spin this wool into high-quality yarns with care and traceability.

Once spun, our yarn travels to artisan-led weaving units like Devbhumi Natural Products Producers Co. Ltd and Pyoli Enterprises in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, where it’s carefully transformed into textiles. We also work with Bhuttico Weavers Co-op. Society Ltd, Himachal Pradesh, a heritage cooperative known for using Woolmark-certified yarns. These partners bring decades of skill, integrity, and commitment to sustainable craft, ensuring every product is rooted in both tradition and transparency.

Woolmark certification is like a gold standard for wool. It means the yarn has passed strict tests for fiber content, performance, and sustainability. So when you see that tag, you know you're getting genuine, high-quality wool that meets global benchmarks, without compromising the natural charm of our Himalayan wool.

“Transhumant” refers to communities that practice seasonal migration with their livestock—moving to higher altitudes in summer and lower altitudes in winter. The Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh, from whom we source our wool, are transhumant. Their movement ensures that sheep graze on naturally regenerating pastures year-round, resulting in high-quality, environment-friendly wool.

Because the mountains offer something extraordinary: clean air, seasonal cycles, and untouched grasslands. These regions support traditional shepherding and natural grazing, resulting in wool that’s as pure as the land it comes from.

Gaddi wool gets its name from the Gaddi community of Himachal Pradesh, a traditional pastoralist group known for rearing sheep in the Himalayan region, known for producing fine, soft fleece suited for high-quality textiles.

Our wool comes from Gaddi sheep raised in the high-altitude meadows of Himachal Pradesh, where clean air, natural grazing, and seasonal rhythms shape the quality of the fleece. Depending on when the sheep are sheared—typically two times a year—the softness may vary slightly. At its best, the wool measures around 19–23 microns in diameter and 17 mm in length, making it fine, breathable, and perfect for cozy, close-to-skin wear.

Microns measure the thickness of each individual wool fiber — one micron is one-millionth of a meter! The lower the micron count, the finer and softer the wool feels against your skin.

The quality of Gaddi wool is deeply shaped by the region’s natural ecology and traditional grazing patterns. Every summer, shepherds migrate with their flocks to high-altitude pastures in Himachal, where sheep graze on grasses that sprout naturally above the snowline. These organic, pesticide-free grasses regenerate without human intervention, contributing to a fleece that is soft, breathable, and rich in character, often rivaling merino in fineness and warmth.

We work with mills that source wool directly from shepherds. This creates steady income for families, supports age-old practices, and keeps the wool trade alive, without middlemen.

Yes — alongside Gaddi sheep, some local goats in Himachal and Uttarakhand also produce wool. This goat wool, often called Hersil wool in Uttarakhand, is coarser and more textured than sheep wool. Shepherds traditionally use it to make durable items like blankets and floor coverings. While it’s valued for warmth and strength, it can feel rougher and is usually not worn directly on the skin. In contrast, the Gaddi sheep’s wool is much finer and softer, ideal for garments that touch the body.

Our wool comes from sheep raised in the high-altitude meadows of Himachal Pradesh, where traditional grazing practices are guided by the natural rhythm of the land. Every year, specific areas are designated for grazing, allowing other regions to rest and naturally regenerate.

These pastures replenish themselves without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The rotational grazing system practiced by Gaddi shepherds ensures that the environment remains balanced, the grasslands stay healthy, and the sheep are well-fed on native vegetation. This deep-rooted harmony between pastoralists and the land is central to the sustainability of our wool.

In the early stages of wool processing—especially during the winter months when the sheep return from migration—local women are deeply involved in tasks like sorting, hand cleaning, and preparing the fibers before they reach the mills. While our final products are woven at partner mills, this foundation is built on the skills and labor of women in the community. Supporting their work is central to our ethos of inclusive, women-led craft. 

Every summer, small groups of men from local families, generally owners, head up to the high mountain pastures with flocks of 400 to 1,500 sheep. It’s a slow, mindful journey—no frills, just tradition and trust in the land. It’s quiet teamwork that makes our wool story truly special.

In winter, when the flocks return to the lower valleys, they graze on leftover crop stubble, maize, wild grasses, and forest foliage. The Gaddis also feed them salt, which is 1kg per day and to keep them healthy and strong through the colder months.

Shearing is the process of removing a sheep’s fleece using scissors— think of it as their seasonal haircut. It helps keep the sheep cool and comfortable, and is essential for their well-being, especially before the warmer months.

Our sheep are typically sheared two times a year, depending on seasonal needs. Trained hands use traditional scissors or clippers to gently shear the fleece without causing harm. It’s a practiced, respectful process rooted in generations of shepherding knowledge.

Absolutely. Shearing is done by skilled hands using scissors, with the sheep’s comfort as the top priority. It’s a calm, practiced process, more like a much-needed haircut than anything stressful. No force, no harm, and no wounds, just generations of know-how and gentle care.

Yes, especially for younger sheep. While older sheep are usually fully sheared, shepherds often leave a light layer of wool on lambs and younger animals during summer shearing. This helps protect them from sudden weather changes in the high mountains, where nights can still be chilly. The practice reflects both tradition and care, ensuring the animals stay comfortable as seasons shift.

Mulesing is a practice where strips of skin are removed from around a sheep’s buttocks area to prevent flystrike — a condition caused by flies laying eggs in skin folds. It's primarily used in Australia and is considered painful and controversial because it’s often done without anesthesia.

We do not use wool from mulesed sheep. The Gaddi sheep of Himachal Pradesh are not subjected to mulesing, as the regional climate and sheep breed do not face the same flystrike risks.

Once the sheep are shorn, the wool is hand-cleaned by shepherding families, especially by women. They take the lead in combing through each fleece, picking out twigs, seeds, and bits of grass with care and precision. This hands-on work prepares the wool for its next journey to the mill and forms a crucial part of the community’s winter rhythm and livelihood.

On average, each Gaddi sheep yields 1 to 1.5 kg of wool every year. That’s enough for several scarves—or 2-3 beautiful capes. A Gaddi sheep generally has a lifespan of 10-12 years.

At the mill, the wool is carefully sorted by quality, then washed with warm water and mild soap to remove lanolin, the natural waxy coating found on sheep fleece.. After washing, the wool is air-dried or gently tumble-dried depending on the batch, ensuring the fibers stay soft, fluffy, and ready for the next stage of processing.

Lanolin is a natural, waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to protect their wool and skin. It is extracted during the wool washing process. Lanolin is completely natural and biodegradable.

Carding is the step where wool gets gently brushed and untangled. After washing, the dry fleece is passed through rollers covered with fine wires that separate and align the fibers into a soft, fluffy web. This makes the wool easier to spin and ensures the yarn is smooth and consistent. For us, carding is done at our partner mills in Himachal Pradesh, where traditional methods meet careful mechanical processing to preserve the wool’s natural softness.

Combing comes right after carding. It’s like giving the wool a final gentle grooming, removing any leftover impurities, and aligning the fibers even more neatly. This step helps make the wool smoother, silkier, and more uniform, which is essential for spinning fine, high-quality yarn.

Drafting is the step where the wool fibers are gently stretched and thinned out to create an even, fine strand. Think of it as preparing the fibers for their final transformation into yarn, making sure they’re smooth, uniform, and ready to spin beautifully.

Once the wool fibers are prepped, they’re fed into spinning machines that gently twist them into a continuous strand of yarn. This twisting gives the yarn its strength and structure. Finally, the yarn is wound onto cones — ready to be woven into capes, kimonos, and more.

Our wool is not treated with superwash (a process that coats wool with plastic to make it machine-washable). This helps us retain the natural properties of the fiber — its ability to regulate temperature, absorb moisture, and biodegrade easily. 

Our wool is dyed at partner mills using AZO-free, GOTS-certified dyes that are safe for both your skin and the environment. The yarn is gently soaked in carefully prepared dye baths, then rinsed and dried under controlled conditions to preserve its softness and rich color. We steer clear of harsh chemicals, keeping the process as natural and low-impact as the wool itself.

It’s a thoughtful mix. Initial steps like sorting and cleaning are done by hand, while carding and spinning are done with precision machines to ensure quality and consistency.

Wool can feel rough when the fibers are thicker, and in sheep, that depends on when and where the wool grows. Our Gaddi sheep are shorn up to three times a year, and the texture of their fleece varies with the seasons. The softest wool comes after winter, when the sheep return from high-altitude grazing on wild, clean pastures. In contrast, wool grown during the lower-altitude months can feel a bit coarser due to changes in diet and climate.

The Gaddi community follows transhumant grazing patterns, moving sheep seasonally across high-altitude pastures. During grazing and shearing, animals are handled with care. Though India does not currently have formal mulesing regulations like in Argentina or Australia, mulesing is not a common practice in Himachal. Most shearing is done twice a year, using traditional methods passed down through generations.

It’s thanks to something called crimp—the gentle waves in each wool fiber. This natural waviness creates tiny air pockets that help trap body heat, making our garments wonderfully insulating without feeling bulky. Crimp also gives the fabric a bit of natural stretch and bounce, helping it hold its shape and resist wrinkles over time.

Our fabrics are handwoven by skilled women weavers at partner mills like Dev Bhumi and Pyoli Enterprises. Each piece is a quiet collaboration of patience and precision. Depending on the design’s complexity, a weaver may spend hours aligning yarns, adjusting tension, and bringing the pattern to life. For simpler designs, one weaver can complete up to two capes in a day, but intricate weaves take longer. Every thread is placed with care, making each garment truly one-of-a-kind.

1. Grazed on high-altitude Himalayan pastures
2. Gently sheared by hand by Gaddi shepherds
3. Cleaned and sorted by local families, often women
4. Spun into yarn at trusted mills like Mahadev and Jayashree
5. Woven into fabric by artisan-led units like Dev Bhumi, Pyoli, and Bhuttico
6. Tailored into garments that celebrate craft and care

From hillside to hanger—our wool carries a story in every strand.

In the late 16th century, Merino sheep were introduced to India and gradually crossbred with local Himalayan varieties. The result? Gaddi sheep — a resilient mountain breed that produces fine wool with a micron range similar to Merino (around 19–23 microns) and longer lengths of 17 mm. This shared softness, along with the clean high-altitude grazing, makes Gaddi wool a natural equivalent in quality.

Our wool is local, seasonal, and naturally renewable. We work with mills that prioritize ethical sourcing and minimize water and chemical usage in the washing and processing stages. We avoid practices like superwash or over-bleaching that compromise both fiber quality and the environment.

Our wool garments are breathable, warm, and long-lasting. Like any natural fiber, they require gentle care — regular airing, spot cleaning, and flat drying. In return, they provide excellent thermoregulation and softness that improves with wear.

Pilling refers to the tiny balls of fiber that form on the surface of wool over time, especially in areas with frequent friction. It’s a natural trait of untreated wool. Since we don’t use harsh chemical treatments or plastic coatings, our wool retains its original softness, and gentle pilling is simply part of the charm of wearing something truly natural.

Like all untreated, non-superwash wool, ours responds to water and heat. That means if washed roughly or in hot water, the fibers may felt or shrink. But don’t worry—gentle care goes a long way. We recommend hand washing in cool water or dry cleaning when needed. With the right care, your wool will stay soft, breathable, and beautifully intact for years.

We don’t recommend it. Natural wool, especially untreated wool like ours, doesn’t love the tumble of a machine — it can shrink or lose shape. The best way to care for your woolen product is with a gentle hand wash in cool water using a mild wool soap. But here’s the good news: wool rarely needs washing in the first place.

Hardly ever! That’s the beauty of real wool — it naturally resists odors and stains. Simply airing it out between wears can refresh it. If it gets a small mark, spot clean that area instead of washing the whole piece. It’ll keep your garment looking newer for longer.

After gently rinsing and pressing out excess water (no wringing!), lay your garment flat on an area to dry. Reshape it while damp, especially the sleeves and neckline. Avoid direct sun or hanging wool can stretch or warp when wet. A little patience goes a long way in keeping it beautiful.

Each of our wool garments carries subtle variations, just like the sheep it comes from. Because our wool is harvested seasonally, the texture and tone may gently shift depending on when it was shorn or the pasture the flock grazed on. From hand-cleaning to hand-weaving, every step adds its own touch, making no two pieces exactly the same. That’s the charm of working with nature, not against it.

Yes — but gently! A light steam is great for refreshing wool and easing out creases. If you choose to iron, always place a cotton cloth between the iron and your garment, and use the wool setting (low heat). Never press directly, and avoid over-ironing to keep the natural crimp and texture intact.

We design timeless silhouettes—like capes, kimonos, wrap skirts, scarves, jackets, boleros, and belts—that let the wool speak for itself. Every piece is built for layering, lasting, and living in.

Our designs follow a zero-waste philosophy, meaning no scrap is discarded thoughtlessly. We treat wool as precious because it carries the work of shepherds, spinners, weavers, and artisans. By crafting garments that are versatile and seasonless, we ensure this labor of love lives on in your wardrobe for years to come.

To keep your wool garments in great shape, store them in a cool, dry place—ideally folded in a breathable cotton or muslin bag. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture. To protect against moths, tuck in some natural repellents like dried lavender, neem leaves, or cedar wood. And always make sure your garment is clean and completely dry before storing it away. Wool, when cared for thoughtfully, can last for years.

At Julahas, we don’t blend fibers into a single yarn — instead, we pair them thoughtfully at the weaving stage. In some of our pieces, you’ll find wool used in the warp (the vertical threads) and silk in the weft (the horizontal threads), or the other way around. This technique allows each fiber to shine in its natural form, giving you the warmth and body of wool, with the softness and gentle sheen of silk. It’s our way of creating texture, contrast, and character — without compromising the integrity of the materials.

No, and that’s part of what makes our textiles special. We work exclusively with natural fibers and never blend wool with synthetics. Instead of mixing fibers into a single yarn, we celebrate their individuality at the weaving stage. In some designs, we use wool in the warp and silk in the weft, or vice versa. This lets each fiber express its best qualities — the warmth and structure of wool, with the luster and drape of silk — creating a textile that’s both pure and full of character.

We work with a range of wool yarn counts — including 2/48,2/20,2/56, depending on the weight, drape, and warmth desired in each garment.

In simple terms, yarn count refers to how fine or thick a wool yarn is. The higher the number, the finer the yarn. The “2x” means it’s a two-ply yarn — made by twisting two strands together — giving it more strength, durability, and a balanced texture. By choosing specific counts for different pieces, we ensure that your cape or kimono feels just right — not too heavy, not too light — and wears beautifully through the seasons.