Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Thing You May Not Have Known About Alpaca Socks

By Lila Barry


Some people say that nothing feels more comforting than a dry, soft pair of wool socks on a cold day but not everyone likes the way their skin itches against the material. The absence of that itchy feeling makes Alpaca fiber perfect as an alternative to common wool. The fleece from these most gentle animals is used to make a wide variety of garments and accessories including cozy alpaca socks.

The practical product is not designed for the alpacas, in fact their fleece is warn by humans, collected and used much in the same way any clothing out of the conventional sheered sheep variety. Along with everyday items such as scarves, sweaters and throws, alpaca fiber is being manufactured into socks of all styles and colors.

Although the alpaca resembles a cross between both sheep and long necked llamas because of their round wool covered torso and elongated necks, they are part of neither genetic lines and are in fact a cousin of the camelid family. They are native to the Andes Of South Peru, Northern Chili and Bolivia and were bred mainly for the fleece they produce to be made into items like mittens and ponchos.

Their wool differs from sheep greatly in that it has a number of beneficial features, including the fact that it is hypo-allergenic. It is also warmer and more light in weight making it more portable than conventional wools. Undoubtedly one of the attractive features is its outstanding smooth and silken shine to it.

Lavish looking and practical, alpaca fiber came about to be a preferred fiber and the market for it expanded to North America. Some toys manufacturers use it on their products for babies and youngsters because it does not irritate their sensitive skin. Soft and durable clothing is designed for kids as it is guaranteed not to irritate even the most softest skin.

Interestingly, their fiber retains warmth and coolness even when wet, which is not found in other typical clothing fabrics. The fleece is fine and hair-like, which makes it shine and incredibly soft.

Yarn generated from its wool could be much stronger when woven and unbelievably delicate. That means that clothing created with wool from the animal does not have the same abrasive and unappealing reputation like those created with sheep's fleece.

The fibers are very fine and light, which adds to the softness of any end product made from the wool. There are two ways moisture is handled by clothing. One is wicking and the other is absorbing. Absorbing does take moisture from the skin but then holds it in the fabric. Because their fiber has low moisture absorbency it has great wicking properties, the fiber is so breathable your feet will perspire less keeping them much cooler.

Alpacas are sheared like sheep on an annual basis to collect their wool which means its an limitless and very sustainable resource. Amazingly the wool also comes in 22 organic shades creating it readily available something to coordinate with an clothing. Alpaca socks make a unique and practical present for loved ones who admire wool type apparel or simply enjoy the overall look and feeling of good quality garments.




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