Alicia Adams Alpaca Fiber Guide: From Vicuña to Recycled Blends

At alicia adams alpaca, we are proud to use some of the finest natural fibers in the world, sourced responsibly and crafted with care. Each of the fibers we use, from 100% vicuña to eco-friendly recycled alpaca blends, has its own unique qualities that offer exceptional warmth, softness, and durability. This guide will help you understand these luxurious fibers, explain why some of them are so much more expensive than others, and highlight how we use them to create beautiful, sustainable products for you.

The Importance of Fiber Quality and Why Microns Matter

When it comes to alpaca and wool fibers, one key factor sets apart the luxurious from the ordinary: micron count. A micron is one-thousandth of a millimeter, and it measures the thickness of the fiber. The finer the fiber, the softer and more luxurious it feels against the skin. For example, 100% vicuña is incredibly fine, measuring 10-12 microns, while 100% baby alpaca is slightly thicker at 18-22 microns.

Fun fact: “baby alpaca” refers to fiber grade, not the age of the animal – it’s the soft fleece from an alpaca’s first shearings, prized for its fineness’’.

A lower micron count doesn’t just affect softness; it also affects the warmth-to-weight ratio. Finer fibers like vicuña and baby alpaca are much lighter than wool, yet they trap heat more effectively. This means they offer incredible warmth without the added weight, much like feather-light duvets. When you wear or wrap yourself in a product made of these fibers, you feel enveloped in warmth that isn’t heavy or bulky – the ultimate in luxury comfort.

Key Fibers at Alicia Adams Alpaca

We work with a variety of luxurious fibers at alicia adams alpaca, each chosen for its unique qualities. Let's break down the most important fibers and blends we use in our collection: vicuña, baby alpaca, baby alpaca-silk blends, and our recycled alpaca blends.

1. 100% Vicuña – The Pinnacle of Luxury

Vicuña is the finest, rarest, and most expensive fiber in the world. Sourced from the wild vicuña, an animal native to the Andes, this fiber is incredibly delicate and soft. The micron count of vicuña ranges between 10-12 microns, making it the most refined fiber for garments and accessories. The fleece of a vicuña is typically shorn once every two to three years, and it produces only a small amount of fiber. This rarity contributes to its exclusive nature and its high price tag.

What Makes Vicuña Special?

• Softness: Vicuña fiber is exceptionally soft, often described as having a silky or cloud-like feel against the skin. Due to its fine nature, it feels incredibly gentle and smooth.
  
• Warmth: Despite its lightweight feel, vicuña provides superior warmth. This is because the fiber has an inner core that traps air, making it highly insulating without being heavy.
  
• Rarity: Vicuña is wildly rare, with only a limited amount harvested each year. The animals are protected, and their fleece is often considered a symbol of wealth and status.
  

Price: Due to its rarity, vicuña is the most expensive fiber in our collection. A single vicuña item can retail for thousands of dollars. However, the exclusivity, softness, and warmth make it an investment that will last a lifetime.

When to Use Vicuña

Vicuña is best suited for special occasions, luxurious winter accessories, or high-end gifts. A vicuña scarf or throw will elevate any ensemble, offering unparalleled warmth and sophistication without the bulk of traditional wool.

2. 100% Baby Alpaca – Softness Meets Durability 

Baby alpaca, at 18-22 microns, is softer than sheep wool and significantly warmer than many other fibers. While not as rare as vicuña, baby alpaca offers a fantastic balance between luxury and accessibility. This fiber is highly durable, incredibly soft, and remarkably warm.

What Makes Baby Alpaca Special?

• Softness: Baby alpaca is considered one of the softest natural fibers available. It has a smooth, silky feel against the skin and is much less prone to pilling than cashmere or wool.
  
• Warmth: Baby alpaca is also very warm, offering up to 7 times the warmth of sheep’s wool at the same weight. The fiber has a natural hollow core, which allows it to trap more heat.
  
• Versatility: Baby alpaca is incredibly versatile. It can be woven into light, breathable fabrics for summer or thicker fabrics for winter.
  

Price: Baby alpaca is still a premium fiber, but it is more affordable than vicuña, making it an accessible luxury for many people. Products made from baby alpaca, such as throws or sweaters, often range from mid-range to high-end pricing, depending on the product’s size and craftsmanship.

When to Use Baby Alpaca

Baby alpaca is perfect for year-round wear. It’s ideal for lightweight throws, cardigans, sweaters, and scarves. The fiber is soft and breathable enough for spring and fall, yet warm enough to keep you cozy during winter months.

3. Baby Alpaca and Silk Blends – Lightweight Elegance

Blending baby alpaca with silk creates a luxurious, lightweight fabric that’s perfect for warmer months. Our baby alpaca-silk blends (typically 70% baby alpaca and 30% silk) offer the best of both worlds: the warmth and softness of alpaca combined with the sleekness and shine of silk.

What Makes Baby Alpaca-Silk Blends Special?

• Softness: These blends are incredibly soft, with the silk adding a smooth, cool touch. The result is a fabric that feels light as air yet luxuriously warm.
  
• Warmth: While not as insulating as pure alpaca, the alpaca-silk blend offers light warmth, making it perfect for transitional weather.
  
• Drape: Silk gives the fabric a beautiful drape, making it ideal for elegant, flowing garments and accessories.
  

Price: Alpaca-silk blends are still a luxury fiber, but they’re generally more affordable than 100% baby alpaca or vicuña. These blends offer a high-end feel at a moderate price.

When to Use Baby Alpaca-Silk Blends:

These blends are perfect for spring and summer. Use them for light wraps, scarves, or accessories that can keep you cool and comfortable in milder temperatures while still providing a touch of warmth and sophistication.

4. Recycled Alpaca Blends – Eco-Conscious Comfort

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at alicia adams alpaca, and our recycled alpaca blends are no exception. Our recycled alpaca blends are all about combining alpaca’s wonderful qualities with recycled wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers to create cozy, eco-conscious throws that are also more budget-friendly.

Two great examples in our line are the Boulder Throw and the Field Blanket – both offer value-priced luxury without skimping on comfort. By using recycled materials, we give a second life to quality fibers and reduce waste, all while achieving a unique chunky texture that’s incredibly warm. These blends tend to be heavier and more robust than our pure alpaca pieces, making them perfect for those who love a bit of weight and a rustic touch in their blankets. And because they use a mix of fibers, they’re significantly more affordable than a 100% baby alpaca throw of similar size – a friendly option for new alpaca enthusiasts or gifting.

Insider tip: We often feature these blended throws in limited-time flash sales or offer them via partners like QVC at special prices, so keep an eye out!

The Boulder Throw

(50% alpaca, 35% recycled wool, 15% synthetic) exemplifies our eco-chic philosophy

The high alpaca content ensures it’s soft and snug, while the recycled wool adds heft and a touch of rustic texture. The 15% synthetic (likely acrylic) is there to enhance durability and softness. Overall, the Boulder Throw feels soft and inviting, though not as buttery as pure baby alpaca – you might feel a faint woolly weight or texture, but without the scratch. Many customers love that it feels substantial yet gentle. Warmth-wise, Boulder is toasty – the added wool means it traps heat well, making it a champion for cold evenings. It’s a bit lighter than our Field Blanket (more on that next), so it’s versatile for indoor use and layering.

The Field Blanket

(52% recycled alpaca, 33% recycled wool, 15% cotton) is a heavier, rustic throw with distinctive whipstitch edging

With about half the fiber being alpaca (recycled alpaca from our production, repurposed), it retains a nice soft touch – but you’ll also notice a “rustic” feel from the wool and cotton. The cotton gives the blanket a bit of a firmer, breathable structure, and the wool contributes warmth and that classic woolly coziness. Don’t worry – it’s still comfortable (many find it cozy in a rugged way), but it’s not aiming to be fuzzy-soft like a pure alpaca throw. Instead, it has what we call heritage charm – the kind of texture that reminds you of a well-loved camp blanket, albeit much softer and refined. The hand-finished whipstitch trim around the edges gives it a beautiful, artisanal touch.

What Makes Recycled Alpaca Blends Special?

• Softness: While recycled alpaca blends may not have the same ultra-soft feel as 100% baby alpaca, they still offer a cozy, comfortable texture.
  
• Warmth: These blends are often thicker and more rugged, making them perfect for cooler climates or as a layering piece.
  
• Sustainability: By using recycled fibers, we reduce waste and support eco-friendly practices. This makes the fibers an ideal choice for conscious consumers who value sustainability.
  

Price: Recycled alpaca blends are typically more affordable than pure alpaca or silk-blended products. These blends offer great value, especially during flash sales or special promotions.

When to Use Recycled Alpaca Blends

The Boulder Throw is a cozy, versatile piece that’s perfect for snuggling up on cold winter nights. Its soft, textured weave offers just the right amount of warmth, making it ideal for lounging by the fire, reading your favorite book, or binge-watching TV shows. The neutral and timeless design means it fits beautifully with any décor, and you’ll especially appreciate it when there’s a chill in the air. It’s not just for winter, though – its lightweight warmth also makes it a great addition to your bed or sofa year-round. Whether you’re layering it for extra comfort or using it to add an inviting touch to your living space, the Boulder Throw brings warmth and style into any room.

The Field Blanket, on the other hand, is the winter powerhouse you reach for when you need something heavier. Ideal for extra layering on the bed or wrapping up on the porch during cold winter nights or autumn evenings, its thicker weight provides exceptional warmth. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like fall football games or winter picnics, where you need a blanket that can block the wind and keep you comfortable. Some even keep a Field Blanket in the car for road trips, ensuring warmth whenever and wherever you need it. This is the blanket you turn to when maximum warmth and comfort are a must.

Fiber Comparison Table

To help you compare these luxurious fibers, here’s a handy table summarizing their key features.

Fiber/Blend	Softness	Warmth	Rarity	Price	Best Season
100% Vicuña	Ultra-soft (10–12μ)	Lightweight warmth	Extremely rare	Premium $$$$$	Winter (luxurious warmth)
100% Baby Alpaca	Super soft (18–22μ)	Very warm, lightweight	Common in alpaca line	Premium $$$	Fall/Winter
Baby Alpaca & Silk (70/30)	Soft & silky (20μ)	Moderate warmth	Widely available	Premium $$	Spring/Summer
50% Alpaca, 35% Recycled Wool, 15% Synthetic	Soft with woolly texture	High warmth	Eco-friendly (recycled)	Affordable $	Fall/Winter
52% Recycled Alpaca, 33% Recycled Wool, 15% Cotton	Soft, rustic feel	Very warm	Sustainable (recycled)	Affordable $$	Winter (heavier warmth)

 

Why Lighter Throws Can Be More Expensive

You might be wondering why a lightweight throw, such as one made from baby alpaca or vicuña, can be more expensive than a heavier wool throw. The key is in the fiber’s warmth-to-weight ratio. Lighter fibers like vicuña and baby alpaca provide greater warmth per gram than heavier wool fibers. Think of it like down feathers in a duvet: the lighter the fiber, the more efficient it is at trapping heat, making it the luxury option despite its delicate feel.

Wrapping Up: The Luxury of Warmth and Style

Choosing the right fiber depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you're after the ultimate luxury of vicuña, the affordable elegance of baby alpaca, or the eco-conscious warmth of our recycled alpaca blends, alicia adams alpaca offers a range of products that are both luxurious and practical.

By understanding the qualities of each fiber – from softness and warmth to rarity and price – you can make an informed decision about the best pieces for your lifestyle. Whether you’re buying a luxurious throw for winter, a light alpaca-silk wrap for spring, or an eco-friendly blanket, you can trust that each item from alicia adams alpaca is crafted with quality, comfort, and sustainability in mind.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the unique qualities of these beautiful fibers and why they make such an extraordinary difference in the products we create for you. Whatever fiber you choose, you’re investing in luxury, warmth, and sustainability that will last for years to come.