Published Nov 27. 2017 | Updated Nov 26, 2024
Reading time: 7 minutes


Cross section image of a fiber bundle from three different SC species: (a) Merino sheep fleece: all fibers are unmedullated. (b) Cashmere goat fleece after dehairing: most of the medullated primary fibers have been removed. (c) Alpaca fleece comprises of a mixture of medullated and non-medullated fibers. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731110000029
Properties | Royal Alpaca Wool | Cashmere | Merino Wool |
Weight | Lightest | Light | Heavier |
Fiber Structure | Semi-Hollow | Solid | Solid |
Thermal Capacity | 5 x Warmer | 3 x Warmer | Warm |
Water Retention | Absorbs 10%of weight | Shrinks in water | Absorbs 10% of weight |
UV Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fiber Scales | Smoothest | Softest | Prickly |
Microns(average) | 17.5 | 14 | 18 |
Tensile Strength | Highest | Weak | High |
Odor Resistance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wrinkle Resistance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Hypoallergenic(Lanolin free) | Yes | Yes | No |

Alpaca wool (particularly the royal and baby alpaca fiber grades) is non-itchy, warm, and performs better than merino and other types of sheep's wool. This makes alpaca wool perfect for your outdoor clothing, slipper socks, and even underwear.
References:
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[2] Thompson R. An introduction to evaluating alpaca fleece attributes and interpreting alpaca fibre tests. ResearchGate. 2016. Available from:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289723251_An_introduction_to_evaluating_alpaca_fleece_attributes_and_interpreting_alpaca_fibre_tests
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[7] McGregor BA. Variation in the softness and fiber curvature of cashmere, alpaca, mohair and other rare animal fibers. J Text Inst. 2013;105(6):597–608.doi:10.1080/00405000.2013.828448.
[8] Duan C, Zhang L, Gao K, et al. Cashmere production, skin characteristics, and mutated genes in crimped cashmere fiber goats. Animal. 2022;16(7):100565.doi:10.1016/j.animal.2022.100565.
[9] Corbman BP. Textiles: Fiber to Fabric. 7th ed. New York: Fairchild Publications; 2010.
[10] Allain D, Renieri C. Genetics of fiber production and fleece characteristics in small ruminants, Angora rabbit and South American camelids. Animal. 2010;4(9):1472–1481.doi:10.1017/S1751731110000029.
[11] Radzik-Rant A. , Pofelska O. , Rant W. Characteristics of alpaca wool from farmed animals located on different continents. Annals of Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW. Animal Science. 2018;57(2):151-158. DOI 10.22630/AAS.2018.57.2.15. Available from:https://agro.icm.edu.pl/agro/element/bwmeta1.element.agro-ecf2a896-4e5f-46b7-a22d-8d3752fab74f
[12] Radzik-Rant A, Wiercińska K. Analysis of the wool thickness and medullation characteristics based on sex and color in a herd of alpacas in Poland. Arch Anim Breed. 2021;64(1):157–165. doi:10.5194/aab-64-157-2021. Available from:https://aab.copernicus.org/articles/64/157/2021/
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