Alpaca fibre clothing outmodes traditional cashemere

31 Jul '08

2 min read

As cashmere clothing becomes passé, a remarkable increase in warm clothing made from alpaca fibre has been reported by many including popular luxury knitwear designer, Samantha Holmes.

Lured by the many advantages of alpaca fibre over traditional cashmere wool, UK consumers are rapidly switching over to this new material as an alternative to the conventional ones.

Already some 18,000 alpacas have been registered within UK as more and more number of people are opting for 100 percent baby alpaca yarn over cashmere. The Samantha Holmes alpaca brand, launched in 2003, has seen a massive increase in sales. The range has nearly multiplied and is now stocked by more than 300 traders throughout UK, Ireland, mainland Europe, Australasia, US and Japan.

The most refined baby alpaca fibre from young and extremely fine haired alpaca gives that amazing softness to the clothing making it weightlessly warm and therefore ideal for both Summer and Winter. Since it does not contain lanolin or any other prickly fibre content, it is very suitable for babies and sensitive skins.

Alpaca fibre has this special quality of being up to 30 percent warmer than the same weight of Merino wool. Besides, it is also four times harder wearing, does not pill or ball like some cashmere sweaters, springs back when crushed, and does not crease easily. Most importantly, the fleece comes in at least 22 different natural colors which therefore allow fabric manufacturers to avoid using dyes for their products.

A wide range of Alpaca products are available including women's hats and gloves , lacey wraps, fingerless gloves, stripey bedsocks, and ankle warmers. Designer baby gifts include irresistible alpaca fur baby yeti boots, chunky knit shawls, cable knit ponchos and fingerless mittens for newborn babies.

Samantha Holmes home ware collection includes alpaca rugs, cushion covers and bed throws. Her fashion range includes alpaca sweaters, cardigans, hats and gloves, and alpaca scarves for women and men. Additionally, Tiny Feet collection features unique baby gifts including alpaca blankets, shawls and booties.

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