Merino Wool, Alpaca or Camel?
MERINO WOOL
The main characteristics of this wool are that it maintains constant body temperature without heating; having a particular chemical structure it prevents the proliferation of parasites (including mites) and has an absorbent effect, which allows moisture to evaporate outside. The yarns are light and thin.
ALPACA
Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, soft, fluffy, and most importantly, non-itchy. Alpacas have some unique qualities that make their down unlike any other fiber in the world, including the fact that it is non-itchy, in fact alpaca is known for its thermal characteristics and non-itchy nature.
What makes alpaca wool non-itchy?
Classic Merino Wool is perfect for winter, but not everyone can wear it; some people find it itchy. Alpaca wool is also hypoallergenic, which means that anyone can use it for bedding such as blankets and throws or clothing accessories such as scarves and stoles even if they are allergic to other animal fibers.
One of the reasons sheep wool is itchy is because the fibers contain lanolin. This is a “wax” that some people are allergic to. No lanolin means no itchiness.
At a microscopic level, wool fibers have a scaly surface that makes some people itchy. Alpaca fur does not have this scaly texture, which means it will not bother sensitive skin. For people with animal fiber allergies, alpaca wool is the perfect solution.
CAMEL
Camel wool is a very valuable fibre and is obtained not by shearing, but by brushing the hair which is collected during the moulting period, when the animal loses its coat.
Characteristics and uses of camel wool yarns
Camel wool fiber is fine and soft, is an excellent thermal insulator and has a greater capacity to absorb moisture than sheep's wool.
If worked in an artisanal way, this fiber maintains its precious natural qualities unaltered, even in the color, golden with shades ranging from red to light brown. The yarns with camel wool, therefore, are highly sought after in the textile sector and used for the creation of high quality and valuable furnishing items such as blankets and plaids as well as in clothing.