Alpaca
🐑 Natural: animal Also called Baby alpaca, Suri alpaca.
Warm, silky fleece from the alpaca, often softer than sheep’s wool.
What it's made from
Fleece sheared from alpacas, which are raised mostly in the Andes.
At a glance
| BreathabilityLets air and heat through | High (4 of 5) |
|---|---|
| WarmthFor its weight | Very high (5 of 5) |
| Absorbs sweatPulls moisture off your skin | Medium (3 of 5) |
| DurabilityResists wear and pilling | High (4 of 5) |
| Wrinkle resistanceStays smooth | High (4 of 5) |
| Easy careMachine wash and dry | Low (2 of 5) |
| Sheds microplasticsWhen washed | No |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
A general guide. The weave, weight and finish of a fabric matter as much as the fiber.
How it feels
Silky and smooth with a soft halo; usually less itchy than wool.
Good for
- Sweaters, hats and scarves
- Cold, dry weather
Watch for
- Can stretch out of shape when wet.
- "Alpaca blend" can be mostly acrylic.
Care
Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry.
Often blended with
What those blends mean: Alpaca + wool · Alpaca + nylon
Compare
More natural: animal fabrics
wool · cashmere · silk · mohair
See it before you buy
TruTag reads the fabric on every clothing listing at Amazon, Target and Walmart and shows how much alpaca is really in it, right under each search result. See how it works →