Alpaca wool is known as one of the most exclusive and comfortable fibers in the world. Due to its great properties, it is usually used to create a wide range of products, from small scarves and shawls and scarves to big alpaca wool blankets in queen size.
Just like any fabric, there might be some disadvantages of alpaca wool. Fortunately, there is a solution and alternative to each one of them.
Very rare and expensive, the alpaca characteristics have some unique and most extraordinary properties and benefits. However, there are some downsides. These include:
In general, these are the top 3 disadvantages of alpaca. However, despite the downsides, alpaca fiber remains to be one of the best choices.
There is a common belief that alpaca garments are not itchy. Actually, it can be itchy, especially for people with sensitive skin.
The solution: A great option for those who cannot deal with itchiness is the baby alpaca. It should not cause any irritations or itchiness. The baby alpaca wool has fibers that are 23-21 microns. This is a high-quality fleece that is softer than the regular alpaca wool and will not leave an itch.
This exclusive property of the baby alpaca wool makes it one of the most unique and luxury fibers in the textile industry. It is also why some products have different prices compared to regular alpaca fiber. If you are sensitive to wool but still willing to wear it, then baby alpaca wool is the right choice for you.
Another great quality of alpaca wool is that it is hypoallergenic. This comes from the property and composition of the fiber. It does not contain lanolin, which makes it a perfect choice and alternative for people who are allergic and sensitive to wool.
Alpaca wool is considered a luxury and an exclusive fiber. With that comes the price for the wool too. It is quite expensive, and it can be one downside to the people who are on a limited budget.
The solution: The alpaca woolen products, if cared for properly, can have a lifelong span. That means that one alpaca product can last for many years. A simple way to determine whether the product is expensive or not is to divide it by 25 because those are the average years that you will be wearing it. The distinction here can be seen when compared with unsustainable or synthetic fibers.
If you compare it to luxury fibers, alpaca is cheaper. For example, the price of an alpaca woolen scarf can go between 60 and 200 USD. Additionally, the price of the baby alpaca woolen product can be higher than the regular alpaca woolen product. Yet, it will last a very long time, so it is definitely worth the investment.
You might also like: Benefits of Alpaca: 5 Reasons to Choose it Over Other Natural Fibers
Many people claim that alpaca wool products are very difficult to find. There aren’t really many brands that have it in-store, so finding this type of product might take some time.
The solution: If you think about it, that same fact can be also a benefit for alpaca wool. You have to consider that little challenge to find it makes it a lot more exclusive and so much worth the effort since not everyone has access to it.
Look at it this way, what would you like to wear, a garment that can be easily found at a shopping mall or an exclusive fiber that no one else has? That’s right.
Besides, you need to take into consideration that the real quality alpaca fibers come from the place these animals are native to. After all, that particular environment and natural conditions give alpaca wool its remarkable characteristics.
So, if you are lucky, you can find garments made in the same regions alpacas are native to, such as the Andes in Peru. That adds another layer of exclusivity since you are not purchasing a run-of-the-mill product but one that was made of fibers collected from animals in its natural environment.
These are the top 3 disadvantages that concern alpaca wool and their respective solutions. As you can see, the arguments commonly held against alpaca wool are not that big or complicated. Alpaca wool remains one of the most desired and wanted fibers in the fashion industry.
If you are thinking about trying alpaca wool for yourself, you might want an alpaca wool blanket. At Silkeborg we can provide you with alpaca products of the highest quality.
In Silkeborg Uldspinderi we are here to help you. You will have at your disposal many high-quality products. If you want to buy any alpaca scarves, shawls, cushions, or throws, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact page.
