There are two types of alpacas, suri and huacaya. Alpacas produce over twenty natural shades of a fibre that is soft like cashmere and stronger than wool. This unique hollow core fibre is extremely light yet retains the warmth. Alpaca fleece possesses hypoallergenic qualities due to the absence of natural oils called lanolin that holds dust and microscopic allergens.
Alpacas are native to the South American Andes Mountains and can be found in Chile, Bolivia and Peru.
Llamas were raised as beasts of burden. Alpacas have been bred for thousands of years for their fine fibre.
Sheep’s wool has a different physical make-up to that of alpaca fibre. The outside of each strand of wool has tiny microscopic scales along the length of the strand. When garments made with wool are worn next to the skin, these scales catch the surface of the skin and cause some wool to feel prickly. Strands of alpaca fibre are smooth and therefore feel less prickly or itchy next to the skin. Alpaca too, is lanolin free (lanolin holds dust and microscopic allergens that create allergies to wool), which allows for the hypoallergenic nature of the fibre. Each individual strand of fibre is hollow. This gives alpaca a tremendous thermal capacity that allows for a breathable fibber with an insulating nature. Alpaca insulates from cool and warm temperatures.
Most people who are sensitive to wool products find that they can wear alpaca without the same sensitivity.
Yes! Alpaca fibre has a hollow core that gives it incredible thermal properties. While being warm in cold weather, it can breathe and is comfortable for any season.
Most people who have wool based allergies will not be allergic to alpaca. Alpaca doesn’t contain lanolin found in wool (lanolin holds dust and microscopic allergens that often create allergies associated to wool).
Yes! Alpaca dyes beautifully. It can be dyed with natural or synthetic dyes.
Australian Alpaca Association
Queensland Region of Australian Alpaca Association
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Thistledo Alpacas uses Optimate AlpaFarm
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