Alpaca fibre is one of the most incredible natural fibres known – it is soft, durable and luxurious to wear. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of alpaca is the fact that it is still not a familiar choice for the majority of consumers.
THE FIBRE
Alpaca is exceptionally soft, with a “handle“ of silky softness
The brightness and shine of alpaca fibre, known as “lustre” is created in alpaca fleece by the ability of the fibre to absorb and reflect light, this relates to the size and shape of the fibre, the scales on the fibre, their size and alignment to the low scale profile of both Huacaya and Suri alpaca.
Alpaca requires minimal scouring using Eco-friendly processes.
The water repellent quality of alpaca allows alpaca outerwear to remain comfortable even if damp, alpaca is reputed to absorb 20% of its weight in water without any indication of absorption.
Thermal quality, nothing keeps you warmer than luxury alpaca, conversely, alpaca is cooler in a summer climate, especially when blended with other natural fibres like silk and cotton.
Alpaca tends to be flame resistant. When challenged with a naked flame, alpaca will not burn, hence the possibilities for children’s clothes and accessories as well as industrial applications.
Alpaca has one of the highest resistance factors of all natural fibres, this coupled with a very high tensile strength, makes alpaca extremely durable. This is of importance when alpaca is used in industrial and practical applications. It should be noted that this characteristic does not detract from the softness of alpaca.
THE COLOUR
Alpaca has an incredible array of natural colour, 22 natural colours and all the hues in between. Alpaca is the only fibre producing animal to produce true black. This makes natural alpaca a perfect ready-made candidate for Eco-lines of yarn, textiles and garments.
Alpaca takes dye well and this extends the colour palette for textile production.
THE TEXTILE
Alpaca blends wonderfully with both natural and synthetic fibres, thus multiplying its usefulness in the textile world almost infinitely.
Non-irritating and hypoallergenic qualities of the fibre make alpaca a great choice for people who cannot wear other natural fibres next-to-skin.
Moisture wicking for garments, like luxury socks, undergarments and extreme clothing, alpaca wicks perspiration away from the skin allowing for comfortable and lengthy wear.
Alpaca is incredibly light weight, this feature when combined with its thermal qualities, results in a garment that is light, even when knitted or woven in chunky style there is no “heaviness’ to the garment.
Beautiful drape of alpaca is enhanced by minimal static which decreases “cling” of a garment. Alpaca wrinkles minimally so garments can be worn all day and will “travel” well.
SO MANY POSSIBILITIES
Alpaca like other livestock fibres varies in quality across the fleece and between individual animals. Due to the many qualities of alpaca fibre, this fibre can be used in varied areas from high end fashion through to carpets and industrial applications.
