Is alpaca warmer than merino wool?

Alpaca is very warm and very light, and many find it warmer for its weight than merino, partly because the fiber is smoother and partly because some alpaca fibers are semi-hollow. Both are warmer than ordinary wool.

Is alpaca better than merino for sensitive skin?

Often yes. Alpaca contains no lanolin, the wool grease that triggers some wool sensitivities, and is generally smooth and prickle-free, so people who react to wool frequently tolerate alpaca well.

Why does an alpaca sweater stretch out?

Alpaca fiber has little crimp and less natural elasticity than merino, so it does not spring back as readily. Garments may grow or hold a stretch, which is one reason alpaca is often blended with more elastic fibers.

Side by side

Alpaca vs Merino

Alpaca and merino are both soft, warm, fine fibers, but one comes from an Andean camelid and the other from a sheep, and the difference shows in feel and behavior. Alpaca carries no lanolin, so it is hypoallergenic, and it is warm, light, and lustrous with a fluid drape. Merino has crimp and natural grease, giving it more elasticity, loft, and spring. The choice is drape and hypoallergenic warmth against bounce and resilience.

Alpaca

No. 113

woven or knitted, from alpaca fleece · first documented Antiquity

Merino

No. 112

fine woven or knitted, from Merino wool · first documented Middle Ages

The differences

Aspect	Alpaca	Merino
Source	The fleece of the alpaca, a domesticated Andean camelid.	The fleece of the Merino sheep.
Lanolin	None. Hypoallergenic and needs less washing and processing.	Contains lanolin (removed in scouring); can irritate the most sensitive skin.
Hand and drape	Silky and lustrous, with a smooth, fluid, slightly heavier drape.	Springy and lofty, with more bounce and body.
Warmth and weight	Very warm and notably light; the hollow-ish fiber insulates well.	Very warm with more trapped air from its crimp.
Elasticity	Less elastic; garments can stretch and hold the stretch.	More elastic; springs back and keeps its shape.
Natural colors	A wide natural range, from white through fawn to brown and black.	Mostly white or cream, usually dyed.

Which to choose

Choose alpaca for a silky, draping, lightweight warmth with no lanolin, ideal if wool irritates your skin. Choose merino when you want loft, spring, and a garment that holds its shape through hard wear. Blends of the two are common and aim for alpaca's softness with merino's resilience.

Common questions

Is alpaca warmer than merino wool?: Alpaca is very warm and very light, and many find it warmer for its weight than merino, partly because the fiber is smoother and partly because some alpaca fibers are semi-hollow. Both are warmer than ordinary wool.
Is alpaca better than merino for sensitive skin?: Often yes. Alpaca contains no lanolin, the wool grease that triggers some wool sensitivities, and is generally smooth and prickle-free, so people who react to wool frequently tolerate alpaca well.
Why does an alpaca sweater stretch out?: Alpaca fiber has little crimp and less natural elasticity than merino, so it does not spring back as readily. Garments may grow or hold a stretch, which is one reason alpaca is often blended with more elastic fibers.

Full entry: Alpaca Full entry: Merino

Sources & References

1.Alpaca fiber, Wikipedia
2.Alpaca, Wikipedia
3.Merino, Wikipedia
4.Wool, Wikipedia