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How much does alpaca wool cost
To stay warm in winter, there is nothing better than a soft, comfortable garment that can warm you in times of need. Alpaca wool is one of the warmest and most valuable fabrics one can wear in winter.
There are many amazing natural fibres in the world, but none like alpaca fibre. This fibre is distinguished by its ability to retain warmth while remaining soft to the touch and light to wear, making it suitable for creating particularly comfortable and fine coat. Its intrinsic characteristics have made the cost of alpaca wool higher than that of normal wool, a price that alpaca wool and garments made with this fibre amply repay for beauty, durability and functionality.
Let us see the main properties of alpaca wool and the relative price per kg of alpaca wool fibre currently on the market.
What is alpaca wool?
Alpaca wool is an all-natural fibre from the hair of the alpaca, an animal very similar to the more popular llama but smaller than its camelid peer.
There are two different types of alpaca: suri and huacaya, each of which produces a different type of yarn. Alpaca wool is available in 22 natural colours.
The main characteristic of alpaca wool is its natural softness. In addition, due to the presence of air pockets in the fibre, alpaca wool is particularly warm and resistant, capable of retaining more heat than normal wool.
Alpaca wool is considered a luxurious fibre because of its soft and durable nature, beauty and practicality. These are the main reasons why the price of alpaca wool is often higher than other fibres.
The history of alpaca wool and the price
Another factor contributing to the preciousness of alpaca wool, and thus also its cost, lies in its legendary history and origin.
Alpaca wool comes from the ancient tribes of the Andean highlands in Bolivia and Peru, where the vicuña, the ancestor of the alpaca, was domesticated. This selective breeding led to the development and survival of the Inca tribe itself as the animals were bred for the production of coats and also for meat. Within the tribe, it was the members of the nobility who benefited from the garments produced from alpaca wool.
Unfortunately, some alpacas reached extinction during the period of the Spanish conquerors until the British, in 1800, discovered this valuable fibre and brought it back. Today, alpacas are bred all over the world, including in the United States and Australia, although the fibre of Peruvian origin is the most popular.
This is not to say that alpaca fibre is common: the origin and processing of this wool is very particular and must follow some specific traditional rules to preserve the species and ensure that the naturally shy animal suffers as little stress as possible. Alpacas, which survive extreme climates thanks to their hair, are sheared in spring and only once a year. This special care and origin, as well as rarity, means that the price of alpaca wool is higher than for traditional wools.
How much does alpaca wool cost?
The cost of alpaca wool is around 86$ per pound (180 euros per kg), but can vary depending on market fluctuations. Alpaca wool is often processed by hand and using traditional methods. In this way, the valuable characteristics of the wool are preserved.
Alpaca wool owes its higher price to several properties.
- - it is durable, known to be the most resistant natural fibre in the world;
- - it is resistant, garments made of alpaca wool do not lose their lustre, strength or shape; especially when well treated;
- - it is elastic, and retains its shape even after years of use;
- - it is fireproof;
- - it is hypoallergenic, therefore suitable for those with allergies to lanolin, which is present in the alpaca fibre in a very small part that is often washed away in processing;
- - it is lightweight as it is a hollow fibre;
- - it is odour-resistant, so does not require frequent washing;
- - it is soft and does not itch on the skin.
The cost of alpaca wool therefore depends on various market and environmental factors, the demand and the rarity itself of this yarn, which is also used in many other ways. It should be considered that alpaca wool is considered valuable throughout the world, and that a good ball of alpaca wool can cost around 4 or 5 €, depending on the percentage of alpaca fibre it contains. In fact, it is often found mixed with sheep's wool and not pure when it is at its best.
But how much does Alpaca wool cost in a handmade garment?
If you are asking yourself this question, calculate that, in a self-respecting garment, the percentage of Alpaca wool is high: it is usually 75%, and about 25% virgin wool.
I recommend you take a look at these garments that are a flagship in Alpaca wool:
