Is Alpaca Fiber Itchy?

Mar 20, 2023

Wool has always been considered to be the ideal material for making cold-weather clothing. But, many of us have experienced irritating, itching discomfort from a wool jacket or sweater, leading us to pick something different from our wardrobe. To keep woolen fibers away from our skin, we've had to wear collared shirts or turtlenecks under scratchy sweaters.

However, not all types of wool are created equal, and some are more comfortable than others. Alpaca wool is one such type of wool that is known for its softness and lack of itchiness.

You may have heard that alpaca wool is a wonderful substitute for itchy sheep's wool. Yet, if you've never worn alpaca sweaters or other items, you may be hesitant. In this blog, we will explore the question of whether alpaca wool is itchy or not.

What differentiates Alpaca Fiber from other natural materials

Alpaca wool is known for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties. It is often compared to cashmere or mohair for its softness and luxury feel.

It lacks the scales that are present in other types of wool. These scales can irritate the skin and cause itchiness. In addition, alpaca wool is softer and finer than other types of wool, which makes it less likely to cause irritation.
Another reason why alpaca wool l is less itchy is that it contains less lanolin than other types of wool. Lanolin is a natural oil that is present in sheep's wool. It can cause skin irritation in some people, and it also attracts dust and dirt, making woolen clothes harder to clean.

Allergic responses to lanolin include itching, redness, or lumps on the skin, as well as irritated eyes, sneezing, or difficulty breathing. Alpaca wool contains barely any, which makes it more hypoallergenic and also, easier to care for.

What about people with sensitive skin?

Some people still suffer discomfort as a result of their highly sensitive skin. We believe the best option for them is to use products made from baby alpaca or royal baby alpaca fiber, the finest of the fine when it comes to natural products (aside from the luxurious vicuna fiber).

Despite being so fine in comparison to other fibers, alpaca fiber is exceptionally tough and resilient, thus alpaca clothes, such as socks, sweaters, or scarves will stay soft and toasty even after extensive washing and wearing.

Also, alpaca wool is lighter, moisture-resistant, and it will keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather while repelling smells since it does not retain fluids, which can promote bacteria development.