The incredible properties of alpaca fibre

Wool of the Gods

Alpacas, whose wool we use, live freely in their natural habitat in the Peruvian Andes, above 4000 metres. The use of the animals began about 3000 years ago. Spanish conquerors then brought sheep to South America and displaced Peru's alpacas, which almost died out. The breeding of the animals was resumed with the departure of the Spaniards.

The alpaca fibre has very special properties due to the extreme environmental conditions in the mountains. The temperature varies between 20 degrees plus and 20 degrees minus. The difference between day and night alone can be 30 degrees.

The enormous insulation effect results, among other things, from the fact that the fibre is hollow. At the same time, it is much better able to compensate for temperature fluctuations between the outside and inside, which reduces overheating to a minimum when you come inside. This makes our Arequipa jumper very comfortable to wear on icy winter days and even on summer evenings. In addition to cold, the wool even protects against heat, which it virtually repels.

The fibres are also more durable and three times more tear-resistant than sheep's wool. The soft skin feeling of alpaca wool is created by the particularly fine fibres, which prevents the scratching effect that other wool can cause. Compared to sheep's wool, alpaca wool is much lighter, which enhances the exceptionally soft feel. The fineness of the fibre's scaly structure also ensures a natural sheen and special colour intensity.

Furthermore, the fibre absorbs very little moisture (only 25%), so it is highly water repellent. Sweat is absorbed by the hollow fibres and quickly wicked away.

The special thermal properties are enhanced by the very high fat content, which makes the fibre extremely dirt and odour repellent. However, the wool fat lanolin is only present in very low concentrations, which means that bacteria cannot multiply on the surface and die off. The fibre has an antibacterial effect and is hypoallergenic.

Protein molecules alsoneutralise sweat bacteria and thus odour. Alpaca wool is also flame retardant (only at 560° C) and protects against UV radiation.

Care is only very rarely necessary. Airing in the fresh humid air of the night is almost always sufficient. Hand washing with a wool detergent is also possible. The pilling effect of other types of wool is hardly present in alpaca.

Alpaca clothing can be described as natural functional clothing - without the harmful effects of chemical compounds. Our model also completely avoids synthetic fibres and the associated spread of microplastics in the manufacturing process.

Alpacas can be sheared much more easily and calmly compared to sheep because of their calm friendly character and their curious nature towards humans. Our keepers do this in a very sensitive way, the animals are naturally part of the family there and even have names. This kind of agriculture has been practised almost unchanged in the Andes for thousands of years. The herds have free range, which prevents the destruction of the grasslands and erosion.

These unsurpassed characteristics have led to alpaca wool also being called the gold of the Incas and the fleece of the gods in South America. All this makes alpaca seem like a miracle - and it is.

This wearing comfort can be tested at our Maqu Store & Studio.