Some interesting facts about alpaca wool

Alpaca wool has long been a hit with those who value natural, durable solutions, consciously choose their clothes and accessories, and want to break free from the trend of mindless consumption of synthetic materials. Read this article to learn more about why it's considered a special raw material.

Alpaca Wool Facts

The noble material of alpaca wool holds many fascinating facts about its extraction, classification, and processing. Learn a few things and discover what makes it stand out from other natural fibers!

1. Alpaca wool comes in an impressive range of natural colors.

Alpacas naturally come in 22 shades of fleece – from pure white, through creams and warm beiges, to deep browns, grays, and blacks. They come in both solid colors and those with patterns. The most distinctive varieties include the Appaloosa (with a light fleece with distinct, numerous spots), as well as animals with pinto fleece (large, contrasting patches of a different color) and tuxedo (dark wool covering most of the body with lighter areas, usually on the belly, neck, head, and limbs).

This diversity means that many alpaca wool products can be created without any dyeing, fully preserving their natural character. However, such fleece requires careful selection and sorting to achieve consistency in the finished spinning product. This diversity, however, definitely makes alpaca wool a unique and unrepeatable material.

2. "Baby alpaca" does not mean wool from the first shearing

Contrary to popular belief, the term "baby alpaca" refers not to the age of the animal, but to the thickness of the fiber. This is a qualitative classification, not a biological one. It indicates wool typically around 22-23 microns thick, which is very soft and delicate. This fiber can come from both young and adult alpacas.

3. The thickness of the fiber is crucial for comfort

The comfort of alpaca products is primarily determined by the fiber's thickness, expressed in microns (µm). The finer the wool , the softer and more pleasant it is to the touch, which is especially important if finished products made from it come into direct contact with the skin. For this reason, the industry uses specific quality classifications, regardless of the animal's age.

The most commonly used classification of alpaca fiber thickness:

• Royal Alpaca – less than 19 µm thick – the most luxurious and rarest grade. This fleece is extremely soft, silky, and almost imperceptible on the skin.
• Baby Alpaca – approximately 19–22/23 µm – very fine, premium wool. As mentioned earlier, the name refers to the thickness, not the age of the animal, so this fleece can also come from adult alpacas.
• Fine Alpaca – approx. 22–26 µm – a soft, comfortable grade, often used in high-quality textile and home goods.
• Medium Alpaca – approx. 26–30 µm – the fiber is still warm and flexible, more durable, suitable for consumer products, e.g. carpets.
• Strong/Coarse Alpaca – above 30 µm – thicker fleece with very good insulating properties, less often used in products that come into direct contact with the skin.

The widespread use of micron classification allows alpaca wool to be perfectly matched to specific applications, such as luxury textiles or durable everyday products. Therefore, it is the fleece thickness, not the age of the alpaca, that determines the quality and comfort of products made from the fibers of these exceptional animals.

4. Alpaca wool is exceptionally soft and pleasant to the touch – provided it is of the right thickness

Not every natural animal fiber is suitable for direct skin contact. Alpaca wool , too, must be of an appropriate thickness. For clothing and accessories such as hats , scarves , and gloves , only the finest grades of fleece are used. Fine, refined fibers provide comfort and avoid itching. Thicker fibers, while still warm and valuable, perform better in products that don't come into direct contact with the skin.

What sets alpaca wool apart from other materials is the structure of its fiber. It has significantly smoother scales than, for example, sheep's fleece. This means that, even with the same thickness, it remains softer and less irritating to the touch. This is the main reason why alpaca accessories are so highly valued by those seeking natural yet comfortable materials.

5. Alpaca fleece comes from two breeds – Huacaya and Suri

There are two main breeds of alpacas in the world: the Huacaya and the Suri. Their fleeces differ primarily in structure, appearance, and use. The Huacaya species comprises approximately 90% of the animals and provides fluffy, elastic, and lightweight fiber. It can be said to resemble delicate clouds. Thanks to its volume and elasticity, Huacaya wool provides excellent heat insulation and is also ideal for the production of accessories and consumer products such as blankets, rugs, duvets, pillows, and more.

Suri is a rarer breed of alpaca, and its fiber is considered even more luxurious. Unfortunately, it is also more difficult to process. The fleece forms long, silky strands with a subtle sheen that fall naturally along the animal's body. Suri fiber is heavier and less elastic than huacaya, so it is more often used in elegant scarves, decorative fabrics, and other exclusive, flowing products.

6. Alpacas are sheared in different cycles, depending on the breed.

Shearing alpacas is essential for their health and comfort, and its frequency varies by breed. Huacayas undergo this procedure once a year in spring, before the summer heat sets in. Removing their dense fleece allows the alpacas to better regulate their temperature and prevents overheating on hot days.

The Suri breed, on the other hand, is sheared less frequently—usually once every two years, as their fleece has a completely different structure. The silky strands of these animals' wool take time to reach the desired length and quality. Too frequent shearing could negatively impact the appearance and properties of the fiber.

Beyond the quality of the animals themselves, the proper timing and process for shearing alpacas is crucial. The procedure is best performed in dry, stable weather conditions. Careful planning benefits both the animals and their owners, who can rest assured of the alpacas' well-being and enjoy the high quality of the fleece they harvest.

7. The quality of alpaca wool depends on many factors.

The thickness, softness, and appearance of alpaca wool depend not only on the animal's breed but also on many interrelated factors. The quality of the animal itself is of great, and often crucial, importance , influenced by factors such as its origin, breeding line, and genetics . Genetics largely determine the fiber's potential – its fineness, uniformity, and ability to maintain low micronization with age.

The quality of the fleece is also influenced by:

• diet – balanced, based on good quality grass, hay and specialized feed, constant access to fresh water and appropriate supplementation if necessary,
• stress – to which alpacas are very sensitive, so it is important to minimize it on a daily basis,
• environmental living conditions – which includes providing animals with dry, clean shelter and protection from rain, wind and strong sun.

Many alpaca wool producers pay special attention to the origin of their fleece. Therefore, regular animal care and proper shearing are crucial for alpaca farmers. Owners must also provide the alpacas with a calm environment and good, informed care.

8. Alpaca fleece retains its properties without chemicals

The beautiful, natural colors and refined structure of alpaca wool mean it requires no intensive chemical processing. This allows it to retain its thermal properties, breathability, and softness. Minimal processing also translates to greater durability. These are the reasons why alpaca wool is so prized in premium products.

9. Each fleece is different – ​​and that's its advantage

No two alpacas are identical, nor are two identical batches of wool . Natural variations in shade or texture are a benefit, not a defect. This gives alpaca products their unique character. In a world of mass production, this is a real asset.

Choose the natural quality of alpaca wool , which will last for years.

Are you looking for durable, functional homewares that are friendly to all family members? Are you choosing accessories that provide comfort, freedom of movement, and durability? Or perhaps you're just curious to discover the comfort and practicality of hats , scarves , headbands , gloves , and other alpaca wool products? Explore our online store , where you'll find solutions made from this precious fiber and crafted with attention to the smallest details. Treat yourself to a touch of luxury that will last for years!