Blended fibers take on properties of the joining counterparts to achieve uniquely desirable characteristics.
Alpaca is a warm and lightweight fiber with origins in Peru. It has the largest array of natural colors of any animal fiber, and is often considered as soft as cashmere. Alpaca provides about three times as much warmth per weight as wool. While wool traps warmth in the pockets of air within the fiber, alpaca is warmer and lighter because it is completely hollow. Another difference from wool is that alpaca animals do not have lanolin, the emollient in sheep that can cause wool to feel itchy. This eliminates the textile processing step for lanolin extraction. Alpaca also has desirable similarities to wool, such as water-resistance and ability to wick perspiration. Another positive aspect of alpaca is that it has one of the lowest environmental impacts of animal fibers. Alpaca hooves are softly padded, so their grazing does not cause soil erosion and flooding like sheep.
Cashmere is one of the most luxurious wools, with desirable drape, softness and wrinkle resistance. It is up to three times more insulating than regular wool, with lofty fibers that can be tightly knit into warm and lightweight fabric. Like all wool, it wicks moisture and allows skin to breathe. Cashmere is considered hypoallergenic, since it doesn’t have lanolin. While more delicate than other wool, cashmere garments will not lose their shape if properly cared for. This is due to the fiber’s natural stretch that allows garment to move with you and recover.
Silk is known for its luxurious drape, luster and ability to take rich color. It is the strongest natural fiber and has low density, creating light and comfortable fabric. Silk’s resilient elasticity maintains garment shape, and its smooth surface is resistant to attracting dirt. Silk keeps you cool in warm weather, and provides insulating warmth in cool weather.
