It is one of the questions I hear most, usually from someone who has been let down by a jumper before. They love the idea of wool, and their skin does not. So, is alpaca wool itchy? In my experience, well-made alpaca is not, and the reason is worth understanding, because it will help you choose better knitwear whatever the fibre.
Itch is about fineness
When a knit feels prickly, it is usually because the tips of the fibres are stiff and thick enough to press against your skin. Fibre thickness is measured in microns. As a rough guide, once fibres get much above about 30 microns, many people start to feel prickle. Fine fibre bends when it touches skin, and coarse fibre does not. That single measurement explains most of what you feel.
Alpaca - soft to touch
No lanolin
Alpaca contains no lanolin, the natural grease in sheep's fleece. Some people who find sheep's wool uncomfortable prefer fibres without it. I am not a doctor, and skin is personal, so I would never promise that alpaca will suit everyone. It is, however, generally considered hypoallergenic and it is simply one more reason many people find it easier to wear.
How to test any knitwear
Do not judge by the palm of your hand. Hold the knit against the side of your neck or the inside of your forearm, where the skin is more sensitive. Rub it gently and see whether you feel little pinpricks. Check the label for a high alpaca content, because blends with coarser fibres can change the feel. And remember that a garment worn over a fine base layer feels different again.
Why quality matters
Good spinning matters as much as good fibre. At Two Rivers Mill in Northern Ireland, our fibre is scoured and spun with care, and it is knitted and finished at Knit Design Centre in Leicester. Careful and through sorting keeps the loose, scratchy ends to a minimum. From the alpaca to the apparel, nothing is hidden, and that includes how a piece feels against your skin.
If you have been wary of wool, I would love you to try alpaca. You will never feel the same again!
Frequently asked questions
Is alpaca wool hypoallergenic? Alpaca contains no lanolin, which some people find irritating in sheep's wool. We do not make hypoallergenic claims, and skin varies, so test a piece against your neck or forearm first.
Is baby alpaca softer than regular alpaca? Usually, yes. Baby alpaca is a finer grade of fibre, and finer fibre feels softer. The name refers to the grade, not the age of the animal.
Can I wear alpaca next to my skin? Many people do, particularly in fine grades. Try it on your neck or forearm first, or wear it over a light layer.