Everything you need to know about Alpaca wool qualities

Alpaca fleece is one of the most renowned natural fibers globally, and is used in a myriad of products like alpaca scarves, blankets, etc. A favorite material for luxury fashion designers and hand knitters alike. At one point, clothing created with Alpaca fiber was restricted only for use by royalty. It was known as “The fiber of the Gods” by The Incas because of its high quality. The Alpaca fiber is native to Peru with Baby Alpaca being a commercially acceptable Alpaca wool qualities. 

Alpaca fleece and the yarn is a staple of winter wardrobes, from socks to hats to sweaters to coats and more. Alpacas come in over 18 different natural earth tone colors and can be blended into even more shade variations! With a lot of color choices, different types of Alpaca fiber grade can be easily dyed using natural or organic dyes in a multitude of colors.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the Alpaca properties:

1. Soft: Being several microns smaller in diameter, similar to merino wool, Alpaca fiber has a smooth and silky feel.
2. Warm: Alpaca fiber is extremely warm and maintains a lightweight nature. The airiness of the fiber allows the wool to trap and retain heat without becoming too heavy.
3. Naturally renewable: With superb handling quality and sustainability, Alpaca fleece is highly sought-after by both cottage-industry artists for hand spinners, knitters, weavers, etc., as well as the commercial fashion industry.
4. Water repellent: Alpaca wool has an incredibly low water retention rate, making spills easy to clean up before the stains can develop. The fiber is resistant to external water penetration like wool. It can even slowly wick away perspiration.
5. Stain-resistant: Resistant to stains and oils. Alpaca fiber prevents penetration of the dirt by allowing a clinging effect for easy cleaning without even using harsh chemicals.
6. Flame Resistant: Alpaca is flame resistant, meeting the standards of the safest level of flame resistance for use in clothing and furnishings per the product safety guidelines.
7. Hypo-allergenic: People who are sensitive to wool find that they can wear Alpaca fiber without feeling itching or irritation because the fiber is smooth. Alpaca fiber is also naturally hypo-allergenic. It contains no lanolin, which also minimizes the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
8. Lightweight: Alpaca fiber has air pockets which give the fiber a lightweight quality without letting go of the warmth, making the clothing material breathable.
9. Breathability: While the fabric dictates the level of thermal insulating properties, Alpaca fiber has a high natural thermal conductivity level. The fibers can ‘breathe’ due to their lighter weight by volume.

10.Luxurious: With its soft luxurious feel, incredible warmth, and lightweight qualities, Alpaca fabric is similar to cashmere. It is widely available and more affordable than cashmere.

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Alpaca fleece can be made into inexpensive garments crafted by the aboriginal communities, bespoke and luxurious products, or can even be industrially produced. There is nothing better than luxuriously warm Alpaca scarves or baby Alpaca blankets. Clearly superior to synthetic fibers, the benefits of Alpaca wool include being windproof, odor-resistant, and, most importantly, natural and biodegradable.

With Alpaca Fleece offering so many advantages over other fibers, what is going to be your choice?

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.