Sharing Our Story
Welcome to La Sierra's brand learning material. We’ll help you understand where our products are made, what makes them special, and why our brand matters.
04
Alpaca Fibre
4 min 53 sec
So this is a big one. And one of the most important parts of understanding our product is really understanding the benefits of the Alpaca fiber itself. Because some people that don't understand the Alpaca fibre often notice that our products sit at a higher price point. And that curiosity is a great opportunity for education behind the qualities of the fibre. And once you understand them, the value becomes really clear.
In my experience, Alpaca is one of the best natural fibres available. It is what allows us to create pieces that are not only beautiful, but designed to really stand the test of time and are sustainable for our planet as well. So alpaca fiber is luxuriously soft, but it's also very durable. It's repairable, biodegradable, compostable, and it makes a meaningful choice, both for everyone wearing it and for the planet.
So we've got warmth and breathability. So this is one of the most remarkable qualities. Alpaca fibre is a hollow fibre that traps tiny pockets of air. So if you think about where the Alpacas live, they live high in the Andes in highlands, and they experience very extreme temperatures, so very hot days and very cold nights. So their fleece adapts, keeping them cool when it's warm and insulated when it's cold. And that same quality is what is able to make Alpaca knitwear so versatile. It's really perfect for winter, but it's also great for trans-seasonal wear. I'm often wearing my Alpaca knitwear in summer. When the sun goes down, the air turns a bit cooler. People think I'm crazy, but it works.
We've also got Alpaca, which is incredibly durable and long-lasting. So it's incredibly strong. Certain types of Alpacas, such as Suri Alpacas, may be naturally peel-resistant, which helps the garments maintain their beauty over time. And this durability means pieces can be worn, often repaired if needed, and kept for many, many years rather than replaced. Another great quality is their moisture and odour resistance. So it's naturally moisture-wicking, which helps regulate our body temperature.
And it's also moisture and odour-resistant, meaning it doesn't retain smells easily. And because of this, Alpaca garments don't really need to be washed as frequently, which helps extend their life and reduce water use. I really wash some of my jumpers or scarves once every couple of years, and they are absolutely fine.
Alpaca is also naturally hypoallergenic, which means it doesn't contain lanolin like wool, which is what causes irritation and that itch for many people who are sensitive to wool. So it makes it a really beautiful option with people with sensitive skin.
Also, I think it's important to mention this one, animal welfare, because one question we get asked a lot is whether animals are harmed in this process. And the answer is absolutely not. Alpacas are not harmed for their wool. In fact, they need to have a haircut and be shorn once a year for their health. If they're not, their fleece continues to grow; it can cover their eyes, it becomes heavily matted, and it can cause serious skin conditions and discomfort. So shearing is actually really necessary. And this process can be similar to a haircut. It goes for one to two minutes. It keeps Alpacas healthy and comfortable. And I've seen what happens when Alpacas are not shorn, and it is not nice, and it's not something that we want for them
Here are some of the best points to help educate people about Alpaca fibre. And it's really, really great to learn because I find that a lot of people are very, very curious and interested to know more about it. In my experience, it's one of the best natural fibres out there and adds significant value to our products. We really believe in creating pieces that stand the test of time, and Alpaca fibre is not only luxuriously soft but also durable, repairable, and compostable. It's just such an incredible fibre; it's changed my life, and now I struggle to wear anything else. I love it, and I hope you and your community can also appreciate it.