Alpaca wool products such as baby alpaca wool throws and blankets have become very popular. However, one cannot find these types of products regularly in the stores. And there is a good reason why. The alpaca wool has high quality, and it sometimes can be hard to find. All of that comes from the exclusivity of this type of wool.
One of the alpaca characteristics that makes it so exclusive is that it comes from an isolated region in the world. More precisely, 96% of this type of wool comes from South America. Additionally, the alpacas can be shorn only once a year, which allows them to maintain high-quality wool. Altogether, alpaca wool is exclusive because it is considered luxury wool.
Here are the main reasons that make the alpaca wool exclusive:
There is a limited number of alpacas that live in the world. From that number, 87% live in Peru, and the others are in some isolated areas in the world. However, there is not a specific number that can tell how many of these animals are out there.
According to data back in 2018, there are 3.6 million alpacas in Peru, 87% of the world’s alpaca population. Bolivia is home to the second-largest alpaca population in the world, with 9%. The rest, around 4.14 million alpacas, are spread worldwide.
Alpacas’ natural habitat is the mountain, cold, wet and windy conditions. However, they have been brought to other countries too. Today, these animals can be seen in the USA, the UK, and Australia, all of which live on farms.
Another reason that makes the alpaca wool exclusive is that these animals can be shorn only once a year. By doing so, they can maintain their high-quality standard of wool. However, this is not the case with all alpaca breeds.
Some can be shorn bi-annually. That is because the hair needs to be long enough so that it can provide enough grip when the single hairs are twisted into yarn. The alpaca hair is smoother than the wool, so the staple length is important to maintain good quality wool.
The alpaca hair grows about 7 cm per year. It is also the minimum length that can be used for good quality wool. After the first year, the hair grows slower, and eventually, the animal will need to get a haircut. When it comes to quality, the shorter hairs are less desired because they tend to “jump out” more easily, causing itchiness. And alpaca fiber is known as itch-free wool.
The process of production is also quite labor-intensive, which includes the shearing process. Many hands are needed to keep the alpaca in place so that it can be shorn. The entire process lasts about 15-20 minutes. Although the process is not harmful at all, the alpaca needs to be very still. After shearing, the wool is sorted, cleaned, washed, dried, and spun.
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Alpaca fleece is a luxury fiber with high qualities. It is praised for its exclusive properties such as warmth, softness, breathability, and luster. It is also wind-resistant, water-repellent, odor-resistant, stain-resistant, hypoallergenic, and needs to be washed less often. That is why it is considered a luxury fiber.
The luxury fibers share the alpaca wool benefits of having many natural high qualities. These high qualities are given to the animals that live in unique circumstances and settings, especially referring to the number of animals. For example, alpacas are the ones that live in the high mountains, rainy or windy environments, extreme snowfall, hot summers, etc.
With all of the above mentioned, the luxury fibers are exclusive because they come in limited availability, compared to the low-quality fibers. On top of that comes the high demand for such wool and garments, since the focus is on the quality and it is extraordinary. The luxury fibers do not need chemicals to add some property like being wind- or water-resistant.
Appreciating the uniqueness and the originality of this luxury fiber, the alpaca wool comes as an exclusive part of the Silkeborg brand. The availability of products and offers is quite interesting. If you are considering enjoying the alpaca luxury feeling, then stock up on some baby alpaca wool blankets or baby alpaca wool throws.
In Silkeborg Uldspinderi we are here to help you. You will have at your disposal many high-quality products. If you want to buy any alpaca scarves, shawls, cushions, or throws, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact page.
