Summer: Alpaca fibers' most impressive season

It’s probably not hard for you to imagine that I live in alpaca clothing throughout fall and winter. As far as natural fibers rank, alpaca is at the top in many characteristics including its fineness, breath-ability, warmth and drape not to mention the sustainable and eco-friendly properties that are important to me. What you may not realize is that it’s during the summer that I am most amazed by alpaca fiber.

Alpaca fibers contain microscopic air pockets that provide great insulation keeping you warm during the winter, but these same air pockets allow for outstanding breath-ability, keeping you cool in the summer making it naturally thermo-regulating. These air pockets also help keep the clothing light in weight versus sheep’s wool products that need to be thick to be equally warm.

Picture light, airy shawls and wraps that are season appropriate, but keep you warm when the restaurant has the air conditioning turned too cold. I always have a wrap in my work bag, especially when I get on a plane. They don’t wrinkle either so my wraps are well-loved and well-traveled all year round. 

The other summer-friendly characteristic of alpaca fiber is that it naturally wicks moisture away from the skin. Unlike cotton that absorbs moisture and then just sits there (ever worked out in thick cotton socks?), alpaca fiber wicks away moisture from your skin and doesn’t hold odor.

I confess I wear my alpaca socks more than once between washes. They don’t get stinky and they don’t feel sweaty. If I’m in sneakers or cycling shoes, I’m wearing low profile alpaca socks- even in July outdoors. 

While most people think of alpaca products as hats and mittens and sweaters for fall and winter, do not deprive yourself the other 6 months of luxury with summer-weight shawls and wraps or the day-to-day superiority of alpaca socks. It’s an easy place to start adding sustainable, eco-friendly, long-lasting items into your wardrobe. I promise you will not regret it.

If you have alpaca items you wear year-round, comment on the blog and let us know your experience.

4 comments

  • I like to read information about clothes with this wool, it is wonderful I recommend looking at wool & cashmere

    Hornsea
  • Thanks for such a informative blog on alpaca wool clothing! Learn more about alpaca here: http://thebestofperu.net/

    Cook
  • I have alpaca insoles that I wear in my shoes year round. I wear Crocs quite a bit at work and I slip the insoles in to keep my feet from sweating. I’m working on a shrug right now from the most delightful alpaca yarn. I can see it being a year round garment.

    Cheryl
  • I love my alpaca socks and wear those year round too. They are the only socks that don’t feel sweaty when I take my shoes off at the end of the day and they feel so nice against my foot as I am walking. Definitely need to get some short socks!

    Jocey R

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