Alpaca fibre is considered one of the most luxurious natural fibres in the world, alongside cashmere and silk. But unlike other luxury fibres, it has an extraordinarily low environmental profile, making it the elegant and sustainable option of the 21st century.

Why is it so special?

Alpaca fibre has a microscopic hollow structure that gives it unique properties:

  • Extreme softness: fine fibres measure between 18 and 28 microns (standard sheep wool exceeds 30). The lower the micron count, the softer to the touch.
  • Hypoallergenic: contains no lanolin — the fat that causes allergies in sheep wool — making it ideal for sensitive skin.
  • Thermoregulating: the hollow fibre structure acts as a natural insulator: keeps warmth in winter and allows perspiration in summer.
  • Durable: up to 3 times stronger than sheep wool, increasing the lifespan of garments.
  • No pilling: unlike wool, alpaca garments do not form bobbles with use.

The production process

Shearing: once a year, usually in spring, each alpaca is shorn. It is a painless process — similar to a haircut — producing between 1.5 and 3 kg of fibre per animal.

Sorting: the fibre is manually separated by quality. The fleece from the back and flanks is the highest quality; the legs and face produce lower quality fibre.

Washing and carding: washed in cold water and carded to align the fibres.

Spinning: the fibres are spun into yarn, which can be fine or thick depending on the end use.

Weaving or knitting: the yarn is woven into fabric or used for hand or machine knitting.

Quality categories

  • Royal Alpaca (< 19 microns): the finest and most exclusive. Only young animals and those with the best genetics produce this quality.
  • Baby Alpaca (20–22 microns): very soft and sought-after. Despite the name, it does not always come from young animals; it refers to fibre diameter.
  • Superfine (23–25 microns): excellent quality for everyday use.
  • Fine and Medium: for more robust garments, rugs and technical products.

Natural colours

Alpaca produces fibre in more than 22 natural colours, from the purest white to jet black, through creams, beiges, greys, browns and pinks. This reduces the need for chemical dyeing, making production more sustainable.

Most popular products

Jumpers, shawls, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets, bedding, coats and high-fashion accessories. Luxury brands such as Loro Piana, Armani and Stella McCartney use alpaca fibre in their collections.

Is it sustainable?

Yes. Alpacas have a very low carbon footprint: they do not uproot grass when grazing, their hooves do not damage the soil, they consume little water and do not require large amounts of feed. The fibre is 100% biodegradable and lasts many years, reducing textile consumption and waste.