Baby alpaca & royal alpaca
Also known as: Baby alpaca, Royal alpaca, Superfine alpaca
Fineness grades of alpaca fibre: royal alpaca (≤ 19 µm) and baby alpaca (≤ 22.5 µm) — the finest and softest classes.
Description
Baby alpaca and royal alpaca are not age indications but fineness grades of alpaca fibre under the Peruvian grading system (IPAC / Textiles Camélidés). Royal alpaca averages up to 19 µm, baby alpaca up to 22.5 µm, followed by superfine (up to 25.5 µm), huarizo (up to 29 µm) and coarse alpaca (> 32 µm). The finest grades come primarily from the first shear (cria fleece) and from the neck area of adult animals, yielding only a few hundred grams up to about 3 kg per animal per year.
Baby alpaca is skin-friendly, does not itch, is virtually lanolin-free (low-allergen) and thermoregulating. Royal alpaca competes directly with premium cashmere. Uses: fine knit sweaters, scarves, cardigans, high-end winter coats and blankets. Origin mainly Peruvian highlands (Puno, Arequipa). Relevant standard: Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS).
- Royal alpaca: up to 19 µm
- Baby alpaca: up to 22.5 µm
- Lanolin-free, hypoallergenic
- Origin: Peru (Puno, Arequipa)
Properties
| Royal alpaca | ≤ 19 µm |
|---|---|
| Baby alpaca | ≤ 22.5 µm |
| Special property | virtually lanolin-free, hypoallergenic |
| Origin | Peru (Puno, Arequipa) |
| Certification | Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Alpaca fiber Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpaca_fiber
