About
Alpaca is a natural hair fiber that derives from the Alpaca sheep, which is a member of the llama family. In comparison to other hairy animals, alpacas don't shed their coat in preparation for warm weather, and their hair grows continuously. Alpaca farmers normally shear their alpacas annually or every two years in the spring to ensure that their animals stay cool during summer. Alpacas have been bred in South-America for thousands of years, but have in recent years been exported to other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and North-America.
Characteristics
Alpaca is silky, soft, supple and smooth to touch, and the hairs are sorted by color and fineness. It is prized for its unique silky feel and luxurious handle, and can be comfortably worn next to most peoples skin without causing an uncomfortable itch like sheep's wool might cause. It is an unusually strong and resilient fiber, and the strength does not diminish as it becomes finer, which means that when you buy an alpaca product you have a life-long companion.
Good to know
Alpaca fiber is warmer than merino wool, and it does not contain lanolin which makes it hypoallergic. Garments knitted with alpaca yarns offer the luxury of cashmere with superior performance characteristics. Knitted alpaca garments has less propensity to pill than wool, but their surface is much fuzzier then wool garments. Alpaca fiber is rare - the supply cannot keep up with the demand for this fine quality fleece
Blends
Alpaca can be blended with any natural fiber as well as man-made fibers such as acrylic and nylon. Blend with wool improves shrinkage and can make a wool garment softer.
Aftercare
Alpaca products are easy to care for, and should be treated like other woolen products. Knitted garments do not have to be washed between each wear, simply hang it out in fresh air or in a damp bathroom to remove any odors - it is a natural fiber that clean itself to some extent. Dripping wet garments should be dried flat to avoid stretching
Wash with care; hand wash or machine wash in cold water or on a special wool program. We suggest you use a mild cleaning product, such as The Laundress Wool & Cashmere detergent.
Do not bleach. Iron on medium heat with damp or on a damp cloth on the garment. Can be dry cleaned.
Should not be dried in a tumble dryer, nor in direct sunlight, nor over direct heat.
* Sources: http://www.alpacabuybc.com/fiber.htm , http://www.gatewayalpacas.com/alpaca/alpaca-fiber/fiber-overview.htm , “Clothing Technology 3rd Edition” by Eberle, Hermeling, Hornberger, Menzer and Ring, a report on “The Quality and Processing Performance of Alpaca Fibres” developed by Xungai Wang, Lijing Wang and Xiu Liu for the Australian Government.