Is baby alpaca wool really from a baby alpaca?

As fibres go, baby alpaca wool is pretty special. It’s something of a buzzword when shopping for the luxurious, touchably soft homewares that make a house a home, with blankets, cushions and shawls crafted using baby alpaca wool considered the crème de la crème. When it comes to baby alpaca wool however all is not what it seems…

In this blog post, we dig deeper into its origins to uncover what it is, where it really comes from, and why it is SO special.

So, what is baby alpaca wool?

The term ‘baby alpaca wool’ is actually rather misleading. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a material that’s harvested from a young alpaca. Baby alpaca wool refers not to the age of the alpaca, but to the fineness and softness of the fibres, two traits that make it one of the most prized materials in the textile industry.

Baby alpaca wool is one of the most luxurious and sought-after fibres on the planet. The wool in question is sourced during the first shearing of an adult alpaca from a spot on the underside of the neck that produces particularly fine and soft wool.

It’s all about the microns!

To be classed as baby alpaca wool, fibres have to meet a specific micron count, just like Merino wool. We’ll let British Wool explain what a micron is:

“A measure of fineness used in the fibre industry. One micron is one millionth of a metre; when fibre is tested for fineness it is expressed in microns and usually is accompanied with ‘Standard deviation and coefficient of variation’ of micron.”

The fineness of baby alpaca wool typically ranges from 19 to 22 microns in diameter. This is far superior in terms of quality to the micron count of the finest lambswool.

How does it compare?

The fine texture of baby alpaca wool is what gives this particular fibre its silky softness and lightweight feel. When compared to other wool types, it’s softer than regular alpaca wool, not to mention stronger and more durable than the likes of cashmere, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting, luxurious homewares.

To put things into perspective, baby alpaca wool sits just below royal alpaca (the finest grade alpaca wool with fibres under 19 microns) in terms of fineness and softness. While still soft and warm, regular alpaca wool tends to be coarser, thicker, and missing the lightweight, silky feel that baby alpaca wool is known and loved for.

Why choose baby alpaca wool?

Baby alpaca wool is an exceptional choice for so many wonderful reasons. It is incredibly soft and naturally hypoallergenic, making it gentle on the skin and perfect for cosying up in on the chilliest evenings. Despite its lightweight feel, baby alpaca wool provides an incredible amount of warmth, delivering excellent insulation without the bulk.

Durability wise, baby alpaca wool also comes out on top. Its strong fibres are particularly resistant to pilling, ensuring that your blanket or shawl will maintain its beauty and functionality for years to come. Like all alpaca wool types, baby alpaca wool is very eco-friendly, with the charming creatures responsible for producing this stunning fibre having a smaller environmental footprint compared to other livestock.

Shop our baby alpaca wool creations today

Discover the softness, beauty and warmth of baby alpaca wool for yourself right here at So Cosy. We stock baby alpaca wool blankets, cushions and shawls. Browse our full range today to find out more.