| Alpaca | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical diameter | 18–32 µm | 11–22 µm |
| Source | Alpaca | Cotton plant |
| Lanolin | No | No |
| Warmth | ★★★★★ | ★ |
| Softness | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Luster | ★★★ | ★ |
| Elasticity | ★★★ | ★ |
| Price | $$ | $ |
Bottom line
Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool.
Breathable plant fiber; poor insulation when wet.
Choose alpaca for warm, drapey, lanolin-free garments; choose cotton if you value its particular character. Blends often give the best of both.
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus Gossypium in the mallow family Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure cellulose and may contain minor percentages of waxes, fats, pectins, and water. Under natural conditions, cotton bolls facilitate the dispersal of the seeds.From Wikipedia — “Cotton”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
FAQ
Is alpaca better than cotton?
Alpaca is warmer, more lustrous and more elastic. Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool. Breathable plant fiber; poor insulation when wet.
Is alpaca warmer than cotton?
Yes, alpaca is generally warmer for its weight.
Is alpaca softer than cotton?
It depends on the grade: fine alpaca (18–22 µm) is very soft, while cotton typically measures 11–22 µm.