The two alpaca species: Huacaya & Suri
Alpacas belong to the New World camelid family and are divided into two main species: Huacaya and Suri .
Huacaya alpacas make up about 90% of all alpacas worldwide. They are sturdy, resistant to cold and disease, and have a medium-length, dense fleece that gives them their characteristic fluffy appearance. However, they require soft pastures, as they do not tolerate hard soils well.
Suri alpacas are rarer and characterized by their long, silky fibers that fall downward in elegant strands. They appear slimmer and more delicate than huacayas and make up only a small portion of the world's herds.
The different quality levels of alpaca wool
Alpaca wool is one of the world's most luxurious natural fibers—soft, heat-regulating, and hypoallergenic. Depending on its fineness and rarity, the following quality levels are distinguished:
- Alpaca Superfine (26–27 microns) – The most common quality, accounting for 40% of total alpaca production.
- Baby Suri Alpaca (22–23 microns) – Silky, long and rare (only 0.5% of total production).
- Baby Alpaca (22–23 microns) – Extra soft and available in 22 natural colors (accounts for 25% of production).
- Royal Alpaca (18–19 microns) – The finest Huacaya fiber, accounting for only 2% of production.
- Alpaca 16 (16 microns) – world record in softness and fineness, incomparably luxurious.
Which alpaca wool do I work with? Learn more here .
Cheers,
Henrik
