JOURNAL
What is the difference between cashmere and alpaca?
Two luxury natural fibres, with different origins, textures and properties.
8 min readWhere do they come from?
Cashmere comes from cashmere goats, whose fine undercoat is collected during the moulting season. Alpaca comes from alpacas, native to South America, and the fibre is shorn from the animal.
How do they feel?
Cashmere is exceptionally soft, lightweight and smooth. Alpaca tends to have a slightly drier, silkier feel, with a natural lustre and a characteristic softness. Both can be very warm for their weight.
Which one should you choose?
Cashmere is prized for its delicate hand and luxurious feel, while alpaca is known for its warmth, durability and distinctive texture. Quality varies considerably within both fibres, so the fibre itself is only part of the story.
