Frequently Asked Questions

Are alpacas killed for their wool?

No, it’s just a haircut! Alpacas are sheared once a year in spring, between March-May. Their hair grows back by winter to keep them warm until the following spring. They are much happier once they have been shorn so they are cooler during the summer months.

What is the difference between cashmere and alpaca?

Both alpaca and cashmere are famous for being soft and luxurious. Cashmere fibre is smaller and more delicate so it is more comparable with Royal Alpaca and Suri Alpaca, however many people cannot feel the difference. Alpaca fibres are much longer than cashmere fibres making it much more durable and much less likely to pill. In terms of warmth, alpaca is much warmer than cashmere thanks to it’s unique fibre structure and it is actually four times warmer than sheep’s wool!

Can alpaca garments be machine washed?

No. Alpaca fibre have tiny scales. If they are rubbed together, they will get stuck together. The combination of detergent and water make the alpaca hair even more vulnerable to friction and will cause the scales to interlock. In other words, your alpaca product will become less soft, shrink and less smooth.

Can alpaca products be used in warmer weather?

Alpaca fibre is so fine and versatile, it allows production of delicate and light garments for any time of the year. Each alpaca fibre is hollow like a straw making it highly breathable. Alpaca fibre can also be blended with other natural fibres like silk, cotton and linen to make even finer and lighter products.

Alpaca is so light, is it warm enough for European winters?

The hollow alpaca fibres create millions of microscopic air pockets making it extremely light and a great insulator to keep you warm and snug. Alpaca’s harsh high altitude environment and fluctuating weather (from -20°C to 30°C ) has allowed their fibre to withstand almost any climate.

Why is alpaca expensive?

Alpaca is a rare, luxurious and exclusive fibre that is not well known throughout the world. Alpacas can only be shorn once a year which makes availability very limited. Currently high end brands like Max Mara, Armani and Loro Piana are big advocates of alpaca. This is due to the more sustainable and ethical production of alpaca fibre compared to cashmere and other animal fibres. Prices also increase when garments are fair-trade, animal friendly and of high quality.

Can babies and children use alpaca products?

Alpaca fibre is ideal for babies and young children because it is soft, light, breathable and hypo-allergenic. Another benefit is it doesn’t absorb smells and naturally repels dirt.

常見問題

提取羊駝毛需要殺害羊駝嗎？

不，提取羊駝毛只像理髮！羊駝在每年春季 3 月至 5 月之間會被剪毛一次。他們的毛髮在冬天會自然地長回來以便保持溫暖，直至到來年的春天。被剪毛後的羊駝是更快樂的，因為牠們在夏季會更加涼爽。

羊絨和羊駝毛有什麼區別？

羊駝毛和羊絨都以柔軟和奢華聞名。羊絨纖維更幼細和纖巧，可與皇家羊駝和蘇瑞羊駝相媲美，即使很多人察覺不到區別。相比起羊絨纖維，羊駝毛纖維長得多，而且更耐用且不易起球。論保暖性，羊駝毛比羊絨確實優勝。實際上它獨特的纖維結構要比羊絨暖和四倍！

羊駝毛衣服可以機洗嗎？

不，羊駝毛纖維有微小的毛鱗片。一旦摩擦在一起，它們就會粘在一起。洗滌劑和水的結合會使羊駝毛更容易受到摩擦，導致毛鱗片交纏。換句話說，您的羊駝毛產品會收縮並變得沒那麼柔軟和光滑。

羊駝產品可以在溫暖的天氣中使用嗎？

羊駝毛纖維非常幼細且用途廣泛，可用於在一年中的任何時間都能穿的精緻輕便的服裝。每一根羊駝毛纖維也是中空的，就像一根吸管般非常透氣。羊駝毛纖維還可以與其他天然纖維比如絲、棉和亞麻混紡，製造出更精細和更輕的產品。

羊駝這麼輕，穿著在歐洲冬天夠暖和嗎？

中空的羊駝毛纖維承載著數百萬個微小的氣穴，不單使其非常輕巧，並且還是一種很好的保暖物料，可以讓您在寒冬保持溫暖和舒適。羊駝適應於惡劣的高海拔環境，極端而多變的天氣（從-20°C 到 30°C）令牠們的毛髮纖維幾乎可以承受任何的氣候。

為什麼羊駝毛比較昂貴？

羊駝毛是一種稀有、奢華和獨特的纖維，而且在世上比較不為人所知。羊駝一年只能剪一次毛，所以數量非常有限。目前 Max Mara、Armani 和 Loro Piana 等高端品牌都是羊駝毛的擁護者。這是因為將它與羊絨或其他動物纖維相比，羊駝毛纖維的生產優勝於可持續性和道德性。因為羊駝毛的產業是公平貿易、動物友好和高質量，所以它的價格較高。

嬰兒和兒童可以使用羊駝毛產品嗎？

羊駝毛纖維柔軟、輕盈、透氣且防過敏，是嬰兒和幼兒的理想選擇。除此之外，它的另一個好處是不吸收氣味並且能自然排斥污垢。