Before coming to Peru, I had never touched anything made from alpaca fiber, let alone worn alpaca clothing. But as soon as I slipped into our soft, luxurious women’s Angelina alpaca wrap, I understood why alpaca has become so popular. There are many benefits of purchasing a product made from alpaca fiber.
The Angelina Alpaca Ruana is warm, stylish and made from all-natural, handspun, undyed alpaca fiber!
Alpaca fiber comes in the widest array of natural, undyed colors.
The first thing you’ll notice is the beauty of the natural, undyed colors, from rich chocolate browns to warm winter greys to vibrant ivory whites. The range of hues that can be found on the alpacas of the Andes is astonishing, and can lead to some amazing color combinations. Alpaca comes in 22 natural shades, though some have counted up to 300 variations in shades.
The many shades of natural alpaca fiber
Alpaca: one of the finest natural fibers in the world!
After admiring the alpaca textile from afar, you’ll reach out to touch the fabric and immediately feel how soft it is. Alpaca, especially baby alpaca, has a unique texture that feels soft, smooth, and luxurious against the skin. It’s often softer than other animal fibers that can feel scratchy and uncomfortable, and the final product always reflects that high quality.
Cute, fuzzy and with fiber that can't be beat, alpacas always steal the show!
Lightweight, versatile and a natural insulator: wrap yourself up in alpaca's warmth!
In comparison to sheep’s wool, alpaca fibre is lighter and warmer, creating a product that keeps you comfortable without weighing you down. Having lived for thousands of years in the high-altitude Andes, the alpaca has developed a coat that keeps it warm in the harsh freezing winters while simultaneously keeping it cool under the scorching summer sun. This gives its fiber a rare combination of qualities to make it as efficient as possible. Alpaca fiber is a natural insulator, making its cloth one of the warmest weatherproof fabrics on the market. It also allows for breathability in warmer climates, and the cloth is extremely lightweight. This multi-functionality makes an alpaca fiber product perfect for every climate; whether you live in the colder regions of Canada, the unpredictable Northeastern United States, or anywhere else across the globe, these pieces will adapt to your every need!
Andrea wraps herself up in a handwoven Illariy baby alpaca scarf!
Alpaca fiber: as practical as it is gorgeous!
Alpaca fiber is water, wind, and stain resistant. When wearing an alpaca poncho or scarf, you won’t feel the wind, and the rain will take a long time to penetrate the garment. It is also hypoallergenic, because, unlike wool, it doesn’t contain lanolin. This makes it the perfect product for those with sensitive skin, even those who are allergic to normal wool. Finally, the strength and durability that come from resisting the harsh Andean altitude make alpaca fiber dependable. It resists stretching and keeps its original shape more easily than other fibers, so you can expect a piece made from alpaca to become a family heirloom that will last for generations.
The Pika Alpaca Blanket is perfect to snuggle up in a cold winter's day.
Read more about alpaca fiber and fiber preparation on our website!
Written by Megan Malley