| Alpaca | Silk | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical diameter | 18–32 µm | 10–13 µm |
| Source | Alpaca | Silkworm cocoons |
| Lanolin | No | No |
| Warmth | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Softness | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Luster | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Elasticity | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
Bottom line
Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool.
Lustrous protein filament; often blended with alpaca.
Choose alpaca for warm, drapey, lanolin-free garments; choose silk if you value softer and more lustrous. Blends often give the best of both.
Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven or knitted into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly of fibroin (75-80%) and a smaller coating of sericin (20-25%). It is most commonly produced from the cocoons of certain insect larvae. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori, which are reared in captivity (sericulture).From Wikipedia — “Silk”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
FAQ
Is alpaca better than silk?
Alpaca is warmer, more durable and more elastic. Silk is softer and more lustrous. Warm for its weight, lanolin-free, silky hand; less elastic than wool. Lustrous protein filament; often blended with alpaca.
Is alpaca warmer than silk?
Yes, alpaca is generally warmer for its weight.
Is alpaca softer than silk?
It depends on the grade: fine alpaca (18–22 µm) is very soft, while silk typically measures 10–13 µm.