What are the differences between alpaca wool sheep's wool and angora wool?

Answer 1

Alpaca wool is softer, lighter weight, warmer, and stronger than normal sheeps wool, it is also hypoallergenic and not as itchy. Angora wool however is stronger than alpaca wool but holds most of the same qualities as regular wool. Angora from angora rabbits is nothing like sheep wool. It has none of the properties of wool. It has no memory and so is often blended with sheep wool and so consequently is identified with it. Angora is the finest of all fibers some as fine as 8 - 10 microns but the average is 8 - 14 microns.

Alpaca can vary considerably in fineness but the average is 22 - 28 microns and some higher quality alpaca referred to as "baby alpaca" can be as soft as 16 microns. Alpaca has thermic qualities and is a strong and durable fiber due to its high crimp factor that give it superior memory and resilience. Its thermic characteristics widely surpass the ones of wool and that they are also better than the standard characteristics of mohair and cashmere. It has other attributes as well, not limited to impermeability and is non flammable. http://www.aia.org.pe/aia.html?32

How alpaca compaires to wool:

* Stronger (per same fineness)

• Pockets of air are created when spun so items are warmer for equal

weight

• Softer, less irritating

• Alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic - Alpaca is free from dander and lanolin which cause allergic reactions

• Alpaca will stay cleaner longer because it is lanolin free and doesn't hold dust.

• Alpaca Superfine won't mat or pill (some pilling in baby alpaca)

• 22+ rich, natural colors

• Less shrinkage (washable)

• Thermostatically superior (50 degree F comfort range vs. 30 degree F for wool)

It is a fallacy that angora is itchy. The blend with wool again often associates it with "itchy" but anything under 21 microns - the itch factor -- is not itchy. There are 4 breeds of angora rabbits and wool. The English is the finest and can be worn by babies. It is not itchy. German angora also is very fine and is more inclined to felt so not good for outerwear but is great for blends. French angora can vary in finess depending on the amount of guard hair but is the best fiber for outerwear. A small amount of guard hair contributes to the strength and durability of the fiber. Satin angora(or Cnd since it was developed in Canada) is very fine and soft but also has a luxurious sheen. Angora is 8 times warmer than wool -- Angora will also keep you dry.

Both have very specific uses and angora also has defined uses depending on the breed of angora rabbit fiber.