The incredible properties of the Alpaca fibre

Wool of the gods

Alpacas, whose wool we use, live freely in their natural habitat in the Peruvian Andes, situated above 4000 meters. The animals began to be used in farming approximately 3000 years ago. However, when the Spanish conquerors introduced sheep to South America, the use of Alpacas fell out of favour and the animal became almost extinct. The breeding of Alpacas was resumed with the withdrawal of the Spanish from South America. Alpaca fibre has very special characteristics due to the extreme environmental conditions in the mountains. Temperatures can frequently vary between 20 degrees plus and 20 degrees minus. The difference between day and night alone can be 30 degrees.

The enormous insulation effect of Alpaca wool results from its hollow fibres. At the same time, Alpaca fibres can regulate changes in temperature much better, which keeps overheating to a minimum. Our Arequipa sweater, made from Alpaca wool, can therefore be worn on frosty winter days as well as on balmy summer evenings. The wool protects from cold and heat, which it even repels. 

The fibres are more flexible and three times more tear resistant than sheep wool. The softness of Alpaca wool is produced by the particularly fine fibres, which prevents scratchiness that other wool can cause. Alpaca wool is much lighter compared to sheep wool, which increases the incredibly soft feeling. The fine fibre structure also ensures a natural gloss and particularly intense colour.

Furthermore, the fibre absorbs very little humidity, only 25%, which makes it highly resistant to water. Sweat or dampness are absorbed by the hollow fibres and quickly removed. The special thermal properties of Alpaca fibre are reinforced by their very high fat content, which prevents any dirt or unwanted smells from clinging to the fibre. Lanolin, a wool fat, is only found in very low concentration in Alpaca fibres, which means that bacteria cannot multiply or gather on its surface. The fibre is therefore antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

Protein molecules neutralise sweat bacteria and thus the creation of unwanted smells. Alpaca wool is not easily flammable (only at 560°C) and can protect from UV radiation.

It is a low maintenance wool and requires little care. An airing out over night is almost always enough - hand wash is also possible. A pilling effect, often seen with other wool types, is barely detectable in Alpaca wool.

Alpaca clothing can be described as natural functional clothing – without the harmful effects of chemical compounds. For our sweater, no synthetic fibres were used during the production process, therefore avoiding the creation of micro plastics.

Due to their calm and friendly nature, and their curiosity towards humans, Alpacas can be shorn much easier than sheep. Our keepers do so in a very sensitive manner. The animals are part of the family and are even given names. This type of farming has been carried out in the Andes for thousands of years and has remained almost unchanged. The herds are able to graze freely, thus avoiding destruction of grass lands and erosion.

Thanks to its incredible properties, in South America Alpaca wool has become known as the gold of the Incas or the fleece of the gods. All of this makes Alpaca seem like a miracle – and it truly is.

Wearing comfort can be tested in the Maqu Store & Studio.