Alpaca fibre is one of the most incredible natural fibres known – it is soft, durable and luxurious to wear. Despite being announced as “the finest natural fibre in the world” by Guinness World Records in 2017, it is still not a familiar choice for most consumers.
Alpaca Wool is called fibre because of it’s a hollow structure. It is this feature that gives it its extraordinary temperature regulating properties which keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Shorn once a year, alpacas give you a fabulous fibre which can be converted into yarn and cloth.
Alpaca fibre is a lot lighter than sheep wool but three times as warm. 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.