Alpaca Wool vs Other fibers

Alpaca Wool vs Merino

Alpaca wool, compared to merino wool, cotton and recycled polyester, is the most breathable, lightweight and softest fiber.

Alpaca wool is the most breathable, lightweight and softest fiber compared to merino and other performance fibers.

 Alpaca WoolMerino Wool
Carbon Footprint
Lowest High
Single Origin
Biodegradable
Fiber Scales
SmoothPrickled
Microns (Avg.)
1818
Blistering/Chaffing When SweatingLowMedium
Thermal Capacity5x WarmWarm
Fiber Medullation
HollowSemi-hollow
BreathabilityHighMedium/High
Moisture WickingHighMedium/High
Moisture Retention<10%<30%
Tensile StrengthHighest (Natural)High
Odor Resistant
Anti-bacterial
Hypoallergenic (no lanolin)
 Alpaca WoolMerino WoolCottonRecycled Polyester
Carbon Footprint
Lowest HighHighVery High
Single Origin
Biodegradable
Fiber Scales
SmoothPrickledSoftRubbery
Microns (Avg.)
1818510
Blistering/Chaffing When SweatingLowMediumHighHigh
Thermal Capacity5x WarmWarm
LowWarm
Fiber Medullation
HollowSemi-hollowHollowSolid
BreathabilityHighMedium/HighHighestLow
Moisture WickingHighMedium/High
Moisture Retention<10%<30%100%Variable
Tensile StrengthHighest (Natural)HighWeakHighest (Man-made)
Odor Resistant
Anti-bacterial
Hypoallergenic (no lanolin)