Alpaca wools are known for being very extremely soft to the touch, while also being able to hold onto warmth better than sheep wools. Because of these unique qualities, the alpaca wool is gaining popularity in home textiles and fashion. You might find this material being 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 made from the alpaca, an animal native to South America similar to camels. It is renowned for its softness, often compared to cashmere but more durable and less prone to pilling. It's also lightweight, yet able to provide warmth thanks 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 hooved 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 different types of alpaca wool, which are regular alpaca wool and baby alpaca wool. Of course, both have exceptional softness, however, baby alpaca wools 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 you can get by using clothes or items made of alpaca wool. Some of the benefits are:
1. Incredibly Soft
As stated above, alpaca wool fibers are incredibly soft to the touch. This is because each fiber strands have a small diameter, which is around 18 to 30 microns for regular alpaca wool and often below 22 microns for baby alpaca wool.
2. Naturally Insulating
Due to the extreme climate in their natural habitat, alpaca fleeces have a hollow structure that enables them to trap tiny air pockets. These pockets help retain warmth when it's cold and release heat when it's hot.
Unlike cotton, which holds moisture and makes you feel colder, alpaca fibers absorb much less water, which is about 10% compared to 16-20% for the majority of other wool types. This makes it almost water-resistant, making it a perfect material for outfits like puffer jackets or workout clothes.
3. Suitable for All Sorts of Weather
You might think that the alpaca wool is only well-suited for colder weather. However, this wool can keep you comfortable even in warm or hot weather as well. Once again, this is thanks to their hollow, breathable structure, which allows heat to escape and maintain a comfortable body temperature. This material is also able to wick away moisture and is lightweight, so it can be the perfect choice for warmer climates or activewear.
4. Durable and Long Lasting
Wools typically have exceptional durability, but do you know that alpaca wool is one of the strongest types of wool? As stated by American Wool, alpaca fiber is able to bend up to 20,000 times before breaking, significantly surpassing other fibers' durability. This resilience allows clothing made from alpaca wool to maintain their shape and appearance even with regular use.
5. Has 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 or dirt from getting deep into the fiber, so it naturally remains on the surface until it falls off. Additionally, alpaca fiber's moisture-wicking properties make it more difficult for bacteria to thrive. This also means fabrics made from alpaca wool require less frequent washing, which, in turn, 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 also doesn't require chemical treatments during processing, and each alpaca can produce 5-10 pounds of fibers annually.
Alpacas are also known to be efficient grazers, as they graze lightly without pulling plants by their roots. Their soft, padded feet also cause less damage to soil, as opposed to the hooves of sheep and goats. More importantly, these animals require significantly less water than cotton production or sheep farming.
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 breaks down, it won't release microplastics like synthetic fabrics.
Is Alpaca Wool Itchy?
Alpaca wool is generally less itchy than other types of wool, like sheep's wool. This is because they have a smoother and finer fiber structure, as well as a lack of lanolin, which makes them gentler on the skin, with minimal risk of causing skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Alpaca Wool vs. Cashmere and Sheep Wool
When comparing alpaca wool, cashmere, and sheep wool, there are distinct differences in their softness, durability, eco-friendliness, and hypoallergenic properties.
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Softness: Alpaca wool offers a softness comparable to cashmere, making it a luxurious choice for those seeking comfort. Cashmere is renowned for being exceptionally soft, while sheep wool varies in texture, ranging from soft to coarse depending on the type of wool.
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Durability: Alpaca wool is highly durable and resists pilling, making it a long-lasting option. Cashmere, while soft and luxurious, 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, gentle grazing, and their wool is biodegradable. In contrast, cashmere production can lead to overgrazing and is resource-intensive. 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 a higher lanolin content that can trigger allergies in some individuals.
How to Care for Alpaca Wool
Alpaca yarns or wool are known for their durability. However, to make sure they really last long, you'll want to take care of them properly. Here's how to care for alpaca wool:
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, hand washing 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.
Drying Alpaca Wool Products
Though 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 it.
In addition, alpaca apparel can be dry-cleaned if needed, especially if your garment has 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, be sure 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 layer a 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 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 wool 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 Scarf Collection! Crafted 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 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!
