| Alpaca | Sheep Wool (medium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical diameter | 18–32 µm | 25–35 µm |
| Source | Alpaca | Sheep |
| Lanolin | No | Yes |
| Warmth | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Softness | ★★★★ | ★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luster | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Elasticity | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Price | $$ | $ |
Bottom line
Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool.
Hard-wearing, springy and affordable; can feel itchy.
Choose alpaca for warm, drapey, lanolin-free garments; choose sheep wool (medium) if you value more durable and more elastic. Blends often give the best of both.
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and other mammals, especially goats, rabbits, and camelids. The term may also refer to inorganic materials, such as mineral wool and glass wool, that have some properties similar to animal wool.From Wikipedia — “Wool”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
FAQ
Is alpaca better than sheep wool (medium)?
Alpaca is warmer, softer and more lustrous. Sheep Wool (medium) is more durable and more elastic. Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool. Hard-wearing, springy and affordable; can feel itchy.
Is alpaca warmer than sheep wool (medium)?
Yes, alpaca is generally warmer for its weight.
Is alpaca softer than sheep wool (medium)?
It depends on the grade: fine alpaca (18–22 µm) is very soft, while sheep wool (medium) typically measures 25–35 µm.