About the Materials: Royal Alpaca

About the Materials: Royal Alpaca

The Lanam Shop is truly fortunate to have a dedicated and informed customer base. Over time, customers have asked questions, shared knowledge and experiences, and helped shape our seasonal collections with their feedback. We have found that the more we can share with our customers about the exceptional materials, diligent crafting process, and pertinent characteristics of all our garments, a natural distinction between our products and others emerges. Moreover, we wish to share this knowledge with those merely interested in the materials and time-honored techniques used to bring to life our garments. We want to dedicate some time to our men's Royal Alpaca collection of sweaters and accessories.

What is Royal Alpaca?

Royal Alpaca is the finest classification of Alpaca fiber. Baby Alpaca ranges between 19-22 microns in diameter but Royal Alpaca is less than 19 microns, making it even softer. A luxury since the time of the Incas, high-quality Royal Alpaca material can be used to create clothing, sweaters, and blankets. The Alpaca fiber itself is collected from the Prime Fleece regions of the young Alpacas. This fleece is usually clipped from the neck and chest of the animal. Like most fiber-producing animals, Alpacas have two layers of fiber; outer and inner. The outer layer (guard hair) is coarser than the inner layer, however unlike most animals the outer layer is suitable for use in finished goods.

Where is Royal Alpaca from?

We source our alpaca fibers from herds living in the large open plains of the Peruvian stretch of the Andes Mountains. Large, a natural herd tended by local villages makes the finest fleece material. Some of our Alpaca material is sourced from ranched animals, too. Animals living on large ranches are allowed to roam free for prolonged periods of time, affording the opportunity to interact with the undisturbed and pristine Peruvian countryside. Alpacas need space to live and survive. They are naturally heard-driven and migrate.

How does Royal Alpaca differ from “similar” materials?

The much discussed warmth-to-heat-ration comes into play again. Very lightweight, these fine fibers are extremely warm. Without much bulk, Royal Alpaca is able to retain large amounts of body heat while remaining relatively loosely knit. In part this remarkable warmth is because the Alpaca fiber is hollow. Despite being microscopic in size, the fine Royal Alpaca hairs have an internal space that heat can radiate into. This means the fibers themselves will actually be physically warmed with use. Heat moves throughout the fibers, warming the sweater completely and evenly.

What is the refining process for Royal Alpaca?

Not unlike how wool is treated, Royal Alpaca needs to be sorted, carded, dyed, and spun. Firstly, the raw fiber is carefully sorted mechanically, helping to separate the outer guard hair from the more desirable inner coat. This process is done first by hand, then by a machine. With each pass through a carding machine the individual Alpaca fibers will separate and self-arrange in the same direction. In order to make quality yarn, the individual fibers must all be lined up in the same direction. Thirdly, the fiber is dyed. Raw fibers are dumped into large vats containing dyeing compounds. To make out heathered material, different shades of dyed yarn are tumbled and mixed. From here, they are spun.

What styles are available in Royal Alpaca?

We offer a range of garments for men and women available in Royal Alpaca. This collection of  Royal Alpaca items includes beautiful sweaters for men and women, capes, and accessories. Every piece is hand-made in Peru by experienced craftspeople. Our collection is designed to highlight the natural sheen, texture, and patina of the material. Thoughtfully executed and durably crafted each piece of Royal Alpaca you acquire will be an enduring staple of your wardrobe.

What are the advantages of wearing Royal Alpaca?

Incredibly soft and unimaginably warm out Royal Alpaca is one of life's true luxuries. Available in a selection of classic pieces, our Royal Alpaca will be a part of your wardrobe for a long time to come. It makes a great gift, too!

How is The Lanam Shop’s Royal Alpaca collection unique?

Few stores offer Royal Alpaca and even fewer carry the range of styles, colors, and finishes we do. Available in classic and contemporary fit, there is a piece to suit all tastes and styles.

Index of Terms:

Micron: or micrometer (µm) a unit of measurement within the System International (SI) equal to one-millionth of a meter or 1/25000 of an inch.

Prime Fleece: fiber collected from the neck, chest, and the under belly of an Alpaca.