Why Alpaca?


Alpaca vs. Wool

  • Alpaca is stronger (per same fineness).
  • Alpaca is a hollow or mostly hollow fiber and is warmer for an equal weight.
  • Alpaca is softer, less irritating.
  • Alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic.
  • Alpaca is free from dander and lanolin which may cause allergic reactions.
  • Alpaca will stay cleaner longer because it is lanolin free and doesn’t hold dust.
  • Alpaca superfine won’t mat or pill (some pilling in baby alpaca).
  • Alpaca has 28 shades of rich, natural colors.
  • Alpaca features less shrinkage (washable).
  • Alpaca is thermostatically superior (If worn in a 0 degree F environment, alpaca would provide a 50 degree F comfort range vs. 30 degree F for wool).

Alpaca vs. Synthetics

  • Alpaca offers superior breathability.
  • Alpaca wicks away body moisture.
  • Alpaca is a hollow or mostly hollow fiber which offers greater warmth for the weight.
  • Alpaca keeps you warm even when wet conditions are present.
  • Superfine Alpaca won’t mat or pill like other natural fibers (some pilling may occur due to fineness in baby alpaca).
  • Alpaca is naturally windproof.
  • Alpaca is flame resistant (will not ignite) and doesn’t melt.
  • Alpaca emits only a very low static electricity.
  • Alpaca doesn’t hold debris and stays cleaner longer.
  • Alpaca is stain resistant and resists acquired odors (odors dissipate overnight).
  • Alpaca is wrinkle resistant (hang overnight, wrinkles disappear).
  • Alpaca is all natural and biodegradable.
  • Alpaca has natural luster.
  • Alpaca is thermostatically superior (If worn in a 0 degree F environment, alpaca would provide a  50 degree F comfort range vs. 20 degree F for synthetics).

Alpaca vs. Cashmere

  • Alpaca comes in 28 natural colors. 
  • Its thermal insulation is better than cashmere (alpaca is warmer).
  • It has better wrinkle resistance than that of cashmere and is stronger.
  • Alpaca pills less than cashmere, even when comparing the finest baby alpaca.
  • Alpaca is similar to cashmere in water absorption as both absorb almost no moisture.
  • Flexibility of alpaca is less than cashmere in normal alpaca, similar to cashmere with baby alpaca.
  • Shrinkage of alpaca is far less than cashmere.
  • Alpaca is easier to care for than cashmere (cashmere is recommended dry clean only).
  • Alpaca has natural luster. Cashmere loses its luster after a couple of years while alpaca retains its luster for decades. 
  • There are different degrees of fineness in both alpaca and cashmere.