FIBERS

BERMIES X ALPACA COLLECTION

Alpaca

Alpaca is one of the rarest fibers in the world that is lighter in weight and seven times warmer, softer and more durable than sheep wool fiber. Alpaca comes from a branch of the camel family that grazes in the Andes Mountains at altitudes of 11,000 to 16,000 feet.  To adapt to the extreme climatic conditions in which the alpaca lives, its thick coat of fibers have developed natural microscopic air pockets which gives it its lightness and high thermal capacity. Because the fibers have no oils, it is hypoallergenic, naturally water repellent and flame-resistant.  It is not prickly like Sheep’s wool and far less likely to pil meaning it will not form those annoying fuzzy balls that you see in wool over time. While typically more expensive than wool, Alpaca’s silky feel and amazing durability makes it durable and long lasting. We promise you will see and feel the difference.

Alpaca is a rare sustainable, socially responsible and cruelty-free fiber that is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most coveted, eco-friendly materials. It plays a large role in the "Slow Fashion" movement, which prioritizes environmental and social impact over cheap and fast fashion. 

Alpacas graze in natural environments where they can move and run freely allowing them to live a stress free life which results in the better the quality of the wool. Alpaca fibers are made 100% from natural animal protein fiber that is fully biodegradable and not synthetic or petroleum-based. In an age where fashion is in pursuit of a more sustainable retail culture, it seems that turning to alpaca will offer a valuable solution for both eco-conscious brands and consumers alike. 

Baby Alpaca

The term "Baby Alpaca" refers to the grading of the fineness of the fiber, not the age of the animal. It’s the softest part of an adult Alpaca that is usually found in the chest. Baby Alpaca fibers have an average fineness between 20 and 22.5 microns, providing a feeling of warmth and softness that is recognized worldwide. This high performance fabric is incredibly lightweight, breathable, soft to the touch, and has high thermal and moisture absorption capacity keeping you warm and comfy in the most extreme weather conditions. 

Royal Alpaca

Alpaca fibers are so exclusive and rare that during the Inca Empire, only the royal family could use clothing made of alpaca. They even valued alpaca fiber more than gold and silver. When it comes to fibers, the finer the fiber, the higher the quality. Our ROYAL ALPACA yarns come from fleeces of maximum fineness of up to 18 microns, providing a feeling of comfort comparable to other very fine hairs such as Cashmere, Camel, extra-fine wool, etc.  Fibers are silky in appearance, incredibly soft to the touch and are so light and warm you will feel like you are wrapped in a cloud. Now you can get your own alpaca fiber clothing and feel like royalty.

Alpaca Care

Alpaca should be cared for exactly like wool.

They can be hand-washed in cold water and laid flat to dry. Or dry clean.

They should be stored neatly folded, not hung, in a moth-proof environment.

Alpaca Care

Wool is elastic and durable, as long it is treated in a manner appropriate to the garment. Rustic wool and alpaca are tough and resilient. Cashmere is more delicate. If you take care of it, your Invisible World sweater will last you many years.

Never hang a wet sweater up to dry. This is called “torturing your sweater for information it cannot reveal.”

A wool sweater or knit jacket should never be hung on a hanger or crucified on the back of a chair. This is called “punishing your sweater for something it didn’t do.”

To hand-wash a sweater you should wash it in cold water with a mild detergent like Woolite or a good shampoo, gently kneading and squeezing the garment without twisting or wringing it. Adding hair conditioner or fabric softener will make your sweater silkier. After rinsing, you should gently squeeze out the water and lay the sweater flat on a towel to dry.

A wool garment should never be washed in warm or hot water, or in the washing machine. Unless you have been accidentally exposed to nuclear radiation and find yourself getting smaller every hour like The Incredible Shrinking Man, you will truly regret the irreversible felting process that you have unleashed on your garment. Shrinking of things is better left to the Jivaro Indians of the northwest Amazon.

Although it is virtually impossible to systematically shrink a sweater to fit, it is possible to stretch out a sweater a little bit to just the right size. This is called blocking the sweater. To do this the sweater should be washed or at least well soaked. Then, after squeezing out the water, and laying it on a towel, the sweater is gently and evenly pulled out to the dimensions desired. The sweater should then be weighted with clean heavy objects until it is dry. It will then retain its new shape.

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