An exceptional fleece

Alpacas are known for their exceptionally rich natural colour spectrum. Unlike many other types of wool, alpaca wool occurs naturally in a wide range of shades, without the need for dyeing. This is not a minor detail, but an essential characteristic of both the animal and the fibre.

The base colours range from bright white through cream and beige to warm caramel tones, chocolate brown and deep black. Between these lie countless nuances, such as rosy sand, silver grey and dark grey with an almost blue undertone. Some alpacas have a completely uniform fleece, while others show subtle colour transitions and natural variations that no dye can replicate exactly.

These colours are genetically determined and remain visible in the fibre even after shearing. By working with these natural shades, alpaca wool remains free from chemical treatments and retains its original structure and appearance.

Each alpaca quite literally carries its own palette. No two fleeces are identical. This makes working with alpaca wool not only ecologically responsible, but also honest and truly

The properties of the fibre

Alpaca fibre is among the finest and most functional animal fibres found in nature. It is naturally soft, strong and versatile, without the drawbacks often associated with traditional wool.

Alpaca fibres have a hollow structure that traps air, providing excellent thermal insulation. Warm in winter and cooling in summer, without feeling heavy or stifling.

Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca wool contains no lanolin. As a result, it feels lighter and is better suited for people with sensitive skin. Itching and irritation are far less common.

Despite its softness, alpaca wool is remarkably strong. It pills less, retains its shape better and, with proper use, lasts for many years.

From fleece to wool

Not every alpaca fleece is automatically suitable for high-quality wool processing. To guarantee quality, each fleece is technically assessed according to fixed, objective criteria. This evaluation determines how the fibre behaves during processing and, ultimately, in the finished product.

Selection is based, among other factors, on fibre diameter, fibre length, uniformity, cleanliness and strength. Only fleeces that meet these criteria are further processed into quality wool.

Those who want to learn more about this selection process and the technical assessment of alpaca fleeces can explore it in more detail
👉 on the page about wool processing.