The Next Big Cold-Weather Fiber? Alpaca Wool’s Rise In Fashion

KNUTSFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – DECEMBER 13: Alpacas graze on a field owned by farmer Khanikhah Guy at her country small holding on December 12, 2007, near the village of Pickmere, Knutsford, England. Alpacas are part of the camelids family and originate from the Andes. They are much sought after for their wool and coats which make high quality clothes and garments. Khanikhah’s products and animals have become popular with the affluent and celebrity set of Cheshire with Alpacas becoming the latest new designer pet and costing up to GBP 5000. Socks made from the wool are her top selling Christmas present from her Artemis Alpacas Farm Shop. Shearing of the animals wool is done annually by a skilled shearer who flies to the UK from New Zealand. None of her animals are slaughtered for their fleeces and are only used after a natural death. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

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With winter approaching, it may be time to retire those well-worn sweaters that have seen better days. While wool may reign supreme and cashmere carries its own cachet, alpaca wool is increasingly emerging as the fiber of choice for both established designers and independent brands.

Why Alpaca Wins Out

To understand the benefits of using alpaca wool, it’s best to understand how the fiber is naturally distinct compared to similar options, like wool. For instance, alpacas don’t produce lanolin, a natural waxy coating found in sheep’s wool that can cause irritation, dermatitis and even acne. By being naturally hypoallergenic, alpaca fiber is a preferred alternative for many who have sensitive skin.

The structure of the follicle itself plays a large role in the popularity of alpaca as well. On a microscopic level, wool fibers have tiny ridges on the follicle that resemble scales. The broader or more dense these scales are on the follicle, the more irritating one’s sweater, for example, will be against bare skin – this is why some wool sweaters feel itchy. Alpaca fibers are smoother against the follicle and smaller, reducing friction and irritation when worn. In fact, the smoother surface of these fibers also make them naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, helping to keep washing between wears to a minimum and extending the life of one’s garment even longer.

From a performance standpoint, alpaca wool is both insulating and durable. With a tighter weave and a fiber that’s abrasion-resistant, the performance of alpaca wool makes it a favorite for many designers. Ryan Volatile, founder of Fields Outfitting, notes this, saying, “Alpaca was an easy choice for our latest collection, given the plentiful supply in South America, where we make all of our goods. It has all of the qualities that make other luxury animal fibers so good, and is more durable and has a lower environmental impact than its European and Indian counterparts like mohair and cashmere.”

A More Sustainable Option

Alpaca wool is considered one of the more sustainable animal fibers. In part, this is due to the natural adaptations the animal has made in the South American environment in which it is indigenous. Alpacas have padded feet instead of hooves, which reduces soil erosion and supports healthier pastures, and their gentle grazing habits require less water than many other wool-producing animals. They also produce lower methane emissions, reducing their overall environmental footprint, compared to other fiber-producing animals.

The qualities of the fiber listed above which make it so popular among designers also contribute to its sustainability. For example, the lack of lanolin in alpaca fleece means there is no need for excess chemical treatments, which are used to scour the waxy irritant off other wool varieties. This, in turn, can cause chemical leaching into nearby soil and water supplies. Further, the added benefit of the fiber’s durability also means for longer wear, helping to reduce fast fashion which often ends in landfills.

Sustainability in alpaca production also extends to a social responsibility to the indigenous communities who raise the animals and process the fiber. Brands like PAKA, Sol Alpaca and even UNICEF have partnered directly with Indigenous artisans, providing fair wages, stable work, and preserving centuries-old herding and weaving practices. In doing so, choosing alpaca can have net-positive effects on communities and the surrounding land they live on throughout South America.

Becoming A Wardrobe Essential

Alpaca’s versatility has contributed greatly to its rise in the fashion market, positioning it as a refined alternative to traditional fibers like wool, cotton, and even cashmere. Smaller artisan brands and larger labels alike have embraced the material for its combination of softness, durability, and insulation. Fields Outfitting, for example, has made alpaca a dominant fiber in their knitwear, including brushed alpaca sweaters in their most recent collection. Soft Goat, Overland, SUITSUPPLY and Loro Piana have incorporated alpaca into their cold-weather offerings, adding an elevated option alongside more familiar fibers like lambswool and cashmere.

Alpaca’s versatility extends well beyond classic sweaters, scarves, and beanies. The fiber’s natural thermoregulation and lightweight feel make it suitable for a wide range of garments, from layering pieces to statement outerwear. PAKA, for instance, insulates puffer vests with alpaca fleece, demonstrating its ability to provide warmth without bulk, while Arms of Andes produces t-shirts that showcase the fiber’s breathability and year-round wearability. Even as an everyday staple, alpaca adapts to varying climates and wardrobe needs, proving that its insulating properties need not be limited to winter-only garments.