The fleece shorn from Alpaca is HAIR, not wool. Especially a subspecies called Suri, has a silky shine and much more tensile strength than Llama or sheepswool. Alpaca hair also has a much higher specific weight than sheepswool.

Alpaca fiber incorporates the finest features of the world's natural fibers. It is a s soft as cashmere as well as stronger and three times warmer than wool.

The fiber is very strong and extremely resilient. An evolution spent in freezing temperatures at high altitudes has given alpacas more thermal capacity in its fiber than nearly any other animal. The alpaca fiber contains microscopic air pockets which give it powerful insulating value -- which makes it ideal for human clothing. It is also very lightweight, another plus in the clothing department.

Alpaca fiber has a snob value like Mohair or Angora. The total production does not exceed 2,500 tons. per year. The Alpacas are normally shorn every 2 years when the staple is about 4 inches (10 cm) long. The first clip is called "baby Alpaca" and commands high prices. The older the animal, the coarser will be its hair.

The international market for alpaca fiber officially recognizes 22 different natural alpaca colors. The coloration runs through quite a vast number of shades! There is an entire range of browns as well as pure white to pure black, and many more. Regardless of available natural colors, alpaca fiber can be dyed to any color -- without losing it's beautiful natural luster.