It's true. While both merino wool socks and alpaca socks are warm, alpaca socks are your best bet in extremely cold weather. Learn more about the differences between the two next.
Introduction to merino and alpacas
Merino: Most merino come from Australia and New Zealand and are the main breed of fine wool sheep. It produces more wool than the average sheep and has a high density of wool with uniform fineness, good color, softness and uniformity.
Alpaca: Mainly living in the high altitude plateau of Peru and Chile in South America, Clohill is lucky that all the alpaca wool comes from the high altitude alpaca farms in Peru. Alpaca's fleece is longer than sheep's wool, shiny and flexible. Alpaca fur can be used as a higher quality alternative to wool.
Merino Wool vs Alpaca Wool
1. Temperature regulation: In fact, both are very warm. But alpaca wool's unique hollow fibers absorb heat when it's cold and expel moisture when it's warm. It locks air and heat to the skin while remaining lightweight and breathable. Fiber tests have found that alpaca wool is three times as warm as wool. The harsh and cold living conditions make alpacas have to make their alpaca wool warmer.
2. Fiber strength: Alpaca fiber is stronger than merino wool. Wool fiber and alpaca fiber are composed of scales and cortical layer, in which the scales have a protective effect and the cortical layer is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the fiber, but the scales of alpaca wool are larger and closely arranged, which makes the alpaca wool have better strength and elasticity. Therefore, the durability and abrasion resistance of wool socks will be worse than alpaca socks.
3. Breathability: The unique and natural intermediate fibers of alpaca fiber can provide air circulation, and alpaca socks can ensure the consistency of air inside and outside the foot. Merino wool, in contrast, tends to block airflow.
4. Moisture absorption and perspiration: Both of them have good moisture absorption and perspiration function. But alpaca wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture, while merino wool can only absorb 10%, which means that alpaca wool dries out faster than merino wool when it is wet. Alpaca socks keep your feet healthy and reduce the growth of fungus.
5. Softness: Alpaca wool is generally finer and longer than merino wool, which makes alpaca socks softer than wool.
6. Anti-allergy: Many people complain of itching and allergic reactions after wearing wool socks. This is because merino wool socks are rich in lanolin, a substance commonly found in wool, which is the culprit of most allergic reactions. Alpaca wool, on the other hand, does not contain lanolin and does not cause allergic reactions.
To summarize, both merino wool and alpaca wool perform well, with both offering good warmth, breathability and softness. However, it is clear that alpaca socks are more outstanding in all aspects of performance.
Final Thoughts
The alpaca socks vs wool socks debate has been going on for a long time. In years past, many people thought that wool socks were already the warmest and coziest socks available. Due to the increasing production of alpaca wool, alpaca socks have come into the limelight, and many people have found that alpaca socks are also quite warm and cozy, even better than wool socks. Because of the small production, they are not easy to be found, which is one way of saying that alpaca socks are known as a luxury item.
FAQ
1. How do I care for my alpaca socks?
To keep alpaca socks soft and prolong their life, hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent. Lay flat to dry and avoid washing in the machine and drying in the tumble dryer.
2. Are alpaca socks anti-allergenic?
Yes! Alpaca wool is naturally anti-allergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or wool allergies.
3. Can I wear alpaca socks in warm weather?
Yes, of course you can! Alpaca wool has great breathability and wicking properties, keeping your feet comfortable and dry even in warmer temperatures.
4. How do alpaca socks compare to other types of socks?
Alpaca socks are warmer, softer and more durable than other types of socks such as wool or cotton socks.
5. Are alpaca socks suitable for outdoor activities?
Very suitable! Alpaca socks are great for hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities, keeping your feet warm and dry.
6 Where can I buy high quality alpaca socks?
You can find high-quality alpaca socks on online platforms (like Clohill), specialty stores, or outdoor retailers that offer alpaca socks in a variety of styles and sizes.
