Alpaca Fiber - Avoid Chemicals And Allergens Naturally
One of the most attractive qualities of Alpaca fiber is that it is naturally hypoallergenic.
Unlike sheep, alpaca don't produce lanolin or other exudates that coat their fleece.
The absence of lanolin makes the fiber allergen-free.
For most people who are allergic to wool, the absence of lanolin is great news.
While some people aren't allergic to wool, they do find the material to be irritating.
If this describes you, there's good news on this front, too! Most animals have a coarse, outer coating called "guard hair" and a soft inner coating.
In most cases, the coarse, outer hair is too rough to be used in textiles and must be separated out from the soft undercoat.
The separation process isn't perfect, and some coarse fibers make their way into the soft, desirable fibers.
This mixture of coarse and smooth hairs creates a noticeably itchy fabric.
Alpaca have only a single coat.
With no coarse outer coat, all of the alpaca fleece is soft and uniform.
Many alpaca produce a coat that compares in softness to cashmere.
In addition to being softer than wool and hypoallergenic, alpaca is warmer than wool by a factor of five to seven times.
Its ability to hold warmth is the result of its design.
Alpaca fibers are not solid, but instead contain air pockets, which act as an insulator.
The air pockets also reduce the weight of the fiber, so garments made of alpaca are not only significantly warmer, but also much lighter.
Unlike most fabrics, alpaca does not lose its insulating properties when it gets wet.
Some manufacturers choose to dye alpaca fibers, but this manufacturing step is not strictly necessary.
Alpaca fleece comes in a variety of natural colors.
Commonly, 22 distinct colors of alpaca fiber are recognized, but subtle gradations do exist.
Additionally, alpaca fleece of one color can be blended with fleece of another color to create all-natural, non-dyed yarns in a wide range of colors and variations.
Cleaning alpaca doesn't require harsh chemical processes, either.
Dry cleaning is unnecessary, as a mild soap solution and gentle hand washing will remove any accumulated dirt or odors.
Alpaca fiber can be washed in hot water.
It is exceptionally strong and will stand up to scrubbing and abrasive cleaning without being damaged, however this is rarely necessary, and machine agitation is not recommended.
Alpaca fiber is naturally stain-resistant but will take and hold dye well, does not pill or tear, does not retain odors, and doesn't hold a static charge.
The natural coloring of alpaca fibers will not fade with wear or cleaning, but exposure to sunlight should be avoided.
In those respects, alpaca is superior to most other fine fabrics, like silk, cashmere and wool.
Alpaca stores well, and wears well over time.
Moths are exceptionally fond of alpaca, so careful storage is recommended, although mothballs are not.
Alpaca can be stored in a cedar-lined chest or with sachets filled with lavender or tobacco, and should be completely clean and dry before being stored.
Unlike sheep, alpaca don't produce lanolin or other exudates that coat their fleece.
The absence of lanolin makes the fiber allergen-free.
For most people who are allergic to wool, the absence of lanolin is great news.
While some people aren't allergic to wool, they do find the material to be irritating.
If this describes you, there's good news on this front, too! Most animals have a coarse, outer coating called "guard hair" and a soft inner coating.
In most cases, the coarse, outer hair is too rough to be used in textiles and must be separated out from the soft undercoat.
The separation process isn't perfect, and some coarse fibers make their way into the soft, desirable fibers.
This mixture of coarse and smooth hairs creates a noticeably itchy fabric.
Alpaca have only a single coat.
With no coarse outer coat, all of the alpaca fleece is soft and uniform.
Many alpaca produce a coat that compares in softness to cashmere.
In addition to being softer than wool and hypoallergenic, alpaca is warmer than wool by a factor of five to seven times.
Its ability to hold warmth is the result of its design.
Alpaca fibers are not solid, but instead contain air pockets, which act as an insulator.
The air pockets also reduce the weight of the fiber, so garments made of alpaca are not only significantly warmer, but also much lighter.
Unlike most fabrics, alpaca does not lose its insulating properties when it gets wet.
Some manufacturers choose to dye alpaca fibers, but this manufacturing step is not strictly necessary.
Alpaca fleece comes in a variety of natural colors.
Commonly, 22 distinct colors of alpaca fiber are recognized, but subtle gradations do exist.
Additionally, alpaca fleece of one color can be blended with fleece of another color to create all-natural, non-dyed yarns in a wide range of colors and variations.
Cleaning alpaca doesn't require harsh chemical processes, either.
Dry cleaning is unnecessary, as a mild soap solution and gentle hand washing will remove any accumulated dirt or odors.
Alpaca fiber can be washed in hot water.
It is exceptionally strong and will stand up to scrubbing and abrasive cleaning without being damaged, however this is rarely necessary, and machine agitation is not recommended.
Alpaca fiber is naturally stain-resistant but will take and hold dye well, does not pill or tear, does not retain odors, and doesn't hold a static charge.
The natural coloring of alpaca fibers will not fade with wear or cleaning, but exposure to sunlight should be avoided.
In those respects, alpaca is superior to most other fine fabrics, like silk, cashmere and wool.
Alpaca stores well, and wears well over time.
Moths are exceptionally fond of alpaca, so careful storage is recommended, although mothballs are not.
Alpaca can be stored in a cedar-lined chest or with sachets filled with lavender or tobacco, and should be completely clean and dry before being stored.