Alpaca fleece is the stuff of legend. Treasured in ancient Incan civilization, the Alpaca with its’ luxurious fleece played a pivotal role in Andean Plateau culture.

Early Andean mythology holds that Alpacas were a gift from the goddess Pachmana to humans – but only on loan as long as they were properly revered. There is evidence that the Alpaca, thought to be a descendent of the wild South American Vicuna, was domesticated as long as 6,000 years ago. Incan royalty had the privilege of wearing clothing made from the fine, soft fiber – and it was considered evidence of their exalted status.

Alpaca fiber is semi-hollow, similar to micro-fiber in its’ ability to trap air and ideally regulate warmth. Semi-hollow fibers are lighter in weight and trap air in the core, causing the wearer to warm up quickly. It also ‘wicks’ moisture, instead of trapping it – which means it allows moisture to be transported from your body through the fabric to the outside, where it can evaporate.

The fleece from an Alpaca is typically sheared once per year, after which the Alpaca grows another luxurious coat. One shearing can ultimately produce several warm, soft garments.

Fiber is classified according to a measurement in microns; 1/1000^th of a millimeter. The lower the number, the finer the fiber. Grade 1 fiber is the fleece you want to wear next to your skin. It is similar to silk in its’ fineness. Grade 3 is typically used to make the soft, pliable yarn coveted by knitters. Often compared to Cashmere, Alpaca fiber is actually finer.

Alpaca Fiber FACTS:

• Naturally flame retardant

• Moisture wicking

• Extremely high tensile strength

• Superior thermal properties

• Hypoallergenic

• Soft and luxurious to the touch

• Available in 22 natural colors

• A renewable resource – Alpacas can be sheared yearly!

Hypoallergenic

Unlike wool, alpaca fleece contains no lanolin, and requires no chemicals to process. This, combined with its natural hypoallergenic properties and softness, makes Alpaca clothing a perfect choice for anyone with sensitive skin. When comparing Alpaca fiber to Merino wool, the surface of the Alpaca fiber is much more smooth and slick, making it more comfortable for the wearer, without the ‘scratchiness’ of wool.

Proudly Made In The U.S.A!

All our Alpaca fleece, yarn, and finished products are from fleece grown right here in the U.S.A.

When you purchase our products, you are supporting American farmers and textile workers – and helping to keep jobs here. We even have a local producer of Alpaca yarn, carded and spun from fleece purchased here in the Sierra Foothills!

We are proud members of the Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America and the Natural Fiber Producers. Always look for the North American Alpaca Logo on any product you purchase.

Would you like to start producing your own luxury fleece? Ask us how!