Alpaca Knitwear – Natural Softness, Warmth, and Durability for Your Brand

Alpaca fiber offers a silky feel, exceptional insulation, and lightweight comfort — ideal for sweaters, hoodies, cardigans, tops, jumpers, and dresses.

What is Alpaca?

Alpaca fiber comes from animals raised in the Andes, mainly Peru and Bolivia. Known for its fine 18–25 micron fibers, it is soft, lightweight, and warmer than wool. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca contains no lanolin, making it hypoallergenic, shinier, and stronger than cashmere — an excellent choice for premium knitwear.

  • Origin: From alpacas raised in the Andes, mainly Peru and Bolivia.

  • Fiber properties: 18–25 microns (depending on grade), soft, lightweight, warmer than wool, naturally hypoallergenic.

  • Distinction: Alpaca is softer and shinier than sheep’s wool, stronger than cashmere, and contains no lanolin, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Check Widely Used Fabric

Alpaca in Knitwear Styles

Alpaca Sweaters

alpaca sweater beige
  • Crewnecks, turtlenecks, and oversized silhouettes.

  • Luxury appeal for winter collections.

  • Often blended with wool or nylon for added resilience.

Alpaca Hoodies

alpaca hoodies
  • Modern blend of casual and premium.

  • Lightweight yet insulating — strong appeal in lifestyle and streetwear collections.

Alpaca Cardigans

alpaca cardigan
  • Longline, chunky, or cropped styles.

  • Smooth drape and warmth make them versatile layering pieces.

Alpaca Tops

alpaca top
  • Fine-gauge tees, tanks, and lightweight pullovers.

  • Suitable for premium basics and transitional collections.

Alpaca Jumpers

alpaca jumpers
  • Chunky knits, fisherman styles, and statement fashion pieces.

  • High warmth-to-weight ratio, ideal for cold climates.

Alpaca Dresses

alpaca dresses
  • Slim-fit, ribbed, or relaxed silhouettes.

  • Naturally soft and breathable, combining elegance with comfort.

Alpaca Technical Parameters

ParameterDetail Example
Fiber DiameterBaby Alpaca: 18–22 microns; Adult Alpaca: 23–25 microns
Yarn Count (Nm)2/28, 2/36, 2/48
Gauge Options3GG, 5GG, 7GG, 12GG
Ply Options1–4 ply
Blends100% Alpaca, Alpaca + Wool, Alpaca + Silk, Alpaca + Nylon
Colors & DyeingNatural undyed shades (white, fawn, brown, black) + Pantone dyeing
CertificationsFair Trade, OEKO-TEX, Sustainable Alpaca Network

Alpaca Case Studies

Alpaca FAQs

Our standard MOQ is 100 pieces per design and color. For smaller capsule collections or trial runs, we can provide flexible options to help brands test the market before scaling.

Yes, we supply both baby alpaca (18–22 microns, softer and finer) and adult alpaca (23–25 microns, durable and warm). This allows you to choose the grade that best fits your collection’s positioning and price point.

Alpaca is warmer and shinier than merino, with fibers that are naturally hypoallergenic. Compared to cashmere, alpaca is stronger and less prone to pilling, making it a practical yet luxurious choice for knitwear.

Absolutely. Blending alpaca with fibers like wool, nylon, or silk enhances stability and shape retention. These blends preserve alpaca’s softness while extending the garment’s lifespan for retail use.

We dye yarns in bulk lots and provide lab dips for your approval before production. Strict shade control processes ensure consistent colors across every piece in your order.

Alpaca Blends

Build Your Collection with Alpaca

Partner with our factory for premium alpaca sweaters, hoodies, cardigans, and more — tailored to your brand’s needs.

Latest Blogs

image 5859d8fc20c84f189de00f754a9dd2cb
Ultimate Guide: Knitting Gauge for Softness and Pilling Grade 4–5
Comprehensive engineering guide mapping gauges, yarn twist (S/Z), finishing, and ASTM D3512 lab targets...
image
AzKnit lead time, MOQ, and capacity commitments explained
FAQ on AzKnit lead time, MOQ per style–color, weekly capacity quotas, SLA excerpt, cost breakdown and...
image f75427005ba844ceb5016a4e2d446ff8
Polo Ralph Lauren vs U.S. Polo Assn.: Brand, Quality, and Pricing Differences (2026)
Compare Polo Ralph Lauren vs U.S. Polo Assn. (2026): ownership, fabrics, US/UK price bands, authenticity...
image 68cc9e3b8941477e99bfa052b3b4f65c
Why AzKnit for custom organic cotton baby cardigans manufacturer MOQ 50 — 2026 Review
First‑party review of AzKnit’s OEM/ODM service for custom organic cotton baby cardigans—3–5 day samples,...
image 6
From Zero to Launch: Your Guide to Choosing a Luxury Men’s Cardigan Manufacturer
Complete guide to launching a luxury men’s cardigan manufacturer-grade brand: materials, low-MOQ cost...
Micron and knit gauge cheat-sheet infographic for sourcing teams
Private Label Purple 12GG Knit Sweaters: A Procurement Guide to Fast‑Turn OEMs
Comprehensive procurement guide to finding a private-label purple 12GG knit sweater manufacturer—covers...

From sketch to sweater – AZ Knit brings ideas to life.