| Alpaca | Llama | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical diameter | 18–32 µm | 20–40 µm |
| Source | Alpaca | Llama (dehaired undercoat) |
| Lanolin | No | No |
| Warmth | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Softness | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Luster | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Elasticity | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Price | $$ | $ |
Bottom line
Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool.
Double-coated; once guard hair is removed, the undercoat is soft and warm.
Choose alpaca for warm, drapey, lanolin-free garments; choose llama if you value its particular character. Blends often give the best of both.
The llama is a domesticated South American camelid, widely used as a meat and pack animal by Andean cultures since the pre-Columbian era.From Wikipedia — “Llama”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
FAQ
Is alpaca better than llama?
Alpaca is warmer and softer. Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool. Double-coated; once guard hair is removed, the undercoat is soft and warm.
Is alpaca warmer than llama?
Yes, alpaca is generally warmer for its weight.
Is alpaca softer than llama?
It depends on the grade: fine alpaca (18–22 µm) is very soft, while llama typically measures 20–40 µm.