As luxury wool, the alpaca fiber has amazing benefits and features. It looks great, it feels great on the skin, and it is very soft and pleasant for wearing, such as alpaca scarves. With all of that in mind, one common question that arises is whether the alpaca wool is shiny?
Among all the great properties and benefits the alpaca wool has, the luster is one of the features that are highly appreciated. The alpaca wool has a natural luster. It is exclusively and naturally shiny. As such, it has a scale-like texture, with tiny microscopic scales that do not make the fiver coarse. This results in the natural shine of the fiber.
The fashion and textile industry today uses different kinds of chemicals to treat the fabric and the fibers so that they can look more lustrous. The alpaca fiber is not in that group, since it is naturally exclusive, luxurious, and looks soft. The luster benefits of the fiber bring shine. As mentioned above, the shine of the alpaca wool comes from its luster.
Luster is what makes one fiber shiny. Some fibers are more lustrous than others. The more lustrous the fiber is, reflects more light. The fibers that are not so lustrous reflect little or no light at all. The luster is important since it gives the fiber a luxurious look. And not just a look, but a feel to it too. The greatest example is silk.
Often, the luster can even give a quality of the fibers that are not luxurious. However, this process can damage the fiber and even be harmful to the environment. So, that is another property that adds to the sustainable feature of alpaca fiber and wool in general. The lustrous fabric and fiber are soft and non-prickly, it does not shrink and it is very easy to wear.
You can also read: 5 reasons why baby alpaca scarf is an investment buy
As we mentioned above, not all the alpaca fiber is the same. This difference comes predominantly because of the breed and the age of the animal, as well as sex and nutrition. When it comes to the breed, there are two types: Suri alpaca and Huacaya alpaca. Suri alpaca produces more lustrous fiber and that is why it has a different scale structure.
Age is also important when it comes to luster. Baby alpaca fleece, or the first cut of the animal’s fleece, is much less lustrous than the fleece from an older alpaca. Generally, the alpaca’s fleece grows thicker as the animal ages and is also more lustrous.
The fiber structure greatly influences the fiber’s luster. The coarse fiber with a smooth and clean surface looks more lustrous. The alpaca fiber is soft and that is why it produces shiny wool.
Wearing a lustrous garment has its benefits. It is not all just for the look of the garment, but the feeling too. The alpaca fiber in particular prevents prickliness, which directly influences the wearer. Wearing an alpaca garment on the skin will allow you to feel the edges of the scales.
Those who have sensitive skin might find this challenging, but all the others will feel a little prickle from the regular alpaca and no prickle from baby alpaca. Such garments that are made from scale structure yarn deliver soft and silky yarn that is very comfortable to wear.
It is also very suitable for people who might have allergic reactions to other types of wool. With time and the right care, the alpaca garment will remain in its original shape and will look as good as new after many years of wearing.
Overall the general take on the alpaca wool is that it is lustrous. Many would consider this an advantage since the luster has the power to instantly make a fashion piece look more elegant and stylish. It only adds to the popularity and the demand for alpaca products, and it does look luxurious.
To a small degree, there are some issues with the luster about it being slipper. Also, it can make it hard for knitting. However, for clothing garments and home accessories, alpaca wool is the best option.
You can find out for yourself if you get some cute and stylish alpaca knit scarf. Whether it is for you or a present, the alpaca scarf makes it a wonderful and must-have addition to any woman’s closet.
At Silkeborg Uldspinderi you can find an abundance of alpaca wool scarves, throws, cushions and more in lots of different colors. The alpaca wool fiber is cozy and comfortable for wearing and does present a luxurious and elegant look.
