Is Alpaca Wool ITCHY or ITCH-FREE? || Microns & Prickle-Factor Explained

[@manana6646]

I never came across a non itchy alpaca knit (even baby alpaca) 😭 I love knitwear and find alpaca sweaters gorgeous but I just can't wear any.. I have no problem with merino though which I always thought was higher than alpaca in term of microns. I'm confused now 🤔😅 Thank you for this video!!!

[@yanantinalpaca376]

Hi Manana, thank you for your comment! I'm sorry to hear that you find alpaca wool itchy! I have heard this from more people, so at least you're not alone! :) Merino wool actually has a lower micron count, than medium alpaca and is similar to baby alpaca (depending on the quality, though) so it would make sense that you can wear Merino just fine :) Have you ever heard of Royal alpaca? Thats the finest (softest) category of alpaca, up to 18 microns. Other options might include qiviut, vicuña, and angora which shouldn't pass 16 microns, but are very exclusive (=expensive). And then possibly cashmere, yak, camel or royal alpaca, but those might be pushing it. Hope this helps! Warm regards, Eveline

[@allthingskeanna]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@yanantinalpaca376]

You're so welcome! Glad it was helpful! :) Hope you can enjoy some itch-free alpaca-love now! :)

[@edwin5289]

I have an alpaca sweater that I got went I went to Perú, I tried it on I liked it and I bought. Now when I got back home and I wanted to wear it, it became obvious that after a few mins of wearing this sweater i could not handle it! My back and arms itch so much! I kind of sad I can’t wear my sweater anymore.

[@yanantinalpaca376]

Hi Edwin! Thank you for your message! Awww I'm sorry to hear your sweater is itchy!!! Does it help wearing something underneath it? How itchy alpaca wool is can really depend on the quality, so perhaps baby alpaca might stll work for you!!! :) But yeah, unfortunately some people are just super senstive to wool and it is no fun wearing an alpaca woolen sweater when you are!!! What did you think of Peru?? Hope you have at least some beautiful memories and a great experience that don't itch!!! :) Sorry for the late reply! Eveline

[@edwin5289]

@@yanantinalpaca376 if I ever get another chance to try alpaca wool I will! Peru was amazing I was there for 2 weeks and went to a few different cities. I had a great experience I understand that when you travel not everyone has the same experience but I would encourage anyone to visit the country. Lovely people and culture! You definitely will meet people from all over the world.

[@yanantinalpaca376]

@@edwin5289 YES YES! I totally agree with you! Love your enthusiasm and glad to hear you had such a great time!!! :)

[@alfalfaforever]

I thought all alpaca wool was itchy until I got an alpaca shawl from a Peruvian vendor - it is so warm and not at all itchy. I wear it all the time now. It made me reevaluate my opinion about alpaca wool.

[@stevelahr3123]

@edwin are you sure it’s not the laundry detergent you washed it in? That is if you washed it. Just a thought. There are too many chemical laundry detergents. Have a great day!

[@joshdempsey6989]

Great video! I just got my first alpaca wool hoodie and I LOVE it but I do find it to be slightly itchy. Are there any tricks to make it itch less? I have seen videos where people wash in cold water with vinegar or rub hair conditioner on the wool but I am worried that would ruin the alpaca. What are your thoughts and experiences?

[@yanantinalpaca376]

Hi Josh! So sorry for the late reply!!! Happy to hear that you LOVE your alpaca hoodie!! I've never tried to make alpaca wool less itchy, from what I know about alpaca wool it will just make the garment look old and used like you said. So personally I wouldn't risk it. My advice would be to wear a layer underneath if possible. Something breathable like cotton or linen should work nicely!!! Otherwise, choose "wisely" when you wear it: for example, your skin gets more sensitive when you're active or feeling warm so it might be less itchy when you wear it outside in the cold. Does that make sense? :) Lastly, you might just be one of the unlucky few who have a wool sensitivity. Opt for baby alpaca on your next sweater and you should be able to experience the full itch-free alpaca love! Hope this heps, sorry I can't help you with making your garment itch-free. Fluffy regards, Eveline

[@thegabrielmercado]

Alpaca is absolutely amazing but it is definitely not itch free when compared to merino wool, cashmere and Vicuña

[@yanantinalpaca376]

Yeah! Glad you agree! Haha no, you're absolutely right. What I love about alpaca is that it is so much more affordable than the other fibers. Especially vicuña, SO expensive, but mega, mega soft! :)

[@happypiano8397]

Hello i just bought an alpaca/ woil blanket and i washed it in delicate and tumble dried on the lowest setting and now it shedding alot and texture changed. Is there anything i can do to salvage?

[@yanantinalpaca376]

Hi Helena, unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a way to undo damage to an alpaca woolen garment. So sorry to hear your garment is shedding now and that the texture has changed. The only thing I can think of is to give it a good shake so the loose hairs will fall off. Other than that there's not much you can do, I'm afraid. Sorry and good luck!!!

[@happypiano8397]

@@yanantinalpaca376 thank you☺

[@baze3SC]

Tumble dryer is a sure-fire way to destroy any wool garment. They don't even need frequent washing because of their natural ability to resist odours. Only wash them if they are stained. Use the lowest temperature setting and mild detergent with lanoline. Flat dry. Shedding is natural but it doesn't have to be excessive.

[@HotKooks]

So all you’re saying is that alpaca is inferior to merino. Got it. Don’t wast my money on alpaca ✅

[@yanantinalpaca376]

Hi Andy B! Thanks for your comment :) Actually, if you ask me (an alpaca fan!!!) I don't think money spent on alpaca wool is ever wasted!!! Honestly, it depends on what you're looking for in a garment. If you're looking for itch-free, then merino wool is your best bet. If you're looking for durability and versatility, than alpaca wool has many advantages. Let me know what you're looking for specifically and I can maybe be of better help!? :) Fluffy regards, Eveline

[@leannet3164]

I actually just crochetted a scarf yesterday for a friend in BABY alpaca wool... i tried it on and my skin hated it - rash instantly... dont think its for me - only hope my friend can actually wear it!

[@rodrigoromo4405]

Have you hear about wool power?

[@yanantinalpaca376]

Nooo, what is it?? Tell me more!!! :)