Why Alpaca

The Alpaca is an animal that has been used by Peruvians for its fiber for over 4000 years. The importance of Alpaca stems from its natural capacity to develop one of the finest and softest fibers on earth. Around 90% of the world’s population of this South American cousin of the camel lives in the land of the Incas.

Royal ‘Baby’ Alpaca is an industry term—simply a measure of fiber density, not fleece from baby Alpacas. It is the finest grade of Alpaca available in the world. It comes from the soft, tiny, baby hairs found at the nape of the neck of grown Alpacas.

Alpaca is a rare specialty fiber. It is stronger than mohair, finer than cashmere, smoother than silk, warmer than goose down, and breathes better than thermal knits. It is longer, smoother, warmer and more durable than cashmere. This unique hollow core fiber is extremely light yet retains the ability to warm its wearer against even the harshest winter chills, maintaining body temperature at normal temperature. Unlike cashmere, Alpaca will not pill, wrinkle, and holds its shape for many years of confortable wear.

Alpaca fiber is second only to silk in strength. The Alpaca fiber is most like human hair in its cellular composition - it has a core made up of air-filled cells that contributes significantly to its insulatingproperties and its strength—three times that of wool!

The number of individual fibers is considerably reduced compared to sheep's wool which helps to explain why most people who are allergic to wool are not allergic to Alpaca. Plus the fact that lanolin - a greasy yellow substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals such as sheep, is not present in Alpaca. Lanolin also contains wool alcohols, which are an allergen for some people.

Eco Friendly

Alpacas are considered to be the world’s oldest domestic livestock. The Alpaca is a natural when considering pollution reduction, conservation, and sustainability, among many other ecofriendly factors. For starters, the Alpaca eats less per pound and metabolizes grass and hay more efficiently than all other livestock.

The variety of natural colors and shades—over 22—reduce dye contamination. Even so, when it is necessary to dye, Alpaca takes well from plant and other natural dyes. Here again, one more reason for its hypoallergenic qualities.

Alpaca products can be hand-washed using delicate shampoos—
no need for dry-cleaning and its harmful chemicals nor energy consumption to dry, just lay flat and allow it to dry naturally.

And there’s much to be said about the thousands of families that raise the Alpacas. The shepherds of the Peruvian highlands have conserved ancient customs and mystic beliefs which they have inherited from their ancestors. The concept of sustainability among the Peruvian Incas goes back several millenniums, with their firm belief that society must work together to preserve the earth’s resources and ecosystems. Now we need to do our part… let’s help save the Earth, lets wear Alpaca!