Grade that refers to the fineness of the alpaca wool—not the age of the animal—and is one of the softest grades of alpaca wool, most often compared to Merino wool in feel. Softer, lighter, and warmer than sheep’s wool, baby alpaca wool is naturally water-repellent and a thermal insulator, even when wet. Because alpaca wool contains no lanolin, it’s also hypoallergenic and can be worn next to the skin (it doesn’t cause that “scratchy” feeling in those sensitive to regular wool products). Over 80% of alpaca wool comes from Peru, supporting over 50,000 families living in the Andes mountains; it is widely considered one of the most eco-friendly natural fibers.
The diameter of wool fiber is measured in microns, meaning the smaller the micron, the finer the wool. Baby alpaca wool typically measures at 20-23 microns per fiber, making it a lightweight, warm, and breathable option for sweaters, outerwear and accessories.