Sunday, June 23, 2013

Basic Info About Alpaca Scarves

By Lila Barry


Alpaca scarves are an unbeatable high quality fashion accessory. They are incredibly soft and comfortable and have many benefits that wool or synthetic fibers just don't have. Those in the know fashion-wise as well as practical shoppers make these their first choice when buying scarves.

Natural alpaca wool fiber has so many advantages over sheep wool. The material is long-lasting and almost indestructible, unlike wool which gets moth-eaten and wears thin. Some garments made from this fiber found in Peruvian museums are still in good condition after almost 2500 years.

It is a totally natural fiber and no chemicals are used to process it. That is because it does not contain lanolin oils like sheep wool. Wool from sheep has to be treated with harsh chemicals to remove the lanolin. The result is a rough and prickly fiber.

Since it is completely natural and free of chemicals, alpaca is also safe for hypoallergenic conditions. Unlike synthetic fibers, it is very comfortable for wearing and amazingly soft. Neither does it need expensive care; a simple wash with shampoo works fine.

Different terms are used to describe it, such as royal or baby. These are just different grades which are determined by fiber thickness and measured in microns. The terms, royal and baby describe the finest quality fibers possible. Royal usually has less than 19 microns per diameter while Baby has between 19-21 microns. Any fiber over 21 microns is too stiff and hard to be used for clothing and is best used for carpets.

Native to South America, this graceful animal is related to the llama, although smaller. Domesticated by the Incas over 5,000 years ago, it has always been bred primarily for its wool. The Spanish who conquered Peru preferred sheep's wool and started killing the alpacas for food. When the Incas retreated from the Spanish conquest, they took these animals with them, saving them from extinction. More than three million can now be found in the Andes alone. Even so, the growing demand keeps prices high and it is considered a niche fiber.

A wide range of fashionable styles can be found for both men and women. Ladies often prefer the longer lengths with soft patterns and designs. Men usually like a shorter length with fringed edges and solid colors. Both styles are ideal for winter days as well as providing fashionable accessories for any social event.

Depending on the length and thickness of the shawl, ladies can wear them draped over one shoulder or simply cascading straight down from the neckline. They can also be slung back over the shoulders with the ends returned to dangle in front. There are also Lana shawls which have a unique crocheted design that gives them a bohemian or gypsy look.

For the finest in quality and soft luxury, there is nothing like alpaca scarves. They are a favorite of both men and women for warding off chilly weather as well as a fashionable accessory for jackets and dresses. Long-lasting and durable, those with hypoallergenic skin can also enjoy wearing them.




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