Did you know that around 80% of the world’s alpaca population is found in Peru? This concentration has allowed Peruvian artisans to hone their skills over centuries, developing advanced techniques for working with alpaca wool that are unmatched anywhere else in the world.
This rich heritage and expertise contribute to the superior quality of Peruvian alpaca products, making them highly sought after globally.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, baby alpaca wool does not come from baby alpacas. Instead, it refers to the fine, soft fibres obtained from the first shearing of an alpaca or from the fine undercoat of adult alpacas.
These fibres are incredibly soft, measuring between 14 and 16 microns in diameter, which gives baby alpaca wool its signature silky texture.
Baby alpaca wool has a rich history rooted in the Andean cultures of South America. For centuries, the indigenous people of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile have relied on alpaca wool for its warmth and versatility. The alpacas were domesticated around 6,000 years ago, and their wool has been a vital resource ever since.
Baby Alpaca vs. Alpaca: Key Differences
While both baby alpaca and regular alpaca fibres are known for their warmth, softness, and durability, there are distinct differences that set baby alpaca apart, making it a more luxurious choice.
- Softness and Fineness: Baby alpaca fibres are finer and softer than regular alpaca fibres. Regular alpaca fibres typically measure between 23 and 26 microns in diameter, making them slightly coarser compared to the ultra-soft baby alpaca.
- Texture: The finer fibres of baby alpaca give it a smoother, silkier feel against the skin, making it ideal for luxury garments and accessories.
- Insulation: Both types of alpaca fibres provide excellent warmth, but baby alpaca offers superior insulation without the bulk, making it perfect for layering. Moreover, alpaca wool adapts to your body temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, making it versatile for year-round use.
Benefits of Alpaca Wool
Alpaca wool is not just about softness and warmth; it also boasts several other benefits:
- Hypoallergenic: Unlike sheep wool, alpaca wool does not contain lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
- Moisture-Wicking: Alpaca wool naturally wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Odour-Resistant: Thanks to its natural properties, alpaca wool resists odour, making it perfect for garments that need to stay fresh for longer periods.
Why Baby Alpaca is Better Than Cashmere
Baby alpaca is often compared to cashmere, another luxurious fibre. Here’s why baby alpaca stands out:
- Durability: Baby alpaca fibres are more durable and resistant to pilling compared to cashmere. This means that garments and accessories made from baby alpaca will maintain their beauty and integrity over time.
- Warmth: Baby alpaca offers excellent thermal insulation, providing superior warmth in colder climates without adding extra weight. Its adaptive properties ensure you stay comfortable in varying temperatures.
- Sustainability: Alpacas have a much lower environmental impact compared to cashmere goats. Alpacas have soft-padded feet that are gentle on the terrain, unlike the hooves of goats which can cause soil erosion. Additionally, alpacas require significantly less water and food than cashmere goats, making them a more sustainable choice. The production of cashmere also often involves overgrazing by goats, which can lead to land degradation.
- Hypoallergenic: Both baby alpaca and cashmere are hypoallergenic and free from lanolin, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin or wool allergies.
Care Tips
- Storage: Store your baby alpaca garments in a cool, dry place. Use cedar balls or lavender sachets to deter moths.
- Avoid Heat: Never use hot water or a dryer, as heat can cause the fibres to shrink and lose their softness.
- Spot Cleaning: For small stains, use a damp cloth and a gentle blotting motion to clean the affected area.
Discover TRAMA pieces in Royal Baby Alpaca, the most superior quality of the fibre, with our first collection ALTITUDE.