Why Choose Alpaca Fiber
For its softness
Forget your grandma's itchy hand knitted wool socks! Alpaca fiber is soft and won't give you that itchy feeling when worn next to the skin. Alpaca fiber tend to have a finer diameter (measured in micron) than most natural fibers available on the market today. Alpaca fiber (as any other natural fibers) has a range of fineness which are classified into grades.
The finer alpaca fiber grades are closer in terms of comfort to cashmere than to traditional wool. Accessories worn next to the most sensitive body parts (head, neck & body) should be made out of the finer fiber grades (often listed as Baby Alpaca or Royal Baby Alpaca on the product tag). For the less sensitive body parts such as hands and feet, other fiber grades (often listed simply as Alpaca on the product tag) is fine for most users apart maybe for those who have extra sensitive skin. If you are one of those people with extra sensitive skin, you might want to consider Baby Alpaca or Royal Baby Alpaca for all your alpaca garment.
For its lightweight structure
Because of its finer diameter and structure, alpaca fiber is one of the lightest natural fibers available. Larger accessories such as sweaters and shawls will feel extra light and comfortable while keeping you warm and cozy.
For its hypoallergenic advantage
Alpaca fiber is one of the few hypoallergenic animal based fiber available on the market today. Most people who are allergic to traditional wool are reacting to the lanolin, a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep in the process of growing fiber. Although this oil extract is used in certain cosmetics and beauty products, lanolin allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) affects millions of people worldwide. The good news is alpacas have next to no lanolin in their fiber and is therefore, a great hypoallergenic alternative for natural fiber accessories.
For its thermoregulating properties
Alpaca fiber's thermoregulating properties makes it one of the best material to keep you comfortable in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. As a breathable material, it will adjust to your own body temperature and ambient outdoor temperature. In cold weather, alpaca garment will trap body warmth inside its weaved fabric thanks to the fiber's natural rippled structure and keep you warm and cozy. In warm weather, it will keep you cool as its moisture-wicking capabilities (absorbing almost half of its own weight in moisture) will keep sweat away from your skin and allow the garment to evaporate resulting in a refreshing feeling of coolness due to the outward dispersal of humidity.
For its odor neutralizing properties
Thanks to their structure, alpaca fibers have antibacterial properties. Compared to synthetic fibers, which are smooth at the surface, natural fibers have a scaled surface which makes it is difficult for bacteria to get lodged inside. These nasty bacteria are what causes unpleasant odors. Natural fibers are also made of keratin, a protein molecule that helps break down the odor-forming bacteria. These incredible natural fiber features allows you to air dry your alpaca garment and wear them multiple times without having to wash them as often. Alpaca fiber is therefore a great choice in the pursuit of eco-friendly and sustainable fabric alternatives.
