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Cashmere and alpaca are natural animal fibres, prized for their luxurious softness and warmth. The wool production for both is time-consuming and meticulous, resulting in some of the best quality clothing and accessories on the market. These shared characteristics mean that alpaca and cashmere wool are often compared when it comes to choosing high-quality knitwear.
What is Cashmere?
Cashmere is produced using the fine fibres from cashmere goats. Primarily found in China and Mongolia, these goats develop two coats- the coarse outer coat and soft, downy undercoat used to create cashmere garments. During the spring moulting season, farmers will comb this cashmere goat fleece, which is then separated to ensure only the high-quality cashmere fibres are used, to be cleaned and spun. Here at the Cashmere Centre, all our cashmere is the finest grade from Mongolia, and our factory in Nepal then produces our luxurious cashmere garments.
Cashmere's high status began centuries ago, and through the years, the demand for cashmere wool rapidly grew, as it is still a much sought-after fibre today. This popularity is in part due to its scarcity- each cashmere goat only produces a small amount of cashmere per year. It is also highly prized due to its characteristics, primarily its super soft feel and the ultimate warmth it provides.
What is Alpaca Wool?
Alpaca comes from South America, and the process of collecting the alpaca fibres is not dissimilar to that of cashmere. Alpacas are hand-shorn once a year, and once the alpaca fleece has been collected, it is combed ready to be spun and made into a range of alpaca products.
The key properties of alpaca wool are also similar to those of cashmere. Alpaca hairs are very fine and hollow, allowing them to trap heat in air pockets while letting moisture out, keeping the body warm but remaining breathable. They are also incredibly soft to the touch, but alpaca is also a very durable material. In this way, alpaca surpasses traditional sheep's wool and even some higher-end materials such as merino wool as it is softer, warmer and stronger but with a lightweight feel.
Alpaca vs Cashmere: Key Differences
As the two giants of luxurious fibres, there are many similarities and differences between alpaca vs cashmere. In terms of feel, cashmere fibres are finer, measuring 15-19 microns, while alpaca fibres measure 18-30 microns. This means that cashmere sweaters feel more silky soft to the touch. They are both lanolin-free and so will not irritate sensitive skin.
As for warmth, good quality alpaca sweaters are considered to be warmer in general, but cashmere is warmer for the weight. This means that cashmere keeps you warm and cosy while maintaining that lightweight feel, whereas alpaca can be a bit bulky. Still, one of the properties which cashmere and alpaca share is their breathability and moisture-wicking abilities. Alpaca fibre is water resistant, and while this does not make it waterproof, it does mean that it wicks moisture away from the skin when damp. Cashmere can also wick moisture away, but not to the same extent. However, the fineness of the cashmere fibres allows air to circulate around the body, making it incredibly breathable.
The delicate nature of cashmere means it is less durable and more prone to pilling than alpaca. Still, when cared for properly, some cashmere sweaters can last for decades, and pilling is a natural process which can be prevented in a number of ways. When it comes to the care and maintenance of your garments, the requirements for cashmere and alpaca are actually very similar. For washing, both require hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, and need to be laid flat to dry. For step-by-step instructions on how to wash your cashmere, why not check out our Cashmere Care Guide? Similarly, it is recommended that both be stored in a sealed bag or container to prevent damage.
Environmental impact is essential to consider when choosing knitwear as we look to make a more sustainable future. Alpaca is one of the most eco-friendly materials, and this is in large part because they have padded feet and so are gentle when grazing, leaving their natural grasslands intact. They also produce more yarn per alpaca than cashmere goats do. Nevertheless, both fibres have become incredibly important in promoting sustainable fashion. Good quality alpaca and cashmere create long-lasting garments, helping to avoid the continual waste produced by fast fashion. Since they are natural fibres, untreated alpaca and cashmere are also completely biodegradable.
Pricing can be difficult to compare for alpaca vs cashmere as it can vary considerably. While low-quality cashmere can sometimes be bought cheaply, in general, good-quality cashmere is more expensive than alpaca, largely due to the fibre's scarcity.
Is Alpaca Warmer Than Cashmere?
Cashmere and alpaca are both exceptionally warm natural fibres, but alpaca is usually warmer overall. This is due to the hollow core of the fibres, which trap air and insulate the body compared to the more solid structure of cashmere wool.
However, when it comes to layering, cashmere is undoubtedly superior due to its warmth-to-weight ratio. Alpaca is one of the heavier luxury fabrics, and so feels weightier on the body, making it more difficult to layer practically. For extreme cold weather, there are benefits to both as alpaca gives more warmth, but the layering ability of cashmere can provide extra insulation.
Which One is Right for You?
Cashmere is undoubtedly the better option if you are looking for extreme softness and warmth without the weight. At the same time, you may choose alpaca for occasions when durability is key, such as for outdoor activities.
There are many similarities between cashmere and alpaca, and so the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle factors. Cashmere is more suited to indoor wear, whether that's to stay cosy at home or for a more professional or formal event. Alpaca, on the other hand, is more suited to the outdoors and extreme cold.
Cashmere also offers traditional elegance, favouring simpler patterns and designs perfect for everyday wear. Alpaca is more known for its bold designs, often incorporating elements of Peruvian tradition. This artisanal element creates one-of-a-kind, standout garments.
Why Invest in High-Quality Cashmere?
Premium cashmere produces the perfect sweater and other knitwear. The meticulous sorting of the cashmere fibres means that only the softest and best quality strands are chosen, producing an extraordinary fibre that provides luxurious softness, warmth and longevity. There really is nothing better than completing your cold-weather wardrobe.
High-quality cashmere will last for years when cared for properly, rather than a season like some synthetic yarns do. As such, it is great to invest in for your luxury wardrobe as you can wear it time and time again.
When choosing premium cashmere products, it is essential to check the cashmere percentage, as some retailers will blend the cashmere with another wool, which will affect the feel. It is also a good idea to look into where the cashmere has come from to ensure quality, as Mongolian goats are known for producing the best variety due to the freezing temperatures in which they live. It may also be advisable to look at whether there has been mass production of the garment, as not all cashmere is the same, and this often means lower-quality cashmere has been used to meet the demand.
Explore Our Luxury Cashmere Collection
To browse our luxury cashmere knitwear, see below:
From a super soft cashmere scarf to everyday essentials such as socks and gloves, check out our extensive range of cashmere accessories here!
We have everything you could possibly need to care for your garments properly, from cashmere shampoo to cedar and storage products. Browse our range of care products here.
Our extensive cashmere range stands out from alpaca and other wool products due to its unparalleled softness, exceptional warmth and lightweight feel. Our cashmere is carefully sourced and crafted, creating remarkable garments that will stand the test of time.