about alpaca fibre

Alpaca's unique hollow fibre is incredibly lightweight and warm. The Alpaca on the Altiplano have to cope with an arid environment with temperatures ranging from 24°C in the summer to minus 20°C in the winter months. The Altiplano’s climate is characterized by a long dry season, lasting from April to November, and a short wet season. The wet season is from November to March, when 95 percent of the rainfall occurs.

Second only to silk for strength, alpaca is comparable to the luxurious softness of cashmere yet more durable and far more hard wearing than both. It has a unique feel to it and seems softer to actually wear than to touch. A lot of the strength comes from the fact that the staple (length of the fibres) are longer in alpaca than sheep and goats.

The high insulating properties of the hollow fibres are perfectly suited for clothing that can be lightweight and incredibly warm at the same time. Being smoother than wool, alpaca has a very low prickle factor; if you can't wear 'itchy' wool alpaca provides a superior alternative.

Hypoallergenic qualities with no lanolin content, alpaca is ideal for babies and sensitive skins.

Natural, breathable, antibacterial fibre (naturally repels bacteria and odour) means you can wear a pair of socks for weeks (should you feel the need!) and they remain odourless and soft. Perfect for the mountaineer or long distance sailor where sock changes are impractical. Embrace the arrival of long-life socks!

The fleece has an attractive lustre that's available in 22 recognised natural colours from palest champagne to black.

Sandra Morton