Properties of alpaca fiber

Alpaca wool's pleasant feel against the skin is due to its exceptionally fine fibers, whose scale structure is very dense at just 0.4 microns (1000 microns correspond to one millimeter). This allows for the production of extremely lightweight garments and prevents the "scratchy" effect common with other types of wool, such as sheep's wool (0.8 microns). The total thickness of the fiber is also measured in microns, with finer fibers indicating higher quality:

• Baby Royal: Under 20.0 microns
• Baby Alpaca: 20.1 - 23.0 microns
• Superfine: 23.1 - 26.9 microns

Alpacas, a subspecies of camel, originate from Peru and live in herds where they feed on a purely plant-based diet. Their valuable wool is sheared once a year. Depending on the animal, up to six kilograms of fiber can be obtained, although only about half of this is suitable for further processing, making alpaca wool a precious, premium fiber.

However, the high level of comfort on both hot and cold days is just one reason why demand for alpaca wool is steadily increasing. In the South American Andes, where alpacas are native, people are exposed to harsh weather conditions, so clothing must be particularly durable. Alpaca wool perfectly meets these requirements, as it is particularly durable, dirt-repellent, hard-wearing (3x more tear-resistant than sheep's wool), moisture-resistant (only 25% moisture absorption), less prone to felting, and impervious to UV rays.

For two decades, I've been working with high-quality materials like royal baby alpaca, which I incorporate into my collections. My fascination with alpaca wool simply won't leave me. Its properties are wonderful and soothing for the entire body. Its durability and ability to provide warmth in winter and coolness in summer continue to impress me. Alpacas are sensitive animals and are even used in therapeutic settings such as retirement homes. They live in herds and have a purely plant-based diet.

The unique thermal properties of alpaca fibers make them an outstanding material for clothing. The fibers are hollow inside, providing optimal thermal insulation in winter and pleasant temperature regulation in summer. Thanks to their ability to absorb and wick away moisture, garments made of alpaca wool remain dry and odor-free even with intensive use. Royal baby alpaca knits do not pill (no pilling with proper care), and pilling is minimal in coarser knits and can be easily removed, ensuring the longevity of the garments.