When it comes to premium natural fibres, few materials can rival the softness and elegance of alpaca. Prized for centuries and once reserved for royalty in South America, alpaca fibre is now recognised worldwide as one of the most luxurious and versatile natural fibres available.
But what exactly makes alpaca wool so special?
Exceptionally Soft and Comfortable
Alpaca carries far less grease than raw sheep's wool and has a smoother fibre surface, with the cuticle scales sitting lower than those on wool — around 0.4 microns against 0.8. What actually determines whether a fibre feels soft against your skin is its diameter, and fine alpaca sits well below roughly 30 microns, the point at which fibres begin to prickle. That is why people who find ordinary wool itchy often get on well with it.
Warmth Without the Weight
Fine alpaca gives real warmth without weight, which comes down to the fineness of the fibre and the way a garment is knitted rather than anything mysterious about the fibre itself.
Holds Less Moisture Than Wool
Alpaca has a moisture regain of around 8 percent, against roughly 16 percent for sheep's wool. In practice it takes up less water before it starts to feel damp, and it dries faster than a comparable merino garment.
Durable and Long Lasting
Alpaca tests more resistant to abrasion than wool of a similar diameter. With proper care, alpaca garments can hold their softness, shape and beauty for many years.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
As a renewable and biodegradable fibre, alpaca offers an environmentally conscious alternative to synthetic materials. Alpacas also have a relatively low environmental footprint, making them an increasingly popular choice for sustainable consumers.
Experience the Luxury of Alpaca
At Black Regal Alpacas, we're passionate about sharing the beauty and comfort of premium alpaca fibre. Whether you're looking for luxurious accessories, warm winter essentials or premium fleece, we grow ours on our own herd at Mulgoa, New South Wales, and we can tell you the micron of what you are buying.
Where our fibre comes from
Our fleece, yarn and carded bumps are grown on our own herd at Mulgoa in western Sydney, shorn here and sold undyed. We can tell you which animal grew it and what it tested at. The knitwear and socks we sell are made in Peru and Australia and we always tell you which — we do not blur the two.
- Raw fleece for spinners — from $36 for 200g.
- Yarn and carded bumps — undyed, from $36.
- The sock range — every composition published.
- Compare every sock we sell, with real fibre percentages.
Questions about micron or composition? Email us — we answer every one ourselves.