More than 80% of the alpaca wool on Earth is farmed in the highlands of Peru, with these luxurious fibers used for amazing alpaca wool garments. These soft, warm, and breathable garments are carefully crafted of very high-quality, environmentally-friendly wool that is only sourced from a few regions.
Alpaca sweaters are the pinnacle of high-quality fashion, better than any sheep wool or cashmere. Any refined man should have an alpaca wool sweater in his winter wardrobe. Keep reading for all the reasons that alpaca sweaters are the best type of sweaters.
A Long History of Sustainability
Alpacas are fluffy animals that are cousins of camels. Smaller than camels, alpacas have long been used as a source of wool for people living in the Andes mountains.
Alpaca wool has been popular in South America for centuries. In Peru, where most of the world's alpaca fiber is sourced, generations of families have raised and sheered alpaca for its superior wool.
Alpaca is a sustainably and ethically sourced material. Many alpaca farms are family-owned, and more than 85% of Peruvian alpacas are owned by farmers with less than 50 alpacas. These alpacas enjoy the spacious mountains of Peru, grazing and wandering in the Andes.
Alpacas themselves are a very eco-friendly animal to raise. They do not require much water to sustain themselves, and they do not cause damage to the land they occupy. Their feet are a pad, similar to a dog's paw, which prevents soil erosion, and they do not destroy grass roots while grazing.
Pacomarca is a Peruvian network that promotes the sustainable development of alpaca wool farming. As global demand for alpaca wool increases, this organization helps to ensure that alpaca wool is sourced ethically and sustainably. Alpaca sheering has been passed down from generation to generation in the Andes, and it is important to safeguard those traditions from unethical farming practices.
A Better Alternative to Cashmere
Alpaca wool makes an excellent alternative to cashmere. Cashmere sweaters are similar in their low micron count, but they have a higher price tag and are not as environmentally friendly. As the demand for cashmere has soared, a lack of environmental safeguards has allowed unethical cashmere farms to pop up.
The goats that supply cashmere wool cause erosion with their hard hooves and tear up the roots of grasses when they graze. This causes environmental concerns in countries where these goats are mainly farmed, such as Mongolia and China, as grasslands are shrinking.
For an even softer, more eco-friendly sweater, skip the cashmere and go for alpaca wool.
Alpaca Sweaters are Extremely Comfortable
Alpaca fibers are known for being extremely soft. While sheep wool can feel coarse and itchy the skin, alpaca fibers feel silky and soft to the touch.
Alpaca fibers are very fine, much finer than sheep wool. This small diameter gives alpaca wool its signature softness, similar to merino wool. Alpaca wool makes some of the softest knitwear possible, and it is extremely comfortable to wear.
Baby alpaca wool, which is not made from actual baby alpacas but is taken from the contaminant-free back area of adults, can be even softer than traditional alpaca wool.
Alpaca wool is also very warm compared to other materials. These sweaters can be lightweight, but still retain heat and keep you warm.
Alpaca wool is naturally water-resistant. The low water retention rate of alpaca wool prevents moisture from getting into your sweater, making the material excellent for skiing or braving the winter weather.
Alpaca wool is also naturally hypoallergenic. It does not contain any lanolin, which is a natural wax on the surface of some animal wool that many people have allergies to. If sheep wool agitates your skin, give alpaca knitwear a try.
Enjoy the Superior Quality of Alpaca Sweaters
Alpaca wool clothing is very high quality. Thanks to the lack of lanolin or other secretions in the fibers, alpaca wool is much less likely to pill with wear. This gives alpaca sweaters very good durability.
If you do manage to damage your alpaca wool sweater, fixing the material is easy. A good professional garment repairman should be able to mend any snags or small tears.
Each alpaca fiber has pockets of air within the strand, allowing for extremely lightweight knitwear to be made. These air pockets also trap heat, which allows these lightweight sweaters to be very warm.
The material is very breathable without sacrificing warmth. On a cold winter day, the last thing you want to feel is clammy. Alpaca is ideal for cold winter activities, such as skiing or ice skating, as it will keep you snug and warm without trapping moisture as you move.
Do you hate constantly having to iron or steam your clothes in the morning? Skip the iron- alpaca wool is naturally wrinkle-free. Alpaca wool fibers can be carelessly stuffed into small bags and regain their shape again without creases.
Luxury Fashion Sweaters
Alpaca wool is one of the most luxurious materials on Earth. Used for thousands of years for its lightweight and warm qualities, this wool is softer than any sheep wool and is superior quality to other fabrics. Thanks to protected ethical farming practices, you can feel good about the alpaca garment you are wearing.
Your winter wardrobe is not complete without an alpaca wool sweater. Available in many colors, these sweaters give a look of sophistication and class. Alpaca sweaters are luxurious and comfortable, perfect for the refined gentleman.
To start shopping for your perfect alpaca wool sweater, check out our alpaca sweater storefront.