Alpaca wool is known for being extremely soft to the touch, while also holding warmth better than sheep wool. Because of these unique qualities, this type of wool is gaining popularity in home textiles and fashion. You might find this material used in various kinds of garments, from throw blankets to sweaters or scarves!
In this guide, we'll explore the many benefits of alpaca wool, how to care for it, and why it's becoming a must-have in modern apparel and home decor.
What is Alpaca Wool?
Alpaca wool is a type of wool derived from the alpaca, an animal native to South America that belongs to the camel family. This highly sought-after wool is renowned for its softness, often compared to cashmere, but it is more durable and less prone to pilling. It is also lightweight yet provides excellent warmth due to its naturally insulating properties. What's more, the alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
It is also sustainable, as they are rapidly renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable. Alpaca farming is eco-friendly, as they are known to be gentle grazers, which gives a minimal negative impact on the environment compared to other hoofed animals. Once an alpaca fleece is turned into an alpaca fiber, they require less wash because they don't hold onto odor.
There are two types of alpaca wool: regular alpaca wool and baby alpaca wool. Of course, both have exceptional softness, however, baby alpaca wool are sourced from the first shearing of young alpacas, making them finer and more luxurious, often used for finer garments.
Why Choose Alpaca Wool Products?
Benefits of Alpaca Wool
There are several benefits to using clothing or items made from alpaca wool. Some of the benefits include:
1. Incredibly Soft
As mentioned above, alpaca wool fibers are incredibly soft to the touch. This is because each fiber strand has a small diameter, typically around 18 to 30 microns for regular alpaca wool and often below 22 microns for baby alpaca wool.
2. Natural Insulation
Due to the freezing climate in the alpaca's natural habitat, their fleeces have a hollow structure that traps tiny air pockets. These pockets help retain warmth during the cold season.
Unlike cotton, which holds moisture and makes you feel colder, alpaca fibers absorb significantly less water—about 10% compared to 16-20% for most other wool types. This water-resistant quality makes alpaca wool a perfect material for outfits like puffer jackets or winter wear.
3. Suitable for All Sorts of Weather
You might think that alpaca wool is only well-suited for colder weather. However, this wool can keep you comfortable even in warm or hot weather. Due to its naturally hollow, breathable structure, it allows heat to escape, maintaining a comfortable and cooling temperature. This material also wicks away moisture and is lightweight, making it a suitable choice even for warmer climates or activewear.
4. Durable and Long Lasting
Alpaca wool has exceptional durability. In fact, its strength is comparable to other fabrics like sheep's wool, cashmere, and merino. This resilience allows clothing made from alpaca wool to maintain its shape and appearance even with regular use.
5. Odor Resistance and Antimicrobial Properties
Aside from being highly durable, alpaca wool also has odor resistance and antimicrobial properties. The fiber has a unique structure that prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating deep into the fiber, allowing them to remain on the surface until they naturally fall off. Additionally, alpaca fiber's moisture-wicking properties make it more difficult for bacteria to thrive. This means fabrics made from alpaca wool require less frequent washing, which helps them last longer.
6. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Alpacas are native to South American regions such as Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. In these countries, alpaca wool is harvested and produced using traditional, ethical, and environmentally friendly methods. The wool does not require chemical treatments during processing, and each alpaca can produce 5-10 pounds of fiber annually.
Alpacas are also known to be efficient grazers, feeding lightly without pulling plants by their roots. Their soft, padded hooves cause less damage to soil compared to the hooves of sheep and goats. More importantly, these animals require significantly less water than sheep farming or cotton production.
Lastly, this natural fiber is durable and resistant to pilling, so you won't need to buy new replacements as often. It's also biodegradable, so when it decomposes, it won't release microplastics like synthetic fabrics.
Is Alpaca Wool Itchy?
Alpaca wool is generally less itchy than other types of wool, such as sheep’s wool. This is because it has a smoother and finer fiber structure, as well as a lack of lanolin, making it gentler on the skin with minimal risk of causing irritation or allergic reactions.
Alpaca Wool vs. Cashmere and Sheep Wool
When comparing alpaca wool, cashmere, and sheep wool, there are distinct differences in terms of softness, durability, eco-friendliness, and hypoallergenic properties.
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Softness: Alpaca wool offers a softness comparable to cashmere, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both luxury and comfort. Cashmere is renowned for being exceptionally soft, while sheep wool varies in texture, ranging from soft to coarse depending on the breed.
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Durability: Alpaca wool is highly durable and resists pilling, making it a long-lasting option. While cashmere is soft and luxurious, it is moderately durable but can thin out or pill with regular use. Sheep wool has moderate durability, but is prone to shrinking if not cared for properly.
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Eco-Friendliness: Alpaca wool stands out for its eco-friendly qualities. Alpacas require low water usage, graze gently, and their wool is biodegradable. In contrast, cashmere production is resource-intensive and can contribute to overgrazing. Sheep wool, while natural, often requires high water usage and chemical treatments during processing.
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Hypoallergenic Properties: Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic due to its low lanolin content, making it a suitable choice for people with sensitivities or allergies. In comparison, cashmere and sheep wool are not hypoallergenic, with sheep wool containing higher lanolin content that can trigger allergies in some individuals.
How to Care for Alpaca Wool
Alpaca yarns or wool are renowned for their durability. However, to ensure they truly last long, you'll want to take care of them properly. Here's how to care for alpaca wool products:
Washing Alpaca Wool Products
To keep your clothing or textiles in great condition, you need to know how to wash alpaca wool properly. In general, handwashing is the safest way to clean them, as it minimizes the risk of damage. Just remember to use cold water and a mild, wool-specific detergent to protect the fibers. Avoid rubbing them too hard as it can cause felting.
If your fabric is labeled as machine washable, always use a delicate or wool cycle with cold water. If you want more protection, you can put the fabric in a mesh laundry bag before washing.
Drying Alpaca Wool Products
Although durable, alpaca fibers can shrink if you regularly expose them to high heat. When drying your alpaca garments, it's best to lay them flat and allow them to air dry in a shaded place. Avoid wringing, stretching, or hanging them, as this can distort their shape.
If necessary, alpaca apparel can be dry-cleaned if needed, especially if your garment has an intricate design or stubborn stains.
Avoiding Shrinkage and Wrinkles
To prevent shrinkage and minimize wrinkles on your alpaca garments, you can start by washing and drying them properly, using the methods we've described above. In addition, ensure to store them properly to maintain their shape further.
If you do spot wrinkles on the fabric, you can use a steamer to smooth it out. Ironing is also a good way to remove wrinkles, but be sure to iron it gently with a low heat setting, and place a piece of cloth on top of the fabric to protect the fibers.
Long-Term Care
Knowing how to care for alpaca wool products can help them remain soft, durable, and beautiful for years. Aside from washing and drying them properly, you should also know how to store them in the right way.
When not in use, store your garments in breathable cotton or muslin bags to protect them from dust while allowing airflow. Make sure that they are clean and completely dry before storing them in your closet, as stains and moisture can attract pests.
For long-term storage, keep the alpaca wool garments in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or humidity.
Introducing ZigZagZurich’s Alpaca Wool Scarf Collection
Alpaca Wool Scarf "Trio Colore" - Grey
Planning to add alpaca wool garments to your collection? Discover ZigZagZurich's Alpaca Wool Scarves Collection! Crafted meticulously in Italy with precision and care, this collection offers high-quality alpaca wool scarfs in various colors and patterns to keep you cozy and stylish!
But beyond that, these luxury scarves are also eco-friendly and thoughtfully designed, perfect for any season or occasion. Explore the new sustainable alpaca wool scarf collection online today and find the perfect scarf for yourself or as a gift for someone special!
