Alpaca fibre does not contain lanolin meaning that garments made using pure (100%) alpaca retain that quality. Alpaca fibre is therefore especially good for babies, children and those with sensitive skin.
Stronger than mohair and second in strength only to silk, alpaca fibre is almost indestructible – finely woven alpaca has recently been discovered in amazing condition in Peruvian ruins dating back 2,500 years.
Our knitted clothing range is made using only the world’s finest Royal Alpaca, meaning that it has a micron count of less than 18.
Thermostatic properties which protect and insulate the alpaca at heights of up to 5000m and in temperatures ranging from +27C in the summer to -22c in the winter mean that pure alpaca clothing keeps the wearer warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. When required, alpaca fleece is warmer than goose down and 3 times warmer than merino wool.
All animal fibres contain ‘scales’ which are visible on each individual strand. The scales found on alpaca fibre are much shorter than on any other meaning they are less likely to interlock which creates the ‘pilling’ and ‘balling’ effects.
Thanks to the ‘hollow’ qualities of alpaca fibre, our garments remain remarkably light when compared to other similar animal fibre (including wool and cashmere) as well as synthetic clothing.
This risk is eradicated in our collection because we use only Royal Alpaca in our knitted range.
This is due to the natural drape, durability and lustre of alpaca clothing. This also helps alpaca garments to hold their shape and look new even after years of wear.
Tests have shown that alpaca is virtually water repellent, meaning that alpaca clothing maintains its thermal qualities even when wet. This attribute also improves the cleaning and stain resistant qualities of our alpaca range.
As well as being water resistant, alpaca fibre is impermeable to oils which mean spills are easy to clean up before water saturates the fibre which would otherwise allow stains to develop.
Thanks to its antibacterial and water resistant qualities, alpaca fibre successfully resists odours much better than other similar fibres.
Alpaca does not have to be treated to become flame retardant. Whilst it can catch alight, it will not support a flame and so will not melt or stick to the skin which may cause serious burns unlike synthetic fibres.
Ensuring that the wearer maintains a constant body temperature at all times.
Offering the wearer a natural sun block.
Being water repellent and free of lanolin means that our knitted garments don’t require regular cleaning, but when necessary, they are easy to clean and more importantly, machine washable. Some fabric experts suggest alpaca has a lower tendency to shrink than both cashmere and wool.
Because lanolin is absent from alpaca fibre, pure alpaca clothing repels dust mites and other organic matter which might trigger allergies.