Alpaca fibers compared: insulation, breathability, weight
Of all the natural fibers, it is alpaca fiber from the Andes that is gaining increasing importance worldwide. But why is that? What makes the fibers of these animals from the distant Andes so popular that there are now alpaca farms even in our own country, and wool production is noticeably increasing? This article explores these and other questions.
Properties of alpaca fibers
Alpaca fibers are exceptionally fine and have a particularly smooth surface. The fiber diameter is typically 18-30 micrometers, resulting in a comfortable feel and reduced friction. Your skin benefits from exceptional softness and is effectively protected. Furthermore, the fibers' light weight makes them ideal for both clothing and blankets .
Another characteristic is that the fibers are hollow. This allows individual alpaca fibers to effectively trap air and heat, providing seven times the thermal insulation of sheep's wool, for example. At the same time, the fibers are temperature-regulating and can even be used in summer, as they offer a pleasant cooling effect.
The high durability of the fibers is also a major advantage. Alpaca wool offers impressive tear resistance, which it retains even with frequent and heavy wear. Despite these robust properties, alpaca fibers are extremely elastic and flexible, and hardly prone to pilling or felting. Furthermore, pilling, which occurs with other fabrics, is rarely observed with alpaca fibers.
Other typical characteristics:
- hypoallergenic, virtually free of lanolin
- natural shine
- wide variety of colors
- dirt-repellent
- odor-resistant
- biodegradable
- barely flammable
- low CO2 footprint
Insulation properties of alpaca fibers
The thermal insulation of alpaca fibers is one of their greatest advantages. Their hollow structure acts as a natural air cushion, enabling excellent heat retention. In contrast, the insulation of virgin wool is significantly less efficient. Cashmere, for example, is also excellent at retaining heat, which is why this material is primarily used for winter blankets. However, in summer, cashmere cannot compete with alpaca, as it simply lacks the temperature-regulating properties of alpaca fibers.
Due to its excellent insulating properties, alpaca wool is used in many areas. Duvets intended for year-round use, in particular , benefit from this material. It is also used in jackets and socks because it provides warmth without causing overheating. People with fluctuating warmth requirements especially benefit from this popular material.
Alpaca fibers and their breathability
In general, alpaca fibers regulate moisture. This means they are able to absorb sweat and wick it away effectively. As a result, both garments and blankets made from alpaca fibers dry relatively quickly. This prevents excessive sweating at night, which could negatively impact your sleep quality. Furthermore, the fibers dry quickly after washing and can be used again after a short time.
These properties clearly distinguish alpaca fibers from other materials like cotton or synthetics. Cotton, for example, absorbs a lot of moisture and dries extremely slowly. As a result, garments quickly feel damp and therefore uncomfortable. While synthetics reliably wick away sweat, they offer significantly poorer insulation. If you want to avoid overheating and always wear clothes that feel fresh, alpaca fibers are a good choice for you.
Furthermore, alpaca fibers are particularly recommended for allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin. While other garments can trigger allergic reactions due to various oils and chemicals, alpaca fibers are hypoallergenic and noticeably improve the daily lives of those affected.
The weight of alpaca fibers
Compared to the warmth they provide, alpaca fibers are incredibly lightweight. This has a positive effect on comfort and ensures that you don't feel like you're carrying heavy clothing around in everyday life – and this quality is also extremely beneficial for blankets. Compared to conventional wool blankets, these alpacas drape much more comfortably against your body.
The lightweight nature of sweaters, coats , and other garments made from alpaca fibers is a significant advantage, especially when traveling and during outdoor activities. When you're physically active, you want to avoid anything that might weigh you down or pull you to the ground. But even when traveling by car or plane, or spending a lot of time on the go during your vacation, you'll benefit from clothing that feels light and airy at all times.
The great strength of alpaca fibers becomes particularly clear when compared directly to cotton. While cotton fibers also offer excellent insulation, they are significantly heavier and therefore put considerably more strain on your body. Synthetic fibers are also lightweight, but offer very little warmth. Alpaca fibers thus combine many properties that are only found sporadically in other fibers.
Further differences compared to other fiber types:
- lower density than sheep's wool (approx. 1.29–1.32 g/cm³)
- The specific weight per meter of fiber varies depending on the fineness, but is generally lower than that of sheep's or camel's wool.
- average yield of 2.5–3.5 kg of crude fiber per year (significantly better yield than, for example, cashmere)
- approximately 50–65% usable spinning fiber → approx. 1.5–2 kg end material per animal (after dehairing, sorting, washing and so on)
- The voluminous fibers result in a higher fabric volume for the same weight than denser wool.
How alpaca fibers fare in a sustainability comparison
In terms of sustainability, alpaca fibers are significantly superior to many other fiber types. The material is particularly resource-efficient, as alpacas require very little water and feed and have minimal impact on the soil. Plant roots are also not damaged. Furthermore, the fibers are biodegradable. After the life cycle of garments and blankets, they are therefore recycled very quickly and produce virtually no waste.
Furthermore, fewer chemicals are used in the production of alpaca fibers. The natural dyes are often sufficient to achieve a lustrous and attractive effect. This is quite different from cashmere and virgin wool. In Mongolia, the mass farming of cashmere goats frequently leads to overgrazing and desertification, while sheep are responsible for high methane emissions. Therefore, if you want to support nature through your purchasing decisions, you should choose alpaca fibers.
Skin-friendly properties
Want to treat your skin to something special? Then consider clothing made from baby alpaca fibers. At 19-21.5 micrometers thick, these fibers are almost as fine as cashmere. The garments feel soft and comfortable against your skin and won't itch. Anyone with sensitive skin should definitely consider wearing them. Furthermore, alpaca fibers are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for people with eczema or other sensitive skin types.
Fibers with many useful properties
Alpaca fibers combine the advantages of many fiber types. So, if you're looking for an all-around solution, alpaca fibers are the material of choice. Only for specific uses, such as winter blankets or sportswear, are other materials like cashmere or synthetics also suitable. Therefore, be sure to add garments made from alpaca fibers to your wardrobe so you're prepared for any situation and can benefit from the numerous advantages of this fabric.
FAQ
1. Are alpaca fibers warmer than virgin wool?
Yes, because of its hollow structure. This allows the fibers to optimally store air and heat. This means they reliably keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. While virgin wool can also warm you, it's to a lesser extent, and it doesn't have temperature-regulating properties. Furthermore, alpaca wool feels significantly softer and lighter than conventional virgin wool, which greatly enhances comfort. At the same time, its unique structure ensures that moisture is effectively wicked away, creating a pleasant, dry microclimate.
2. Is the care of alpaca fiber complicated?
On the contrary. Alpaca fibers are self-cleaning to a certain extent, so regular airing is often perfectly sufficient. You can also easily wash them with a gentle wool detergent at up to 30°C. Just avoid hot water. If you're unsure about how to care for your alpaca items, you can have them professionally cleaned. It's important to dry the garments flat after washing so they retain their shape. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as heat can damage the high-quality fibers. Gentle handling ensures that your alpaca products remain soft, retain their shape, and look luxurious for a long time.
3. Is investing in alpaca fiber worthwhile?
In the long run, definitely. Products made from alpaca fibers are exceptionally robust and durable, meaning you can benefit from their advantages for many years, whereas cheaper products often need replacing. Furthermore, garments and blankets made from alpaca fibers retain their attractive appearance for a long time and offer superior comfort. Pilling is also less common with these items. This durability makes alpaca products a worthwhile investment that combines quality and style. Those who opt for long-lasting materials benefit from a sophisticated look and a pleasantly natural feel over the long term.
