Alpaca Fibre
July 2nd, 2021
Alpaca fibre is one of the most incredible natural fibres known – it is soft, durable and luxurious to wear. Guinness World Records announced in 2017 that alpaca was “the finest natural fibre in the world”. While it is not as familiar to consumers, increased awareness in the superior properties of alpaca fibre will help it grow.
Alpaca Wool is called fibre because of it’s a hollow structure. It is this feature that gives it its extraordinary thermal regulating properties which keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Shorn once a year, alpacas give you a fabulous sustainable fibre which can be converted into yarn and cloth.
- Alpaca fibre is a lot lighter than sheep wool but three times warmer. Its overall quality and characteristics are superior to sheep and goats wool.
- The highest resistance factors of all-natural fibres, this coupled with a very high tensile strength, makes alpaca extremely durable. However, this does not detract from the softness of alpaca.
- Wrinkles minimally, so garments can be worn all day and will travel well. It has a beautiful drape and minimal static which decreases the “cling” of a garment.
- Flame resistant and will not burn, hence the possibilities for children’s clothes and accessories as well as industrial applications.
- Water repellent which allows alpaca outerwear to remain comfortable even if damp.
- Moisture wicking properties which make it ideal for active wear garments, luxury socks, undergarments and extreme weather clothing. Alpaca fibre wicks perspiration away from the skin allowing for a longer and more comfortable wear.
- Blends wonderfully with both natural and synthetic fibres, thus multiplying its usefulness in the textile world almost infinitely.
- Non-irritating and hypoallergenic qualities of the fibre make alpaca a great choice for people who cannot wear other natural fibres close to their skin.
- Lustre is created in alpaca fleece by the ability of the fibre to absorb and reflect light. The lustre of alpaca fibre is not man made, it is a natural attribute of fleece and can be seen from the base to the tip of the fibre.
- Environmentally Friendly with a Low Carbon Footprint. Alpaca fibre requires minimal scouring and uses Eco-friendly processes. It comes in 22 natural colours and alpacas are the only fibre producing animal to produce true black. This makes natural alpaca a perfect ready-made candidate for Eco-lines of yarn, textiles and garments. Alpaca takes dye well and this extends the colour palette even further for textile production.
