Alpaca and baby alpaca: properties and origin
Sustainable fashion made from the finest natural materials, made in Peru.
Around 4 million alpacas live in South America, and Peru is home to the largest population of both varieties: huacaya and suri. They live in the high Andes, where conditions are extreme: at altitudes above 4,500 metres and temperatures between -20 °C and +20 °C. To adapt to this climate they develop a special protection: a long, fine coat that does not retain water and is particularly warm. That is why alpaca fibre from Peru is of superior quality.
Shearing and natural colours
Alpacas are shorn without suffering or harm, and the fibre is only obtained once every twelve months, during the shearing season. This is how we ensure sustainability and the protection of the animal.
Because alpacas come in different coat colours, fibres from different shearings can be blended to create a palette of around 24 natural colours, from cream white to brown, grey and black.
Properties of alpaca
Soft – anti-allergic – temperature-regulating – warm – biodegradable
- Soft and hypoallergenic: thanks to the fineness of its fibre, it is ideal for sensitive, delicate skin.
- An active fibre: unlike better-known wools, it responds to changes in body temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather.
- Strong, insulating, durable and naturally lustrous: in quality and fineness it is comparable to cashmere or mohair.
- Very warm and light: it can provide up to five times more warmth than sheep wool without making the garment heavier, so it can be worn in any season.
- Biodegradable: when discarded, it breaks down faster than synthetic fibres.
Baby alpaca
The texture and natural sheen of our baby alpaca collection are unique and long-lasting. Baby alpaca fibre measures 21 to 23 microns, with unrivalled quality and softness, and a palette of 24 natural shades.
As for certifications, our partners hold Peru's Fair Trade Certificate, GRI (responsible suppliers), licences for the Alpaca del Perú and Marca Perú brands, and are members of the International Alpaca Association.
Because we believe in our artisans and their talent, we especially support women's work: in a small village in the Peruvian highlands, a group of weavers hand-knit our baby alpaca gloves, with a quality that reaches all of Europe through TASHAY.
Our alpaca products
Discover our baby alpaca scarves, blankets, gloves and alpaca ponchos.
