Why is alpaca wool better than other types of materials?
You’re probably wondering what an alpaca is. Alpacas are fully domesticated sheep from Peru. Alpaca fibers were once reserved for royalty, but today, their fleece is sheared once a year without harming the animal, just as with normal sheep. Alpaca wool has an advantage over standard sheep wool because its fibers contain extra hollow spaces. The added space causes more thermal capacity, which in turn permits more hot air to pass through the material and provides added warmth you wouldn’t otherwise get from standard wool.
Why is Alpaca wool better than standard wool?
Standard sheep wool contains something known as lanolin, which is what gives it that “itchy” sensation when worn directly on the skin. Many people are allergic to this compound, which generally irritates the skin. However, alpaca wool is considered to be hypoallergenic because it doesn’t contain any lanolin. Alpaca is not only soft and gentle on the skin, but also more comfortable, providing greater warmth. Another added benefit of alpaca wool compared with its standard wool counterpart is that it’s one-third the weight yet provides triple the insulating capacity.
What Are Some Other Benefits of Alpaca Wool?
Alpaca wool is a premium-quality, environmentally friendly material that naturally renews throughout the year. It’s commonly compared to cashmere due to its similar soft texture. However, a standard yield of cashmere only equates to two to three pounds per year. Alpacas produce on average between seven to ten pounds of wool a year, providing much larger yields.
In addition to warmth, alpaca wool also offers various other benefits, which include:
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Odor Resistance
- Breathability
- Durability
- Stain Resistance
- Lightweight
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Flame Resistance
- Windproof
- Biodegradability
- Water Repellence
- Flexibility
So, why is alpaca wool better? If you want to learn more about alpaca wool and any of our other products, make sure to contact the Qisu team today.