One of the best fleeces in the world is the alpaca’s. There has been a lot of fuss and demand for this fleece, and it all comes down to the quality. Alpaca fleece is a fleece that has the highest quality when compared to other fleeces. That is why its price is also higher and different from the rest of them. And history plays a great part too.
The alpaca fleece was used through different civilizations in the Andes for over 5000 years. Although the alpaca fleece might be quite new to the modern-day fashion scene, it definitely is not new in world history.
It is treated as one of the most exclusive and special fibers in the world. The Peruvians were the ones that first discovered the benefits of this incredible fleece. After that, many international cultures have regarded this wool to be precious and luxurious.
As an animal, the alpaca is considered to be a cousin of Llama. The difference in the fleece between these two cousins made the alpaca fleece stand out, not only for its natural softness but because of its warmth and the broad range of natural colors.
The new name of the alpaca wool is the Gold of the Andes. Alpacas live in the Andean Highlands. They can live on high altitudes that come with lots of differences in temperatures. All of that affects the alpaca as an animal to withstand all these changes and survive in that changing climate. That is how the alpacas have evolved a smooth and hollow fiber that is highly appreciated today.
These are the biggest 5 reasons that make the alpaca fleece known as the Gold of the Andes.
One of the best and the biggest properties and benefits of the alpaca fleece is the semi-hollow fiber. Those who look for suitable apparel for outdoor activities know that the garments that come from a hollow-core fiber are pretty light and much warmer when compared to the ones with solid core fibers. Alpaca fleece is a natural semi-hollow fiber.
It has a unique fineness that matches any microfiber synthetic. Contrary to the synthetically-derived microfiber, the alpaca fiber is produced through a sustainable process. This means that no animals are killed during the process of harvesting the fleece and the entire alpaca fiber industry is environmentally-friendly.
The luxury detail that makes the alpaca fleece extraordinary is the diameter of the fiber. The unit used in the measurement is micron, which is 1/1000th of a millimeter. 20-30microns is the measurement for the alpaca fleece.
One common mistake that is constantly done is the perception between wicking and absorbing moisture. Absorbing moisture is a process that for example, the sponge does. It takes the moisture in until it becomes saturated and the entire sponge feels wet.
On the other hand, wicking is when the fabric transports the moisture away from their source, away from the fabric, and in that way, it evaporates. For example, wool and cotton are very absorbent, but they do not have very good wicking properties. The alpaca, however, has low moisture absorbency and wonderful wicking properties that result in better comfort and warmth.
Alpaca fleece is hypoallergenic. It does not contain lanolin and does require any chemical-scouring agents for processing. This property, alongside the softness of the fleece itself, makes the alpaca garment comfortable and suitable for sensitive skin. The surface of any alpaca wool garment is smooth.
You can also read: Is Alpaca Wool Cruelty Free?
As mentioned above, the alpaca fleece is the only fleece considered to be sustainable and eco-friendly. There are many different factors that contribute to that, such as the animal itself being light on the grass. It is shorn once a year without harming the animal, and the fleece is so great that it does not require any chemical processes to make it into a final product.
The popularity and the demand for the alpaca fleece are excellently combined with local communities that work on breeding the alpacas. The work they do is what contributes to the local economy. And the demand for this fleece makes it a growing economy.
Silkeborg Uldspinderi supports the local farming communities and offers only the best alpaca fleece products. The wide selection of throws, accessories, and cushions are what the brand stands for and greatly proves why the alpaca fleece is considered Gold of the Andes.
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.
