“Alpaca fiber is characterized by a softness and comfort that no other natural fiber can match.”
Sweaters are the preferred products for people who buy alpaca garments around the world. In addition to their very diverse designs, some even with Andean motifs, alpaca fiber is perfect for feeling light in a temperate and cold city. The leading producer of alpaca clothing is Peru, in the heart of the Andes Mountains.
What are the advantages of alpaca fiber?
Alpaca is a domesticated camelid native to the Andes Mountains in the continent of South America. The largest population of alpacas in the world is found in Peru (around 87%).
Peru is also the largest producer of alpaca fiber on the planet. It is estimated that the Inca country produces around 4,501 tons of alpaca fiber each year.
Alpaca fiber is highly sought after and valued due to its two main characteristics: softness and comfort. There are quality classifications such as royal baby alpaca (the first shearing, very light and comfortable) as well as superfine alpaca (also light and comfortable from the first shearings, but thicker).
87%
of the world’s alpacas
live in Peru
22
natural colors and shades
#1
World Exporter
of Alpaca Fiber
The various products made from alpaca fiber
These are some of the main products made from alpaca fiber:
- Sweaters — The most exported from Peru to the world. The main market is the United States.
- Jackets — As sought after as sweaters. There are diverse designs, with Andean figures or classic single-color versions.
- Coats — The most expensive due to the difficult work process. Increasingly popular in Europe for its cold winters.
- Hats — Highly valued for their softness and comfort. Includes the famous Peruvian chullos with ear flaps and modern designs without ear flaps.
- Socks — Widely used worldwide for their softness, especially at home. There are also special socks for hiking.
- Gloves — Some of the finest in the world. The most requested fiber is baby alpaca.
- Scarves and Shawls — The perfect gift for a trip to Cusco. Available in unique natural alpaca colors.
- Blankets — Household items increasingly in demand worldwide for their comfort and warmth against very cold winters.
Why choose an alpaca sweater?
These are the advantages of choosing an alpaca sweater:
- Sweaters are very comfortable to wear as alpaca fiber is characterized by its softness, lightness, and comfort. Baby alpaca fiber is the most sought after. Although it has very fine wool (22.5 microns thick), it is efficient at maintaining body heat in a very light way.
- An alpaca fiber sweater offers very varied designs, full of color or sober in a single natural shade. Alpaca has up to twenty-two natural shades from black to gray and white.
- Alpaca sweaters offer greater lightness than cotton fiber, although there are also thick wools (29.6 microns or more), ideal for clothing in the world’s cold winters.
“Baby alpaca fiber has a thickness of only 22.5 microns, making it exceptionally light and warm at the same time.”
What is the difference between an alpaca sweater and a cotton one?
These are some differences between sweaters made of alpaca and cotton:
| Characteristic | Alpaca Sweater | Cotton Sweater |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Higher thermal capacity in cold temperatures. | Maintains body temperature. |
| Allergies | Does not itch, rarely causes allergies. | May cause allergies if the cotton is of poor quality. |
| Softness | Product of great exceptional softness. | Soft product. |
| Durability | High durability through the years. | Greater deterioration over the years. |
| Designs | Great variety of designs and unique natural colors. | Also has a variety of designs and colors. |
| Washing | Dry cleaning with cold water and special care. | Can be machine washed without much care. |
More information about alpaca sweaters
Peru is the main exporter of sweaters made from alpaca and baby alpaca fiber in the world. The United States is the main export destination.
Sweaters made from alpaca are primarily characterized by their softness and comfort when worn. Baby alpaca fiber is the most sought after as it is lighter and softer.
Alpaca sweaters, unlike other products, have a capacity to maintain the body at suitable temperatures in cold or temperate climates, without losing comfort or softness when worn.
In addition to sweaters, this fiber is used to produce jackets, coats, hats, socks, gloves, blankets, shawls, and scarves. All are also characterized by their softness and warmth.
Where to buy?
Visit Original Alpaca in Cusco
At Original Alpaca, you can purchase a variety of sweater designs made from alpaca and baby alpaca fiber, 100% original products from Peru. Main store on Calle Zetas, a few steps from the historic Coricancha temple.