Alpaca wool vs cashmere
Alpaca is stronger, pills less and has no lanolin; cashmere is softer. Both are about as warm.
Choose alpaca wool
Durable knits, lanolin allergies
Choose cashmere
Maximum softness
Alpaca wool
- Warmer than sheep's wool
- Fine for people allergic to lanolin
- Can stretch out
- Sheds a little
Cashmere
- Warmest for its weight
- Exceptionally soft
- Expensive
- Prone to pilling
- Needs gentle care
| Alpaca wool | Cashmere | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Natural animal fibre | Natural animal fibre |
| Made from | Fleece of South American alpacas. | The soft undercoat of cashmere goats. |
| Feel | Soft, silky, slightly slippery. | Very soft, light and warm. |
| Shrinks? | It can: alpaca wool may shrink about 3–5% the first time it's washed hot. Cool water and no dryer prevent it. | Yes – cashmere shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat. |
| Used for | Sweaters, scarves, coats. | Sweaters, scarves, coats. |
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Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, alpaca wool or cashmere?
Alpaca is stronger, pills less and has no lanolin; cashmere is softer. Both are about as warm.
02Which is more breathable?
About the same.
03Which creases less?
About the same.