Deceptively named, people often believe that baby alpaca wool comes directly from baby alpacas. However, this is not the case, and this usually leaves people wondering: “what is baby alpaca wool?”
Baby alpaca wool is the term used to describe the wool obtained from the underside of the neck of alpacas. The name itself is used to describe how fine the fibers are, and baby alpaca fibers are known to be extremely fine. Therefore, there are many clothing and accessories made of this material, such as baby alpaca throws, blankets, among others.
Baby alpaca wool is known to be one of the highest quality materials in the world, and it is widely sought after for its unique and luxurious texture.
The value of baby alpaca wool can be traced back to the Incan Empire. In pre-Columbian America, the Incas valued baby alpaca wool as much as gold and silver. So much so, that only royalty could wear it!
Baby alpaca wool is first and foremost known for its impeccable texture. It is one of the softest materials on the planet. It is also silky and smooth like cashmere. The texture is what mainly draws customers instantly to baby alpaca wool products. The wool is taken from the softest part of the alpaca, and this guarantees that the fibers will produce an incredible texture.
Baby alpaca wool is far more superior to sheep wool. It is both light and warm, so you will not feel the discomfort typical of heavier, synthetic fabrics. The warmth it provides makes it ideal for the harsh winter season, which is why many people who live in colder weather prefer to buy baby alpaca wool products.
The superfine fibers of the baby alpaca wool are what make it such a popular product. The fibers measure roughly between 19 and 23 microns in their diameter, which is close to that of cashmere.
This fineness is what makes baby alpaca wool have its signature softness and luxurious texture. Baby alpaca wool comes in even a finer grade, we call it premium alpaca, which measures even less than 19 microns. For a better comparison of these measurements, average human hair measures around 100 microns. So, you can imagine how fine baby alpaca wool fibers are.
In today’s world, it can be challenging to find out where products originated from, and tracing back their manufacturing process can be next to impossible. However, alpaca wool processing is done in one of the most ethical ways possible, so you have nothing to worry about when purchasing alpaca material or products.
Before shearing, the alpacas are usually sorted out by color, breed, and age as a way to guarantee quality control and ease in sorting. The alpacas are sheared once a year using a hand-used razor.
Once they are sheared, the wool is sorted out. This is when the baby alpaca wool and the royal alpaca wool are separated from the rest of the wool. The wool is then carded, spun, washed, and then air-dried to ensure maximum quality control.
Baby alpaca wool is completely natural and taken off very ethically. Many people make use of indigenous methods to shear the wool from the alpacas. The alpacas are always given ample time to grow out their wool again, and they are shorn in seasons when the wool is not needed to keep the alpacas warm.
They are always treated with care and comforted if they feel distressed by the sound of the razors. A particular cautionary measure that also allows for quality control in the wool is that the alpacas are shorn in one fell swoop.
There is little to no back and forth with the razor. This allows the alpaca to be done with the process fast and it allows for the wool to be gathered in a single bunch instead of tiny fibers that would be pointless for manufacturing purposes.
Baby alpaca wool is one of the softest materials in the world. It will keep you warm without being too hefty while you are wearing it and you will feel absolutely no irritation on your skin the way synthetic fibers usually feel.
Baby alpaca wool is somewhat quite expensive, but if you are fond of luxury and prefer quality, then baby alpaca wool is precisely what you are looking for. It is definitely worth the price, and once you feel how soft it is, there is a great chance that you will never find anything as soft.
The most significant part about it is that ethical shearing techniques are used to take the wool off of the animal. No actual alpacas are harmed during the process.
Baby alpaca wool can become your new favorite material after you buy a single product. However, people often wonder what baby alpaca wool product they should first buy.
If you are looking for baby alpaca wool of the finest quality, you might want to look at alpaca blankets for sale. Alpaca blankets will give you the most value for your money, and they will allow you to share the softness with your loved ones.
Now, you know where baby alpaca comes from. The texture is softer and therefore is better suited to creating clothing. Have you bought anything made from alpaca wool in Peru?
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.