THE FIBRE
Alpaca is one of the world’s most refined natural fibres, valued for its softness, warmth, and lightness. It has been part of Andean textile culture for centuries and continues to be appreciated for its durability, natural elegance, and tactile comfort.
HUACAYA & SURI
There are two natural alpaca fibre types:
Huacaya
Soft, lofty, and gently crimped.
Used widely in woven and knitted textiles for structure and warmth.
Suri
Smooth, silky, and naturally lustrous with long, straight fibres.
Rarer and known for its elegant drape and sheen.
Both offer distinct qualities suited to different applications.
SKIN SENSITIVITY & COMFORT
Alpaca is often comfortable in direct contact with the skin. Two natural properties contribute to this experience:
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Low Natural Oil Content
Alpaca contains less natural oil than many other animal fibres, and most is removed during processing — making the material suitable for many people with sensitivities to natural fibre oils. -
Smooth Fibre Structure
Alpaca has a smooth surface and lacks the pronounced microscopic barbs common in sheep wool. Because of this smoother structure, alpaca textiles tend not to create the familiar “itching” sensation and are generally experienced as soft and pleasant directly against the skin.
These characteristics contribute to alpaca’s refined tactile feel.
FIBRE GRADING (MICRON)
Alpaca fibre is classified internationally by fineness, measured in microns. These standards help describe rarity, tactile softness, and performance.
Alpaca (Regular/Fleece): 25–30 microns - Standard alpaca grade, often labeled simply as Alpaca. Soft yet robust, suitable for a wide range of garments and home textiles.
Alpaca Superfine: 22–25 microns - Quality grade used in woven and knitted textiles.
Baby Suri Alpaca: 19–22 microns - Fine, silky long fibre with natural sheen; rare.
Baby Alpaca: 19–22 microns - Fine Huacaya grade valued for softness and warmth.
Royal Alpaca: < 19 microns - One of the rarest Huacaya grades; exceptionally soft.
Alpaca 16: 16 microns - Ultra-fine premium selection representing some of the finest alpaca produced.
Values reflect recognised alpaca industry classifications. Natural variation occurs.
Note: Vicuña, the wild ancestor of the alpaca, produces the finest natural animal fibre in the world (typically 10–14 microns) and is considered the most valuable and expensive wool fibre globally. It is not part of alpaca grading but belongs to the same South American camelid family.
NATURAL COLORS
Alpaca exists in more than 22 natural undyed shades, ranging from ivory and sandstone to warm chestnut, silver grey, and deep charcoal. Many textiles retain these natural tones, requiring no dyes or chemical treatments.
CARE & LONGEVITY
Alpaca is a durable natural fibre designed to age gracefully. With respectful care—occasional airing, delicate washing or professional cleaning, and proper storage—alpaca textiles can be enjoyed for many years and often become softer over time.
Because alpaca fibres are naturally longer and smoother than many comparable natural fibres, finished textiles tend to resist pilling and maintain their appearance with wear.
ALPACA & CASHMERE: A CONSIDERED CONTEXT
Cashmere has become widely recognized in the global luxury market, especially over the last decades, shaped by strong international promotion and large-scale demand. Alpaca belongs to the same category of fine natural fibres, yet its story has followed a different path — one rooted in Andean heritage, regional craftsmanship, and smaller, more intentional production.
As global interest in cashmere increased, goat populations grew significantly, particularly in China and Mongolia. Goats graze very close to the surface and can remove vegetation entirely. In fragile steppe regions, this grazing pattern has contributed to soil degradation and expanding desertification.
Alpacas interact with their environment differently. They graze without damaging root systems and walk on soft, padded feet, which is gentler on native high-altitude grasslands.
With the growing focus on provenance and thoughtful sourcing, alpaca is gaining renewed attention — not only for its refined tactile qualities, but also for the way it fits naturally into its landscape.
It is a fibre appreciated not because it has been widely marketed, but because it represents authenticity, heritage, and a lasting respect for place and material.
