Merino wool vs. Alpaca Royal

How does a Royal quality alpaca product compare to a merino wool product?

Alpaca and Merino are both natural fibers and top-quality materials that are rapidly taking the world by storm. The advantage of alpaca wool (Alpaca Royal) is that the fine alpaca fibers feel softer against the skin and are clearly lighter in weight. This is precisely why Royal-level (≤ 18 µm) the luxurious feel of garments made from alpaca.

 Alpacas at Tienda Molinon farm in the Netherlands

 

Is alpaca wool warmer than merino wool? Yes

All wool fibers work well as insulation, even when wet, as they are crimped along their entire length. Thanks to the crimp, small air pockets are created between the fibers. The heat from your body warms the air in these pockets, making the wool knit feel warm.

The difference between merino wool and alpaca wool lies in the internal structure of the fibers. Alpaca fiber has a hollow structure, which means there are warm air pockets in the core of the fiber. In contrast, the insulation of merino wool is based solely on the air trapped between different fibers. This is why merino wool is also heavier than alpaca wool.

Alpaca wool is naturally temperature-regulating, due to the hollow and crimped structure of the fibers. Alpaca wool garments store the heat produced by your body both within the fibers and between them. An alpaca knit may feel cool to the touch at first. But when you put on an alpaca knit, the air pockets warm up quickly and protect you from the cold. This works the other way around as well, preventing you from overheating in warm weather.

 Close-up of alpaca wool. The hollow and crimped structure of the fiber keeps the alpaca warm in the cold mountains of Peru. (Image: International Alpaca Association)

Is alpaca wool itchier than merino wool? Yes and No

Prickliness cannot be generalized. It completely depends on the quality of the fiber. When talking about alpaca in general, it can be quite prickly, as can other wool fibers, especially sheep wool fibers.

Royal-level (≤ 18 µm) knitwear made from alpaca fiber (Ruukin Kehräämön Alpaca Royal) do not feel prickly against the skin. Therefore, even individuals who find merino wool products prickly can often wear the Alpaca Royal knitwear directly against bare skin.

Factors affecting the softness/itchiness of wool fibers:

1. Lanolin content

Lanolin is a wax that naturally occurs in sheep's wool, produced by the sheep's sebaceous glands. It acts as a protective barrier and moisturizer. Although it is used in some skincare products, it can be an allergenic substance for some people. Unlike merino, alpaca wool has a naturally high moisture resistance, which means it does not require lanolin to keep its fibers protected. Being lanolin-free, alpaca wool also attracts less bacteria and dust, making it hypoallergenic and antibacterial as well.

2. Fiber thickness

Not all alpaca wool is equally soft. The same applies to merino wool. The thickness of the fiber can determine whether it feels prickly or soft against the skin. Thick wool fibers feel coarse, while very fine fibers, measuring less than 20 microns in diameter, feel soft against the skin (cf. Alpaca royal). ≤ 18 µm vs. Baby Alpaca ≤ 22 µm).

3. Smoothness of fibers

Wool fibers have microscopic scales that protrude from the surface of the fiber and cause a prickly sensation. The smaller and smoother the scales are, the smoother the fiber is.

The scales of alpaca fibers are small and lie flat against the surface of the fiber, so high-quality alpaca wool (Alpaca Royal) does not cause itching. The overlapping scales of merino are protruding and very visible. Like sheep fibers, it is coated with lanolin. All of this leads to the typical itchiness of wool sweaters.

The merino wool used in clothing is generally chemically treated to remove lanolin and the scales of the fibers (Chlorine-Hercosett, Superwash, Ecowash), which is why it feels much softer and less itchy than untreated sheep wool. However, the treatment is toxic and releases microplastics into the environment, both during all stages of production and in consumer use, while wearing and washing. Alpaca wool, on the other hand, does not require any special treatment: it is naturally super soft, making it more comfortable against the skin.

 Alpakkakuitu

 

Is alpaca wool more durable than Merino wool? Yes

Alpaca fiber is extremely flexible and withstands more pressure and tension than merino wool. Studies show that the tensile strength of alpaca fiber is up to 50N/ktex, allowing for the production of even thin garments that can endure heavy wear. Merino fiber, on the other hand, withstands pressure significantly less, at 30-40 N/ktex.

Is alpaca wool more breathable than merino wool? Yes

Breathability refers to wool's ability to transfer moisture away from the skin when you sweat. This fundamental property combats odors and enhances user comfort. Both Merino wool and Alpaca wool effectively absorb moisture and transport it outside your clothing for evaporation. However, Alpaca wool has been found to be superior in breathability compared to other natural fibers and modern technical fibers.

Does alpaca wool have better water resistance than merino wool? Yes

Alpaca wool is particularly famous for its water resistance. Alpaca wool absorbs only 8% of its weight in moisture. Merino wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture. This property of alpaca wool makes it a superior insulator, and it dries faster than merino wool.

Is an alpaca product a more environmentally friendly choice than a merino product? Yes

The alpaca is an environmentally friendly companion. Alpaca farming is never based on intensive production. Unlike goat and sheep breeds, alpacas do not destroy vegetation while grazing; instead, they improve the living conditions of the vegetation. Throughout their entire lifecycle, alpacas and products made from alpaca wool use very little water. This super fine fiber is never treated with chemical processes or synthetic treatments. Here at Ruukin Kehräämö, we don't even use dyes, but rely on nature's own color palette.

On the other hand, merino wool undergoes a toxic "superwash" treatment to make it soft, washable, and comfortable. Merino wool is often blended with other synthetic fibers, such as nylon, to enhance its luxurious feel, which increases environmental microplastic pollution.

Are alpaca products valuable? Yes and No

We believe that the high price of Ruukin Kehräämön Alpaca Royal knitwear is not expensive when we remember that it is the most luxurious wool product on the market. It is durable, stays good year after year, and is 100% recyclable in its untreated form. Our Alpaca Royal knitwear is definitely considered worth the investment by our customers.

Royal quality alpaca fiber (Ruukin Kehräämön Alpaca Royal) does not itch, is warm, and does not require chemical treatment. Therefore, its natural properties remain unchanged in the final product, and it performs better than merino wool and other types of sheep wool.

For this reason, Royal level alpaca fiber is excellently suited as a material for smart business, everyday luxury, outdoor clothing, hiking socks, and even underwear products.

Alpacas have naturally evolved over thousands of years in harsh conditions on high mountain plateaus, creating the perfect fiber for knitwear that helps keep you protected in all conditions.

In ancient times, the use of alpaca wool was reserved for royalty. Its exponentially fine qualities and vitality make it the goddess of the knitting industry. In the Ruukin Kehräämö online store and shop, you can explore luxury alpaca knitwear.