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Alpacas are a South American animal resembling both a llama and camel in appearance and are predominantly bred for their wool, which is a highly utilized fabrication in fashion today. Wool is "...sourced from alpacas' fleece undercoats...overall a luxurious, durable material known for its insulating properties." (Jameson, 2024, para. 1).

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Alpaca fibers are considered a naturally renewable animal protein. However, there are beneficial characteristics that allow alpaca to stand out. For example, they are a greatly desired and costly material. This is the case because according to Fuqua (2015), "...alpaca fiber scales are at a lower angle from the main shaft, reducing the prickly, itchy feel often encountered with sheep's wool." (para. 2). This high quality allows for an increased softer hand. Additionally, alpaca "...is easily dyable and does not have to be dehaired like cashmere and yak, leading to greater yields of fiber after processing." (para. 5).

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The image above explains in further detail the steps behind the production of alpaca wool. This process is performed in Peru, "...the world's largest alpaca fiber producer." Essentially, Sewport (2024) writes it "...begins with the shearing of an alpaca once its hair has reached a certain length. Wool is shorn with scissors by 2-3 people since alpacas are resistant to the process. The wool is then carded, spun into yarn, washed, and finally, reaches the finishing stage where it turns into an end garment or homewear product." (p. 1).

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Sewport (2024) featured this graphic to illustrate the vast end uses of alpaca wool. This source also states that "..similar to other types of wool, alpaca wool is commonly used in applications in which heat retention is desired...such as sweaters and is also a favorite material for mittens, gloves, socks, and pants." (p. 1). Alpaca wool is an excellent fabric to wear in cold temperatures like in winter weather. However, its ultimate end result is not limited to solely apparel. Alpaca can also be found in home furnishings like mats and bedding.

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Alpacas and their respective fibers come in a vast assortment of colors, obtained from the source linked.

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Top designer fashion houses like Chanel utilize alpaca in their latest collections (often fall and winter wear), like in this tweed knit dress consisting of alpaca, mixed fibers, and sequins.

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Whimsical fairy-tale company LoveShackFancy is another example of a retailer incorporating alpaca in their designs, pictured in this dainty cardigan sweater found on Poshmark.

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Lauringdon (2024) states that "..alpaca wool is bio-degradable, making it an eco-friendly choice with sustainable production practices to help minimize environmental impact." (para. 9). Additionally, when bred, Lauringdon writes that the "..ethical treatment of these animals ensures that garments made from alpaca wool are cruelty-free." (para. 9). Now, more than ever, this is an immensely important factor to consider for not only eco-conscious and animal loving consumers, but also to preserve the state of our planet and natural remaining resources (in this case, livestock).